Pontoon compartment explosion on floating roof tanks
The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) published a safety alert regarding an incident in which an explosion occurred. The incident occurred at a location during restoration activities on a crude oil tank which had been cleaned up. Two workers were carrying out hot work on the top of the tank floating roof (cutting rim seal brackets in close proximity to the pontoon). One of the pontoon compartments exploded. Flammable residue was released onto the tank floor causing a small fire.
In this case, workers sustained moderate injuries. However similar accidents involving hot work on floating roofs after tank clean-up had taken place in the past and led to more severe injuries and fatalities.
Members may wish to refer to the following similar incidents (key words: explosion, pressure, fire, hot work)
Safety Event
Published: 16 April 2014
Download: 
IMCA SF 06/14
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