Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the the-events-calendar domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the broken-link-checker domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce-eu-vat-number domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Oil production riser gas ignition - DEV imca
Skip to content

Oil production riser gas ignition

What happened?

During recovery of a 10” oil production riser at an FPSO, gas in the riser bore ignited and a smoke cloud was seen on deck in the vicinity of the shear cutter. The vessel Master was on the bridge and saw the occurrence. Crew were working nearby on the HLS (horizontal lay system) and work platform removing buoyancy modules and inner clamps.

The pre-cut subsea hog bend slit on the riser was below the work platform at this point; hot work was being carried out approx. 1 metre above to remove retaining bands. Three crew were forward working with a forklift and positioning buoyancy modules into open top containers, when a noise was heard on deck.

There were no injuries and no damage to equipment.

What were the causes? What went wrong?

Our member’s analysis brought the following results:

  • Underlying cause: A slit was completed to mitigate an identified hazard, however it also introduced a new hazard that resulted in current incident. This hazard was not identified in HAZID or HAZOP & Risk Assessment sessions onshore. New elements were introduced to the procedure without identifying the new risk. When introducing new elements to a procedure, all consequences (if any) must be investigated
  • Immediate cause: Ignition of gas in riser bore with smoke exiting at shear cutter end due to spark from hot work being carried out at the HLS platform – opposite end
  • Root Cause: Slit in riser outer sheath through into riser bore allowed air ingress and gave a path for any hot sparks to ignite any residual gas in the riser bore

Members may wish to refer to

Safety Event

Published: 9 October 2020
Download: IMCA SF 29/20

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.