Welding operation results in fire

Cause & Consequence

• Fire or explosion

Incident Location

Any Location Type

Incident Activity

Modification of plant/structures

Incident Info Source

IADC

Specific Incident Equipment

Welding operations

Lessons Identified

The Job Hazard Analysis did not take into consideration the effect of the hotwork on the

surroundings.

"

No consideration was given to the previous installation of expanding foam sealant on the ceiling of

storeroom to serve as insulation.

"

No consideration was given that the foam material would burn if heat was applied to it.

"

No fire watch was assigned in the storeroom during hotwork operation on the guidepost located on

Incident Recommendations

Instructed rig personnel that during the JSA process, the surrounding area (including up and down)

must be taken into consideration during the planning phase.

"

Emphasized the importance of assigning a fire watch on the side of wall or roof opposite the

welding/cutting operation.

"

Instructed rig personnel that anytime a product is used in the construction, maintenance or repair

process, it must be determined how the product will respond to potential situations that may arise in

that area.

"

Issued a maintenance bulletin stating that at no time shall “Expanding Foam” type insulation be used

as an insulator, unless it meets NFPA A-6 specifications.

"

Instructed rig maintenance personnel to inspect their rig and ensure that expanding foam is not being