Petroleum boards alleges OHS violations after flying rod incident on Hebron platform
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) has issued a notice of non-compliance to ExxonMobil Canada regarding a recent near miss incident that could have endangered workers on the Hebron platform.
The incident, which occurred last month, involved a flying rod that posed a potential threat to the lives of personnel.
On May 28, a report was filed after maintenance work on a crane, during which a hydraulic pin puller malfunctioned. This failure caused the puller rod, weighing 6.8 kilograms, to become a projectile. It traveled approximately 19 meters across the deck, striking a handrail before falling 21 meters onto a walkway below.
At the time, the C-NLOPB highlighted the severity of the incident, stating that it had the potential to result in fatalities.
Following a review, conducted by the board and released on Friday, it was determined that the puller rod was subjected to loads exceeding its yield rating. Additionally, the hydraulic jack, which attempted to pull the pin four times, surpassed its rated capacity, leading to the pin fracturing.
The review also revealed that the procedure for pulling the pin was carried out without the necessary information to ensure safe execution. Crucial details such as equipment capacity limits and understanding the maximum safe operating pressure were not included. Furthermore, step-by-step instructions were not provided.
In addition to the notice of non-compliance issued to ExxonMobil Canada, KCA Deutag, responsible for drilling operations and platform maintenance, also received a non-compliance order.
Both parties are now obligated to conduct an audit to identify management failures and gaps, as well as review all equipment and training protocols. The results of these assessments must be submitted to the C-NLOPB by September 30.
