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

Notice No. 017

November 27, 1974

OCS Operations Safety Alert

Fire--Men Burned

A fire on an offshore production platform recently resulted in serious burns to two men.

The low-pressure system had been taken out of service and the connecting line to the high-pressure system had been left open-ended. The system was being placed back in service when gas flowing from the open-ended line was ignited by welding operations. The two men performing the welding were seriously burned. The fire was extinguished immediately.

To prevent recurrence of this accident, the operator has taken the following action:

1. All open piping, regardless of type, is blind flanged or plugged.

2. All valves not used on a day-to-day basis are locked.

3. Proper planning with a written detail of the work plans is formulated prior to commencing operations.

4. It is ascertained that personnel have proper knowledge of piping and flow schematics before operating the facilities.

5. The appropriate portion of the company operating instruction letter or manual is reviewed.

6. All wells are shut in during welding operations, except those supplying generator gas.

7. All personnel not involved in the welding or cutting are to stay out of the work area.

[signature] D.W. Solanas

Oil and Gas Supervisor

Field Operations

Gulf of Mexico Area