Pontoon compartment explosion on floating roof tanks
The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) have published the following safety alert regarding an incident in which an explosion occurred. The incident occurred at a location during restoration activities on a crude oil tank which had been cleaned up. Two workers were carrying out hot work on the top of the tank floating roof (cutting rim seal brackets in close proximity to the pontoon). One of the pontoon compartments exploded. Flammable residue was released onto the tank floor causing a small fire.
In this case, workers sustained moderate injuries. However similar accidents involving hot work on floating roofs after tank clean-up had taken place in the past and led to more severe injuries and fatalities.
The safety alert can be downloaded from info.ogp.org.uk/safety/SafetyAlerts/alerts/Detail.asp?alert_id=255
Members may wish to refer to the following similar incidents (key words: explosion, pressure, fire, hot work)
Safety Event
Published: 16 April 2014
Download: IMCA SF 06/14
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.