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Canadian oilfield worker injured from a pressure release and equipment failure
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Canadian oilfield worker injured from a pressure release and equipment failure
Energy Safety Canada has reported that A worker was injured when a sudden release of well bore pressure caused the disconnection of the flow ‘T’ from the wellhead.
A rig crew was on location to begin abandonment of an orphaned well.
The task required the rig manager to check and record the shut-in wellhead pressure.
The crew heard a hissing sound and observed the rig manager rotating on top of the flow ‘T’, until the flow ‘T’ disconnected from the wellhead master valve.
The rig manager was taken to hospital with multiple head lacerations.
Lessons Learned:
Often, historical information is unavailable for orphaned wells.
Sudden release of well bore pressure through the 90-degree thread created enough force in the counter clockwise direction to disconnect the flow ‘T’ from the wellhead master valve.
The rig manager, who did not recall any of the event, was positioned in the line of fire.
What were the recommendations:
The use of a 90-degree elbow with thread-half on the flow ‘T’ should be avoided. Equipment should be connected and oriented to account for the potential of pressure.
Do not assume that wellhead components are in good working order, including valve function, valve orientation, and that component connections are secure.
Prior to checking pressures, verify orientation of wellhead master valve (in the closed position) and orientation of valves above the master valve are closed.
No work to be performed on wellhead components above the master valve, unless master valve is closed, and trapped pressure is bled off.
Verification of wellbore pressure must be performed prior to connecting components to the flow ‘T’ ¼ turn valve.
What have you learnt?
Trapped pressure is hazardous! So is remaining in the line of fire. Plan your job so you are not exposed to the hazard, position yourself in a zone that is safe and record this in your tool box talk and job safety analysis.
The rig manager was very lucky to escape serious injury or death, next time it might be you!
Pressure Kills!
*The images were taken from the safety alert issued by Energy Safety Canada
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