1. Learning from Shell Significant Incidents
What happened?:
On April 4th 2005 at the Thayani production station in Syria , an operator was on his way to or from
checking the clean-up pit pumps, which are adjacent to the pit. In taking a short cut he passed the pit
corner and either tripped or slipped into the clean-up pit, which contained oil, and “drowned”. 
Why ?
- Taking a short-cut
- No barriers or segregation between the pit and pump area.
- Lack of awareness of the hazard presented by passing
close to oil filled pits.
Prevention?
- Segregate the clean-up pit from the pump (operating) area
- Review operating philosophy of station manning (single operators).
- Provide vacuum truck remote connection (outside fence) for load/unload facilities
and remove need for operators to approach the pit.
- Discuss the incident in your toolbox meeting
What about your oil pits? Could someone fall in?