Piper Alpha , loss

Smoke is a by-product of most fires caused by the incomplete oxidation of the fuel supply during the chemical process of combustion. It accounts for a large majority of fatalities of from fire incidents at both onshore and offshore petroleum facilities. In the Piper Alpha incident of 1988, probably the worst petroleum industry offshore life loss incident, the majority of deaths were not from bums, drowning or explosion impacts but from smoke and gas inhalation. The report on the incident concluded that, of the bodies recovered from the incident, 83% were as a result of inhalation of smoke and gas. Most of these victims were assembled in the accommodation awaiting evacuation directions or as they may have thought - a possible rescue. 

The Piper Alpha incident is described in Chapter 2. Piper Alpha, like most offshore production platforms, has a very limited on-board inventory of oil and gas. However the platform was also a hub—other platforms were pumping to it. Had they stopped pumping as soon as the first explosion had occurred, the loss of life would have been considerably less than the final toll, and it is likely that the platform would have been saved. 

Procedural problems are frequently cited as the cause of major accidents, contributing to some of the world s worst incidents, such as Bhopal. Piper Alpha and Clapham Junction. In the major hazard industries, fit-for-purpose procedures are essential to minimise errors, and to protect against loss of operating knowledge (eg when experienced personnel leave). 

Needless to say, safety and reliability in the oil and gas industry has become an important issue due to various types of accidents and problems over the years. For example, in 1988, Piper Alpha offshore disaster in the United Kingdom resulted in 167 deaths and total insured loss of about 3.4 billion. 

There are major accident risks involved in the development and operation of offshore oil and gas fields. The Bravo blow-out in 1977, the capsizing of the Alexander L.Kielland in 1980 and the fire and explosion that destroyed Piper Alpha in 1988 remind us about this fact. A blow-out may result in extensive losses of human lives and damage to the environment. The Piper Alpha catastrophe demonstrates that fires and explosions may cause a high number of fatalities and extensive monetary losses. 

Piper Alpha 1988 North Sea Production Explosion and fire. Total loss of the platform. 167... 

Losses associated with startup and shutdown of equipment and aitire units are common (e.g., a notable industry incident occurred in 1989 with the Piper Alpha North Sea platform loss). As with any operating procedure development, employees should be involved for their insight and concurrence. Particular care should always be given when developing equipment startup and shutdown procedures. This includes commissioning new faciUties (e.g., purging and leak testing). 

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