Fires – 2003 (99 total)

06-Jan-2003 – Energy Partners, Ltd.

Remarks: At the end of the work shift on the previous day, the construction crew left the construction lights on. At approximately 0200 hours on Jan. 6, an electrical fire ignited from the extension cord that was left plugged in on the platform deck. During the conduct of drilling operations, the gumbo flow from the well wet the extension cord and ignited the fire. The cord was immediately unplugged and the fire extinguished itself.

07-Jan-2003 – Walter Oil & Gas Corporation
(also listed as Explosion, Collision, and Pipeline Event)

Remarks: The M/V which was moored 2.2 miles from the platform snagged the associated gas pipeline while retrieving its anchor. The vessel began pulling up the anchor at 0736 hours and halted the operation at 0830 hours when the Captain realized he’d snagged a heavy object. Ten minutes later, the Captain noticed fire and smoke under the platform and notified the USCG. Sometime after 0800 hours, the platform operator felt several jolts to the platform which intensified in strength and eventually rocked the platform. The operator shut-in the platforms two producing wells. About 10 minutes later, the platform was jolted again and the gas pipeline broke loose and an explosion and fire erupted from the severed pipeline beneath the platform. The three individuals on the platform at the time evacuated the facility via helicopter. Damage to the platform and pipeline is estimated at $1,841,000. The vessel was moored outside of the designated lightering area per the instructions of the Mooring Master. The Mooring Master and the Captain were unaware of any pipelines in the mooring area as apparently neither one had a copy of the pipeline overlay to the NOAA nautical chart.   

12-Jan-2003 – Apache Oil Corporation
(also listed as Pipeline Event)

Remarks: Due to an upstream pigging operation, there was a rapid influx of dry oil in the free water knockout separator. The LSH on the separator failed to function. Also, the SDV on the incoming pipeline failed to close during the abnormal event causing a small amount of oil to carry over out of the vent stack. Winds blew the oil onto the platform generator exhaust resulting in a fire. The fire was extinguished with water cannons and the platform ESD was activated. The necessary repairs have been made and the safety system was tested before the platform was returned to service.

14-Jan-2003 – Freeport-McMoRan Sulphur LLC

Remarks: An SO2 sensor detected gas and sounded an alarm. The platform was immediately shut in. A fire was detected in a sulphur trough vent pipe which originated from the H2S absorption system. The fire was extinguished immediately using three 30 lb. dry chemical units, fire water, and one 300 lb. dry chemical unit. It was determined that the fuel was dried sulphur (rusty iron sulfide) on the walls of the trough which ignited spontaneously in the presence of  oxygen. The operator cleaned the sulphur trough before returning this platform to service.

16 Jan-2003 – Century Exploration Company
(also listed as Explosion, Injury, and Fatality)

Remarks:  A Bell 206L-1 single engine helicopter was destroyed on impact with the platform. The helicopter crash landed on top of a generator skid on the platform deck and caught fire. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured and a third passenger was fatally injured. The three men were seen bailing out of the aircraft after impact. There was a second explosion and the fire became more intense. Platform personnel began to fight the fire with 30 lb. and 150 lb. dry chemical extinguishers and water. The NTSB cited the pilot’s improper approach and settling with power as probable causes (see NTSB factual and probable cause reports). Damage to the platform is estimated at $1,132,475.

17-Jan-2003 – Shell Offshore Inc.

Remarks: Glycol from a still column overflowed intermittently out of the glycol reboiler vent. Strong winds blew the glycol onto a nearby exhaust manifold. The glycol ignited and created a small fire which was extinguished immediately with a water hose. A fault level control was detected in the glycol system and repaired before the system was returned to service.

18-Jan-2003 – Union Oil Company of California
(also listed as Pipeline Event)

Remarks: The operator lined up the valves at the platform and then checked the choke on the well. He then opened the well up to the high pressure system. After flowing for a short time, the operator noticed a fire at the facility coming from the water line. The operator shut in the well and the fire extinguished itself. Upon investigation, it was determined that the pipeline parted approximately 8 feet upstream of the tube turn.

01-Feb-2003 – GOM Shelf LLC
(also listed as Injury)

Remarks:  An employee working on an open gas line ignited a fire. Prior to the incident, the employee had removed a one-inch gas vent line but failed to check for gas fumes and plug the open end of the pipe which continued to leak gas. The employee was dismantling a second one- inch gas vent line at the time of the accident. He apparently hit the hammer union on the second vent line with a non-brass hammer causing a spark which ignited the fire. The employee received first and second degree burns to his face and hands.  

10-Feb-2003 - Unocal Exploration Corporation

Remarks: The platform was shut in and the pipe between the production separator and the compressor was isolated. One end of the pipe was opened up and a skillet was installed in the other end. The pipe was then filled with water. The supervisor determined that it was safe to make the cut and the welder began cutting into the pipe using an acetylene beveling machine. A mixture of water and hydrocarbons boiled out of the pipe and ignited. The burning liquid spilled onto the solid deck. The posted fire watch and the two operators extinguished the fire using four 30 lb. extinguishers. The only damage was some paint burns on the pipe and the solid deck. No injuries to personnel occurred.

11-Feb-2003 – Exxon Mobil Corporation

Remarks: Welding was being conducted on the overboard produced water discharge line when a small fire started. The source was a small hydrocarbon leak in the high pressure cooler that came in contact with the coil wire and ignited gas vapors existing in the produced water discharge line. The fire was extinguished immediately with fire water and eight gallons of foam. The operator completed an investigation and then returned to normal operations.

17-Feb-2003 – Unocal Exploration Corporation

Remarks: A monosep caught fire during a lightning storm. No injuries, pollution, or property damage resulted.

19-Feb-2003 – El Paso Production Oil & Gas Company

Remarks: While replacing grating and deck plate on the drilling deck, slag fell onto a tarp which was covering a well panel and caught on fire. The fire melted some poly-flo and regulators inside the panel before being extinguished.

25-Feb-2003 – Exxon Mobil Corporation

Remarks: A small fire was observed at the gas sales compressor crankcase vent line. The compressor had shut down on an unrelated problem. Air was able to mix with an existing oil film on the compressor exhaust manifold which ignited a small fire. Soon after it started, the fire was detected by personnel who were near the compressor. The fire was extinguished immediately, using a 30 lb. dry chemical unit, with minimal damage to the compressor. The repairs were made and the compressor was returned to service.

27-Feb-2003 – PetroQuest Energy, L.L.C.

Remarks: A fire occurred at the base of the glycol reboiler due to the accumulation of condensate and glycol in the insulating material. High heat was the ignition source. The leak occurred from a belzona weld.

02-Mar-2003 – Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Remarks: Smoke was reported coming from the dryer in the laundry room. The dyer was unplugged and opened and a fire extinguisher was discharged into the smoldering towels in the dryer. The dryer was subsequently carried outside of the laundry room where water was used to extinguish the towels. Upon further investigation, the vent and filter were found to be plugged with lint.

04-Mar-2003 – Union Oil Company of California
(also listed as Injury)

Remarks: The incident occurred when the contract operator was attempting to equalize pressure on a meter on the test separator to make a plate change. In changing the plate, the operator failed to properly secure the hold down bar on the meter which allowed gas to escape. The escaping gas rose upward where it was ingested into the generator directly above the separator causing the engine to backfire and igniting a back flash fire down to the gas leak. The individual said he was blown backwards several feet; he sustained injuries to his lower back, neck, and right forearm while trying to exit the area. Onboard personnel utilized a 30 lb. fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire at the meter. Property damage is estimated at $750.

05-Mar-2003 – Forest Oil Corporation

Remarks: An upset in the skimmer caused approximately 1 gallon of condensate to be discharged overboard. A welder working on handrails ignited the condensate and a small fire occurred. The fire was extinguished with a 30 lb. chemical fire extinguisher.

20-Mar-2003 – Samedan Offshore Corporation

Remarks: A contractor noticed a small fire on the heater treater which he put out with a hand held extinguisher. It was later determined that when the vessel was recently shut down for an extended period, a small oil leak (less than 1 cup) occurred in the gasket area of the firetube flange. The oil soaked into a portion of the mineral wool insulating blanket that covers the firetube flange. The leak affected the bottom section, at the insulation blanket area only, and was not externally visible. When the vessel was restarted, the affected portion of the insulation blanket was heated until it flashed and ignited the fire.

31-Mar-2003 – BP Exploration & Production Inc.

Remarks: A fire was discovered inside the x-ray building and extinguished with a 30 lb. fire extinguisher. The preliminary investigation indicated that the fire started inside the heater section of the cabinet. The operator provided MMS with an RCA report which indicates that the cause of the fire was the heat gun coming into contact with the wooden wall separating the two compartments inside the drying box.

04-Apr-2003 – Marathon Oil Company

Remarks: During welding operations, a hot piece of molten slag fell on the oxygen acetylene hose and into a five gallon bucket with a small amount of oil in the bottom of the bucket. A small fire ignited in the bucket. The fire was extinguished immediately with a handheld 30 lb. chemical fire extinguisher. The platform was shut in at the time of the fire.

05-Apr-2003 – Shell Offshore Inc.

Remarks: A small fire occurred in the welder’s shop which was caused by exposed wire contacting metal. The fire was extinguished with no injuries. Upon investigation, it appeared that one of the set screws that held the leads together had backed out enough to protrude slightly from the assembly. The protruded screw pushed the insulating tape out causing it to be an exposed point of wear. Normal use (movement and dragging) of the leads caused the tape to rub off of the protruded screw allowing a contact point to the metal floor. An electric arc occurred which started the small fire.

09-Apr-2003 – Exxon Mobil Corporation

Remarks: Smoke was observed coming from a platform gas generator. The internal heating coils apparently overheated creating an internal fire in the generator. The fire extinguished itself due to lack of oxygen. The operator is rebuilding a portion of the generator before returning it to service.

13-Apr-2003 - BP Exploration & Production Inc.

Remarks: A gas compressor developed a small leak in the internal engine oil seal. Oil leaked onto the exhaust manifold igniting a small fire which was extinguished immediately with a 30 lb. portable chemical fire extinguisher. Damage to the compressor was minimal. The operator is conducting an investigation and will not return the compressor to service until it is repaired.

18-Apr-2003 – Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Remarks: A mechanic noticed smoke coming from the louvers of the compressor building. The compressors and the facility were shut down automatically due to an ESD system signal. Upon entering the compressor building the mechanic found a fire on the #3 compressor which he extinguished with a 30 lb. hand held dry chemical fire extinguisher. Subsequent inspection indicated that a fuel valve failure allowed full pressure fuel flow to impact and fuel cut the 90 degree elbow hooked up to the fuel valve and blow the fuel line connection apart. The separation in the fuel supply line allowed fuel to escape which fed the fire. Damage is estimated at $800.

22-Apr-2003 – Agip Petroleum Exploration Co. Inc.

Remarks: A contractor noticed smoke coming from a rental air compressor used for platform sandblasting. He sounded the platform alarm and opened the unit’s control door and noticed a small fire. The fire was extinguished with a 25 lb. dry chemical unit. Platform personnel did not immediately know the cause of the fire.

22-Apr-2003 – Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Remarks: The production operator noticed an increase in pressure on the hot oil pumps and    turned off the pump. The process alarm sounded (due to the pump not moving the hot oil) and    flames were observed at the hot oil heater (on the inlet and outlet of the hot oil coil inside the fire box). The ESD and general alarm were activated and all non-essential personnel proceeded to the escape capsule. Several operators attempted unsuccessfully to extinguish the fire using the fire water system. The foreman activated the abandon platform alarm and all non-essential employees were evacuated from the facility. The operators remaining on the platform continued to fight the fire; they extinguished the flames inside and outside the fire box with a 250 lb. chemical extinguisher and closed the manual fuel valve for the gas burner.

Subsequent inspection revealed a visible hole in the coil in the heat exchange unit inside the firebox. The hot oil heater had not been properly maintained and the coil appeared corroded. Also, the heated process media (Chemtherm 555) has a flash temperature of 321.8 degrees F and the normal operating temperature of the departing pipe of the heated media is 350 degrees F. Damage to the hot oil heater is estimated at $300,000. A similar fire occurred on May 30, 2003.  

  25-Apr-2003 – Chevron Texaco Corporation

Remarks: A rental generator had been operating for approximately 10 to 15 seconds when employees noticed smoke coming from the east side panel. The generator was immediately shut down. The panel door was opened and a small flame was seen at the coil winding which dissipated rapidly. The area was observed for 30 minutes with no rekindling of flame or smoke.   Subsequent inspection indicated a burn spot on the main stator due to a weakness or breakdown in the insulation on the stator around the main leads.  

26-Apr-2003 – Samedan Oil Corporation

Remarks: There was a small hole around one of the nozzles on top of the reboiler where the PSV line from the condensate surge portion of the vessel enters the reboiler section. The hole was hidden from sight by insulation wrap on the vessel which precluded identification and maintenance. The hole allowed venting out of the atmospheric portion of the vessel which normally would have vented out the still column. The temperature controller on the vessel failed allowing the burner to stay on and overheat the vessel. The exline temperature safety device that protects the vessel from overheating also failed which allowed the temperature to rise above 450 degrees F. The extreme temperature was high enough to ignite the venting hydrocarbons. The subsequent fire melted a temperature safety element (TSE) and shutdown the facility. The high heat allowed the venting hydrocarbons to reignite three or four times while production personnel were snuffing it with fire extinguishers.

  04-May-2003 - Shell Offshore Inc.

Remarks: A power supply cable on a traction motor shorted out on top of the sack room. The small fire (two foot square area) was put out with a dry chemical unit.

06-May-2003 – Hunt Oil Company
(also listed as Injury)

Remarks: The operator opened the back of a production panel to make some adjustments. When he opened the door approximately three inches, a flash fire occurred that lasted only 2-3 seconds. Subsequent inspection indicated several tubing leaks that provided a fuel source for the fire. Also found was evidence that oily rags had been stored inside the panel, the panel vent had been sealed with a plastic plug, and the panel had not been properly grounded. Spontaneous combustion of the oil rags is thought to have caused a smoldering fire which consumed the oxygen within the sealed panel. When the operator opened the panel, the inrush or air provided enough oxygen to ignite the gas which had accumulated inside the sealed panel. The operator sustained 2^nd degree burns on his face and hands and was evacuated to the hospital.

11-May-2003 - Shell Offshore Inc.

Remarks: A fabric chair caught fire inside a waste metal bin after hot rods were discarded. The fire crew extinguished the fire within minutes. There were no injuries.

12-May-2003 – BP Exploration & Production Inc.

Remarks: A fire occurred in a compactor trash bag on the west side production deck near the handrail. Smoke and fire was observed coming from the bag. The fire alarm sounded and employees put out the fire. After further investigation, a 6-volt battery was found to have been shorted out by a piece of mesh wire that came in contract with the terminals on the battery.

12-May-2003 – Unocal Exploration Corporation

Remarks: A small fire was discovered on the glycol reboiler. The fire was promptly extinguished with a fire extinguisher and cooled with water from a fire hose. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a threaded collar and nipple were leaking slightly through the threads due to corrosion. This allowed a flammable mixture to accumulate from fumes onto the insulation around the collar nipple assembly. This became saturated over time until an ignition source caused a fire.

12-May-2003 – Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. Inc.

Remarks: A stainless steel line containing engine coolant parted and saturated the insulation blanket covering the exhaust manifold. After the saturated blanket reached sufficient temperature the blanket ignited. The operators received an alarm and compressor shutdown. The fire was extinguished with a 30 lb. fire extinguisher and water hose. The damage was limited to the insulation blanked and a wiring harness.

15-May-2003 – Shell Offshore Inc.

Remarks: A small stove top fire occurred in the galley of the drilling rig. The fire started when grease sloshed from a pan that was moved on the stove top. The fire was immediately put out with a towel. There were no injuries.

16-May-2003 – BP Exploration & Production Inc.
(also listed as Injury)

Remarks: The rig welder was in the process of cutting pad eye holds in the casing from the inside of the pipe outward. A flash fire occurred inside the pipe, knocking the welder back away from the casing. The welder experienced bruises and superficial burns to his face, and a cut on his forehead from his goggles. He was transported to UTMB in Galveston, treated, and released.

20-May-2003 – Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Remarks: The impellor on the turbo-charger for the generator failed which caused the unit to overheat and the air filter to ignite. The fire was extinguished with a 30 lb. dry chemical unit.

28-May-2003 – Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.
(also listed as Pipeline Event)

Remarks: A fire occurred on the barge during pipeline abandonment operations.

29-May-2003 – Newfield Exploration Company

Remarks: Welding operations were being conducted at the sub-cellar deck level on the south side of the platform. Slag fell into the water and ignited (condensate) a sheen coming from the overboard water discharge. Prior to welding, the overboard water was checked (as part of the hot work permit process) and found to be in good condition. During the welding operation, a process upset occurred in the production separator which allowed oil to flow into the water skimmer. The volume of oil was too much for the skimmer to handle and oil was discharged into the ocean via the overboard water line which caused the sheening. The fire watch saw the fire and immediately shut in the platform at the ESD. The outlet from the skimmer was closed manually to prevent any additional fluid from escaping. The fire burned itself out almost immediately.

29-May-2003 – Samedan Oil Corporation

Remarks: The water level controller dump valve on the production separator failed in the open position. The production separator’s level safety low (LSL) device tripped and fluid continued to flow to the water skimmer. Condensate in the escaping liquids from the skimmer vent line contacted the glycol reboiler’s fired components.

30-May-2003 – Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas Company

Remarks: Smoke was observed coming from the exhaust of the direct fired heater (EAL 410) and a flash fire coming from a pipe penetrating the heater box. The platform ESD was activated and the general alarm was sounded. All non-essential personnel reported to the escape capsule. The fire situation was assessed and it was concluded that personnel were not in danger while at the capsule; therefore, personnel were not evacuated. A combination of firewater and dry chemicals were used to extinguish the flames. Crews continued to douse the heater box for an extended period of time in order to cool it down for a preliminary inspection. Subsequent inspection of the heater coils indicated a hairline crack in one of the coils which allowed the heat medium (Chemtherm 550) to drip openly onto the flames of the heater and ignite. (Chemtherm 550 has a flash point of 321.8 degrees F. The normal operating temperatures of the heat box are between 350 and 360 degrees F.)  A probable contributory cause is the sulphuric atmosphere in which the heating units operate which could cause accelerated corrosion of the coils. There were no preventative maintenance tasks in place to test or inspect the integrity of the heater coils. Damage is estimated as $124,000.

A similar incident occurred on April 22, 2003 when Chemtherm 555 leaked from a hole in the coil into the fire box of the (standby) direct fired heater (EAL 420). The hole in the coil was also attributed to corrosion.  

30-May-2003 – Merit Energy Company

Remarks: While attempting to start the diesel air compressor, to aid in the start up of the number 2 gas compressor, the operator smelled an electrical fire. The operator looked toward the “Q” platform and saw the diesel air compressor on fire. He alerted everyone of the fire and sounded the fire alarm. The TSE on the diesel air compressor shut in the platform. Two operators fought the fire; one operator used a 30 lb. dry chemical extinguisher to extinguish the fire.   

03-Jun-2003 – BP Exploration & Production Inc.

Remarks: The drilling contractor was in the process of repaneling the living quarters. Some glue caught fire by an electrical outlet and flashed; the fire extinguished on its own immediately. There were no injuries from the incident.  

04-Jun-2003 – Murphy Exploration & Production Company

Remarks: Platform G is an unmanned flare structure utilized to continually burn H2S gas from Platform E. A 2-inch drain line between the sump tank and flare scrubber on the platform plugged which allowed oil to enter the burning flare stack and ignite. The fire burned for 15 minutes damaging the Nav-Aids. There were no injuries and no pollution as a result of this incident. The field boat firewater system was used to extinguish the fire. Damage is estimated at $18,000.

15-Jun-2003 – Samedan Oil Corporation

Remarks:  After the compressor went down, the diesel fire pump cranked up and the platform production alarm sounded. White smoke was seen billowing from the compressor skid and balances lying on the grating about a foot from the unit. Some oil had blown out of the crankcase onto the balances causing a small fire. The operator grabbed two fire extinguishers, put out the fire, and sounded the fire alarm.    

15-Jun-2003 – BP Exploration & Production Inc.

Remarks: A catering employee was washing and drying materials and had taken a load of galley towels out of the dryer, folded them, and placed them in a plastic bag on the floor. He left the area for approximately 2-3 minutes. When he returned, the bag of towels was smoking. He picked up the bag, dumped it into a utility sink, and ran water over the towels to extinguish the fire. Apparently a brief flash fire had occurred due to the introduction of oxygen. There were no injuries.    

19-Jun-2003 – Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Remarks: A small electrical fire was initiated in the rig service loop in the electrical tray under the rig floor. Immediate response limited damage to the wire in the tray. After assessing the situation, repairs were made to the shorted section. A test of the system was conducted and power returned to the rig package.    

28-Jun-2003 – El Paso Production GOM Inc.

Remarks: A small flash fire occurred while hot work was being performed. An actuator leaked gas from the underside and the gas flashed. The flash was extinguished by the fire watch. There were no injuries or damage.    

30-Jun-2003 – BP Exploration & Production Inc.

Remarks: While refueling a crane, a roustabout observed smoke coming from the cement air compressor. The mechanic extinguished the fire. The contacts on the single phase motor were stuck together causing the fire. Moisture on the control module is believed to have caused the malfunction.    

02-Jul-2003 – BP Exploration & Oil Inc.

Remarks:  A small fire resulted in minor damage to a power cord for the number 3 generator oil cooler. There were several failures that contributed to the fire. First, the fire box exhaust failed to divert the hot gas to the atmosphere. This was caused by a feedback linkage failure on the positioner from a control valve. Second, the solenoid that diverts the hot gas to the atmosphere also failed. The operator extinguished the fire with a 30 lb. fire extinguisher. No injuries resulted from the incident.

03-Jul-2003 – Union Oil Company of California

Remarks: A stainless steel tubing line which supplies ambitrol to the compressor engine developed a hole and saturated the compressor engine exhaust and caught on fire. The fire was extinguished with a 30 lb. dry chemical unit.    

11-Jul-2003 – Newfield Exploration Company

Remarks: The platform alarm sounded indicating a process upset. The night operator found that compressor #1 had shut-in, heard the compressor blowing down, and saw that the interior of the compressor building was on fire. He immediately initiated the platforms ESD system. The lead operator saw the ignition, pulled the ESD, and hit the fire alarm. The night operator and other personal extinguished the fire. A fire watch monitored the area to ensure that there was no recurrence.

Subsequent investigation indicated that the fire in the compressor building resulted from the ignition of blowdown gas which entered the building through a 3-inch pipe gap when the compressor went down. The probable causes for the pipe disconnection were: 1) the 1-1/2” screwed piping from the compressor starter relief valve threadolet was “not made up properly” and was not properly braced; and 2) vibration from the compressor wore down the threads on the 1-1/2” piping. The gas ignited at the dislodged piping causing a blow torch effect. Damage is estimated at $5,950.

23-Jul-2003 – Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corporation

Remarks: The third stage compressor cylinder suffered a failure of the pressure packing gland. The four nuts holding the pressure packing gland backed off the retaining studs allowing the pressure packing gland to come loose. This in turn allowed gas to leak into the oil wiper packing gland and retaining plate. The oil wiper retaining plate broke into four pieces and allowed gas to enter the compressor crankcase. The gas was vented out of the crankcase to the atmosphere from the three crankcase relief valves and crankcase breather. Flammable concentrations of gas around the compressor and engine ultimately ignited. The TSE/ESD functioned properly, shutting down the platform, activating the deluge system and fire water pumps, and quickly extinguishing the fire. Damage is estimated at $190,000.

23-Jul-2003 – ExxonMobil Oil Corporation

Remarks: A slickline power pack caught on fire while jarring on a plug in the tree. The power pack was brand new, with paint still on the exhaust manifold, and the paint ignited after the engine had been running under the maximum load for several hours. The fire was extinguished with dry chemical extinguishers. There was a one hour downtime of operations. No injuries resulted from the incident.

25-Jul-2003 – Dominion Exploration & Production, Inc.

Remarks: While the production operator was attempting to start the gas compressor, the compressor back-fired sending gas to the starter exhaust box where it ignited and caught fire. The small fire was put out immediately with the use of a fire hose and one fire extinguisher. There was no property damage and no one was injured.    

30-Jul-2003 – J. M. Huber Corporation

Remarks: While conducting equipment movement operations, the crane operator saw excessive smoke coming out of the crane engine exhaust. The operator shut down the engine and grabbed a fire extinguisher from the crane cab and moved to the crane engine. By the time the operator reached the exhaust the fire was out.    

01-Aug-2003 – Conoco Phillips Company

Remarks: A platform worker smelled smoke coming from a work area on the platform and investigated the smell. He noticed a small four inch flame coming from a stack of pallets. Welding had been conducted earlier and welding slag had accumulated at the base of the stack.   The fire was quickly extinguished with a bucket of water. In the future, the operator intends to keep pallets out of the welding area.

07-Aug-2003 – BHP Petroleum Company Inc.

Remarks: A fire was reported in the storage room which was called in by the FEC operator to the bridge. The general alarm was sounded and a muster of all personnel was conducted. The cause of the fire was attributed to a chemical build-up on the wires located in a cable tray in the bilge at the port forward end of the storage room. The combination of chemicals and build-up had deteriorated the protective coating on a couple of wires that caused a short and provided the ignition source for the fire.     

09-Aug-2003 – Westport Oil and Gas Company, L.P.

Remarks: The contract operators were in the process of filling a corrosion inhibitor storage tank by lifting a full 550 gallon tank over the top inlet of the storage tank. The lead operator remained in the crane while the second operator held the suspended tank in position with a tag line. Once the nozzle was inserted into the top fill port, the operator left the tank while he readied a nearby second tank for filling. The suspended tank slowly twisted causing the nozzle to pull out of the storage tank and spray chemicals through the grated top deck onto the glycol burner/reboiler unit on the second deck. Both operators heard and saw the spraying chemical but could not close the valve on the suspended tank because of the heat from the fire. The operator hit the ESD, evacuated the platform via helicopter, and called for help. Two boats under lease responded to the calls and extinguished the fire by spraying water onto the platform. Damage is estimated at $150,000.  

The probable and contributory causes of the accident are:  1) fill operations were not continuously manned and 2) the storage tanks were located on open grating and over a fired vessel.   

11-Aug-2003 – Millennium Offshore Group, Inc.

Remarks: A flash fire occurred when oil blew out of the flare boom and onto the compressor’s exhaust system. The fire was extinguished with a dry chemical extinguisher.    

16-Aug-2003 – J. M. Huber Corporation

Remarks: The compressors went down due to a PSH. The lead operator was on the “F” structure at the time and was attending the number 3 compressor. The platform mechanic was on the “P” structure trying to start the number 2 compressor. When the number 2 compressor failed to start the operator walked around to the east side of the compressor and noticed flames coming up from around the starter. He called out “fire” and went to grab a water hose. A contract electrician and another operator extinguished the fire using two wheels units (300 lb and 125 lb units).      

20-Aug-2003 – Total E&P USA, Inc.

Remarks:  While conducting construction activities, a contractor’s welding machine experienced mechanical failure. An engine push rod penetrated the engine block and resulted in an extremely small fire. The fire was immediately extinguished. No injuries and only minor damage to the welding unit were reported. This incident occurred during the construction phase of the Matterhorn project and prior to start up of production.  

26-Aug-2003 – TDC Energy LLC

Remarks: While performing a walk-around inspection at crew change, a contract employee noticed a flame coming from the fuel gas regulator on the gas compressor. He shutdown the compressor with the kill switch and put out the fire with water from a hose. The gas leak appeared to be from the gasket around the regulator. After extinguishing the fire, the employee reported the incident to the contract company supervisor and called a mechanic to make repairs to the compressor. The compressor’s fuel gas regulator and spark plug wires will have to be replaced.    

27-Aug-2003 – Total E&P USA, Inc.

Remarks: A welder was removing 4 generator brackets with a welding torch. The brackets were installed close to the diesel day tank making their removal difficult. After cutting off the third bracket, a small leak appeared at the bottom of the tank behind the bracket. About a quart of diesel leaked onto the deck before the leak stopped. The welder’s torch ignited the spilled fuel. The fire was immediately put out by the fire watch.

29-Aug-2003 – Panaco, Inc.

Remarks: The operator was in the process of putting the therminol unit back on line when a flash fire occurred. While circulating the dehydration unit, a small amount of atomized oil came out of the dehydration stack and landed on the exhaust insulation of the compressor and flashed. The operator had already shut the compressor unit down and stopped the glycol pumps when it flashed. They immediately extinguished the fire and washed the area down with the firewater hose.

01-Sep-2003 – Devon Energy Corporation

Remarks: An employee discovered a fire in the number one engine room and announced it on the rig intercom system. The fire team responded and the fire was controlled in less than 30 minutes (10 minutes fire out, 20 minutes smoke cleared). Dry chemicals were used to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries or pollution. The cause of the fire is presently unknown and under evaluation. The rig is operating normally with the number 2 and 3 engines.    

06-Sep-2003 – Marathon Oil Company

Remarks: Lightning struck a normally unlit flare boom during a severe electrical storm causing a fire. Damage from the fire was limited to a wind sock located at the end of the boom and a fiberglass safety gate. The fire was extinguished with a 30 lb., handheld, fire extinguisher. There were no injuries or pollution due to this incident.  

17-Sep-2003 – El Paso Production GOM Inc.

Remarks: A flash fire occurred while a welder was cutting. The hot work permit was properly followed. There were no injuries, damage, or pollution caused as a result of this incident.   

26-Sep-2003 – Energy Resource Technology, Inc.
(also listed as Injury)

Remarks: A flash fire occurred causing a contract employee to sustain cuts and second degree burns to his body. Two contract employees were in the process of removing glycol pump number 1 that was not functioning properly. Glycol pump number 2 remained in service while pump number 1 was being replaced. The lead operator started operating the crane and heard a popping sound. He investigated the popping sound and observed a fire in the vicinity of the pump system. He activated the Emergency Shutdown System. The fire went out on it’s own; however, a cardboard box ignited and a 30 lb. dry chemical unit was used to extinguish that fire.  

Subsequent investigation revealed that the ball valve located on the glycol rich line coming in from the contact tower and going to pump no. 2 parted at a joint connection. The pump failure released glycol (and entrained gas) which was ignited by the glycol reboiler. The injured employee was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.   Property damage is estimated at $2,000.

27-Sep-2003 – Spinnaker Exploration Company, L.L.C.

Remarks: A fire occurred in the distribution panel on the drilling rig which is now on emergency power while the panel is being replaced. They were preloading at the time of the fire. They are currently assessing damage and will jack up when power is restored. The fire ignited after the generator breaker blew and ‘hit’ the bus causing a chain reaction in the distribution panel.    

29-Sep-2003 – BP Exploration Inc.

Remarks: A 10 foot length of rope caught fire due to falling welding slag from an upper deck. The fire was quickly extinguished.    

05-Oct-2003 – BP Exploration & Oil Inc.

Remarks: While performing wireline operations on the well, a small fire occurred on the wireline unit muffler. Personnel on board quickly extinguished the fire using a 30 lb. hand portable fire extinguisher. There were no injuries or pollution, and damage was limited to the unit’s muffler. Fuel overflow may have started the fire. The wireline unit has been shut down and sent to shore for root cause analysis.   

14-Oct-2003 – Devon Energy Corporation

Remarks: The over blast from the blasting nozzle shattered the lens on the explosion proof (mercury vapor) light. The poly carbon glass lens had been cut and installed away from the face of the light to prevent damage to the interior bulb and personnel working around it. Duct tape had been placed around the heat gap, which trapped the light heat and melted the lens, and resulted in a fire. The fire was put out using a 30 lb. fire extinguisher. At this time, the tank has been evacuated and work has been suspended pending further investigation and the removal of all hazards from the area. The operator had been working inside the tank for approximately 14 days; the LEL inside the tank was 0%.

15-Oct-2003 – Panaco, Inc.

Remarks:  A hole in the vent piping on top of the glycol reboiler was patched with an epoxy compound. Subsequently, a leak occurred in another spot due to corrosion. With the temperature on the glycol reboiler at 375 degrees, and wind blowing from the north, the leak ignited a flash fire on the piping. There were no injuries or damage from this incident.    

15-Oct-2003 – Unocal Exploration Corporation

Remarks: A small fire occurred in the base (pan) of the glycol reboiler. A hose nestled in the drip pan caught fire and small flames were seen coming from the piping. Paint was blistered on the piping and melted metal was visible in the skid and on the grating around the unit. Condensate apparently entered the fire tube of the glycol reboiler from its surrounding bath and ignited. Vibration broke the sight glass allowing the burning condensate to fall into the pan below. The fire was quickly extinguished with a 30 lb. dry chemical fire extinguisher. Damage is estimated at $2,500.  

17-Oct-2003 – Shell Offshore Inc.

Remarks: Platform personnel noticed smoke coming from the air compressor. The operator detected a small flame coming from the 1^st stage discharge piping that leads into the intercooler. The unit was shut down at the local control panel and the flame immediately self extinguished. The area was quenched with water from a hose located at the unit, and the “all clear” alarm was sounded. The incident occurred in an unclassified area. There were no injuries or equipment damage. The 1^st stage piston rings were allowing a small amount of oil blow-by and caused coking of the compressor valve and its failure. Once the compressor valve failed, the discharge air became very hot causing oil in the piping to ignite.    

19-Oct-2003 – Newfield Exploration Company