Recently, an incident involving the accumulation of carbon monoxide (CO) in a well bore and subsequent release of the gas on the rig floor occurred on a platform in the Pacific OCS Region. This incident occurred following extensive perforating operations (several thousand shots), and resulted in personnel having to don protective breathing equipment.
In the interest of safety, operators are advised to take reasonable precautions to protect personnel when long intervals are being perforated. The Bureau recommends, as a minimum, that CO monitoring equipment, large capacity fans, and supplied air breathing units be made available and maintained operational during all extensive perforating operations, and that this subject be covered during your pre-operations safety meeting, which should also be attended by your contractors. |
