Just in from the Health and Safety Executive…
A large offshore oil and gas operator has been fined £560,000 after a major hydrocarbon release on Shell UK’s Brent Charlie platform, the biggest reported to HSE in 2017.
On 19 May 2017, severely corroded pipework inside one of the platform’s concrete legs failed, releasing 200 kg of gas and 1,550 kg of crude oil. The pipework, originally installed for short-term use, had been left in place and poorly maintained for seven years. Ventilation fans intended to reduce explosion risks were also not functioning properly.
More than 170 workers were put at risk of a potentially catastrophic fire or explosion. HSE praised the platform manager and emergency teams for preventing the incident from escalating.
Shell UK pleaded guilty to two offences under PFEER. The court found the company should have replaced the temporary pipework long before the failure occurred.
HSE said the case highlights the need for stronger management of temporary spools, better corrosion inspection regimes and robust maintenance of safety critical equipment. Guidance for the offshore sector is available on the HSE website.
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