Document 3NV3Rx7925Byx0ybLYe8j3xv0

SC-1003 {R*v. 1-60| SHELL CHEMICAL COMPANY REFERENCE to HOUSTON PLANT - MANAGER DATE AUGUST 6, 1971 :SOM MANAGER - E DEPARTMENT HOUSTON PLANT subject SMALL FIRE AT EP COMPRESSOR AREA PIPE MODIFICATIONS A small fire occurred near the EP Compressor Area at approximately 5:20 p.m., Tuesday, August 3, 1971. The fire was quickly extinguished by operating personnel, without injury or damage to equipment. After taking proper corrective measures, the construction hot work continued. The fire alarm was not sounded. The fire occurred at a closed block valve, when process EP gases (leak ing back through two closed block valves, a closed control valve, and a check valve) were ignited by sparks from a welding operation in progress ca. 20 feet overhead. The closed valve from which the gases were escaping was "open"; (i. e., not blind flanged), awaiting completion of the overhead "hot work," for installation of a spool to connect the valve with the tier-in being provided overhead. A safety permit had been issued. A firewatch had been provided. An asbestos blanket had been rigged to contain the sparks from the overhead hot work. Since all required safety practices had been observed, it is concluded that the fire occurred due to inadequate implementation of the safety practices Conclusions and recommendations follow: (1) Block valves (even multiple block valves) must never be relied upon when , in the potential area of ignition. The open block valve was blind- flanged after the fire. Due to this valves location in the probable path of potential sparks from the overhead hot work, it should have been blinded prior to issuing the safety permit. (2) Asbestos spark shields should be constructed adequately to contain any sparks (3) The firewatch, or any supervisor (operations, maintenance, engineering, or contractor) should shut down a job if sparks are not being contained as intended. (This does not mean that all jobs require containment of sparks via blanket', however, when containment has been specified, it should be effective). ajD iujD loa ivwn owi ivvii iuu ` GRH AJMc Fire & Safety Inspectors Operating Dept. Mgrs. File Chron DPMC-00817 LAM 007317