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Proforma Safety, LLC Proforma PSI…when performance counts. Duct Tape is the Culprit…Again As operators were transferring methanol from a portable chemical transporter tank to a storage tank (lifting it by crane to gravity feed), methanol began spraying out from a hole in the hose connected to the storage tank, spreading across the top deck and over the side of the offshore platform. The methanol on the top deck ignited, as did the methanol that was sprayed over the side, by the hot exhaust of a compressor located immediately below the transfer point on the second deck. The fire was compounded by the breaking of the transfer tank’s sight glass when a crewman attempted to kick the valve closed. The fire spread as relief valves on two other chemical transport tanks opened. After twenty-two 30-pound hand-held chemical fire extinguishers, two 125-pound wheeled fire extinguisher units, and the firewater system were used, the fires on both decks were contained. One man received second-degree burns. Investigation into the cause found that the hose used to feed methanol from the transporter to the storage tank was split and had been repaired with duct tape prior to the operation. Lessons learned - Never make temporary or unauthorized repairs on equipment
in hazardous material service without a management of change
review by qualified personnel.
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