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29 August 2007

Partial Flare Line Blockage

Safety Incident Topic: Partial Flare Line Blockage
Location of Incident: Bulwer Island, Brisbane Australia
Date of Incident: 9 May, 2007

Brief Account of Incident
A back pressure observed at the Vacuum Tower was investigated by Operations and Technical personnel who found that the flare line was behaving as if it was partially blocked. Following a risk assessment, work was commenced to flush the line with steam and high temperature diesel. A relief valve in Crude Residue service was found to be passing. The relief valve and associated equipment was isolated and taken out of service. Flushing, steaming and external heating of the flare line was carried out until the line was cleared.

Potential Outcome
In the event of a large flare loading through unplanned shutdown of major process units, if the flare line had not been cleared, a back pressure in the flare system may have resulted in hydrocarbon venting to atmosphere through Vacuum Tower atmospheric relief valves.

Likely Causes
Currently is under investigation.

Action Taken
Risk assessment had undertaken to establish the basis of continued operation. An exclusion zone was established in affected areas. Line clearing was commenced. Monitoring of progress and for completion was undertaken.

Crane Incident

Safety Incident Topic: Crane Incident
Location of Incident: Kwinana, Australia
Date of Location: 24 May, 2007


Please detailing an incident at Kwinana a jetties where a crane overbalanced with the boom and load landing on a sampling shed and a pipe rack. The crane driver suffered minor bruising to his right knee in the incident. The crane has been fully secured in place pending the incident investigation and an expert study to determine the appropriate recovery plan. A minor quantity or diesel leaked from the fuel tank but this was captured in a drip tray and recovered. There was no loss of containment from any of the lines impacted. At this time, a full investigation is underway with the findings and the lessons learned to be shared when available.

Brief Account of Incident
At about 1050 on the 24th May a 25 tonne all terrain crane being used to locate scaffold planks on number three jetty overbalanced and the boom came to rest across a sample shed and the pipe rack to the Jetty “T” head. Number three jetty “T” head is the primary Crude unloading jetty.

Potential Outcome
Investigation is underway and will identify the causes

Action Taken
The crane has been stabilized and locked in position preventing any further movement, the area barricaded. Lines to and from the jetty have been valve isolated. Spill trays are in place to prevent any spillage of fuel from the crane fuel tank. Inspection of pipe work and cabling show no damage which could result in a spill.

28 August 2007

Fall of Reinforcing Cage

Safety Incident Topic : Fall of Reinforcing Cage
Location Of Incident : Hull Site, United Kingdom
Date Of Incident : 09 May, 2007

Brief Account of Incident
The incident occurred during installation of piles for the base of a new tank. A 24 metre hole had been drilled and filled with concrete, then an 8 metre long cage of reinforcing bar was to be lowered into the concrete. The first cage became stuck with 2 metres still above ground so it was removed. An attempt was made to lower in a second cage, but it also stuck at the same position, so it was lifted out. Whilst this cage was being moved to a laydown area, with the cage suspended vertically, and with the bottom very close to the ground, the lifting strop appears to have come off the hook which had been suspending it. The cage therefore tipped over, and as it fell, the end of the cage hit one of the workers on the back.The injured man was taken by ambulance to the local hospital and discharged later in the evening. He was cut and bruised, but thankfully suffered no broken bones or internal injuries.

Potential Outcome
Fatality

Likely Causes
The reason for the lifting strop coming off the hook is not yet known

Actions Taken
All work has been stopped.The incident is reportable to the Health and Safety Executive under the RIDDOR Regulations