U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

Notice No. 039

March 23, 1976

OCS Operations Safety Alert

Fire -- Hydraulic Hose Ruptures

A fire recently occurred on an offshore production platform when leaking hydraulic fluid was ignited by a turbine exhaust.

A line furnishing hydraulic power to a hydraulic motor on the cooling fan of a turbine-driven compressor ruptured and hydraulic fluid sprayed on an uninsulated portion of the turbine exhaust and ignited.

A fire sensor activated automatic extinguisherss and personnel manned other extinguishers. The fire was extinguished immediately and only minor damage to the platform resulted.

A fusible plug in the platform safety shut-in system was burned out by the fire, but the platform shut-in system failed to activate. Adjustments to the system have been made to insure its shut-in capability.

To prevent a recurrence of this accident the operator is taking the following action:

1. Hydraulic hoses and couplings will be inspected for defects and proper installation following all replacements.

2. The exhaust insulation will be inspected to determine if its integrity can be improved.

[signed] D.J. Bourgeois

for D.W. Solanas

Oil and Gas Supervisor

Field Operations

Gulf of Mexico Area