Oil Field Contractor Fatality Case Study Presented by Dan Klimek Loss Control and Safety Manager Sisk and Company The information in this study is based on a report issued by the US Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board. Report No. 2006-07-I-MS

Overview of accident On June 5, 2006, three employees were killed and a fourth suffered serious injuries when they were connecting a series of tanks. During the process of welding the connections between tanks 3 & 4, a fire flashed back into tank 2 causing an explosion.

Sequence of Events & Arrangement of facility Pass out copies of page 2 of report

Unsafe Work Practices The crew used a ladder as scaffold plank between tanks 3 & 4. Welder used a lit torch to check for flammable atmospheres by “flashing” the space – this is extremely dangerous. Open pipe on adjacent tank was not capped or isolated. All tanks were interconnected and tanks 2 & 3 had flammable contents.

Tank lids were blown off

Key Findings – Hot Work Safety Contractor was not using a “hot work procedure” Tanks 2 & 3 not isolated from tank 4 Tanks 2 & 3 contained flammable vapors Flammable gas detector was not used to ensure the work area was free of flammable vapors

Key Findings – Makeshift Work Platform Contractor crew used a ladder laid flat that cantilevered from tank 3. 2 workers stood on top of tank 3 to hold ladder stable while the welder worked at the end of the ladder to weld on tank 4 Two fatalities could have been avoided if they were not standing on top of tank 3

Hot Work Safety Guidelines Isolate the work area from flammable and combustible materials Remove flammables/combustibles from tanks and piping Test for gases / vapors with meter Issue written hot work permits

Hot Work Safe Practices Work performed by trained personnel who understand the hazards Use extreme caution when working on tanks and piping that contained flammable/combustible materials Everyone involved needs to understand the hazards of hot work

Written Safety Program – a formal program helps planning Safety equipment Safety and work tasks (JSA) Regulatory compliance plans Safety orientation plan Claims management Safety Policy Injury and illness rates Experience of workers Safety staffing Safety training Emergency response

How does your safety program compare? Could an accident like this happen to your work crews? Questions?