FUEL LEAK ON NORTH SEA PRODUCTION VESSEL RISKED CAUSING AN EXPLOSION

 

       
Published in Oil Industry News on Friday, 9 January 2015

A diesel leak on a North Sea oil vessel risked causing an explosion, according to the UK's health and safety watchdog.
A failed tubing connector on the North Sea Producer floating production vessel caused 1500 litres of diesel to leak into a gas turbine in September last year.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) raised concerns that the leak could cause a fire or explosion and instructed owner North Sea Production Company Ltd to take steps to prevent similar leaks in the future.
An HSE spokeswoman said: "The duty holder failed to take appropriate measures with a view to preventing fire and explosion.
“There had been an uncontrolled release of approximately 1500 litres of diesel from a failed small bore tubing connection on a gas turbine and that the released liquids accumulated inside a turbine enclosure, creating a potential risk of fire or explosion.”
The HSE highlighted that there was no fire or explosion as a result of the leak. North Sea Production Company Ltd has until January 30 to comply with the HSE's improvement notice.
Source: www.stv.tv