Oil Rig Fires
The occurrence of a fire is one of the most typical incidents that can occur on an oil platform. Employees are handling flammable gas and oil on a daily basis, which creates a danger for explosions, as they are doing so on these platforms. These platforms, unlike the ones that just extract oil from a well and then abandon it, actually drill for oil. They also act as a storage facility for the liquid until it can be safely brought to land. This adds another level of risk.
If the staff are not cautious, a minor spark might cause the entire rig to burst into flames.
Contact Texas Oilfield Injury Lawyers at (888) 997-2148 and speak with our oil rig fire lawyers to discuss your case. Your consultation is absolutely free.
Have You Or A Loved One Been Injured In An Oil Rig Fire?
Oil rig fires, also known as blowouts, are one of the most hazardous sorts of explosions in the sector. During oil or gas drilling, the structure enters pockets of gas trapped in sealed-off layers of rock. While the gas has been shut off, it has built up tremendous pressure. To manage this pressure, gas and oil rigs employ a system called “blowout preventers.” Natural gas, oil, or water may “blow out” to the surface and cause a fire or explosion if the weight of the mud or drilling fluid is unable to contain the pressure.
Common Causes Of Oil Platform Fires
There’s a lot of potential for fire if precautions aren’t taken, even though water surrounds oil rigs. Any open flame might lead to an oilfield accident. Welding and cutting equipment that generates heat and fire is the only method to conduct business on an oil platform. Because of the close quarters and high temperatures on oil platforms, it is critical for workers to be properly trained on how to use their equipment safely and avoid coming into contact with flammable fuel aboard the rig. If simple safety measures are not followed, seemingly little errors might lead to terrible consequences.
Electrical fires can be triggered by a variety of factors. Employees are permitted to use specific electrical equipment offshore. It’s important that employees follow the rules set down for their own and others’ safety. Additionally, any exposed wires that have worn down can spark and ultimately result in a large fire if not dealt with promptly. When coming onto an oil platform, the staff must be vigilant about their surroundings and the hazardous environment they are a part of. Even though the platform is waterproof, and employees are given fire-resistant suits to wear while working on it, a lightning strike or other natural occurrences may cause it to catch fire.
Regardless of the circumstances, the oil rig firm may be held responsible for these sorts of catastrophes.
A negligent employee may be under the impression that everything aboard an oil platform is in order, but a corporation might know full well there are problems and choose to do nothing about it due to high costs or simple negligence. Oil rig and fire victims should always go to a doctor first, then contact an oil rig fire lawyer as soon as possible.
Blowout Preventers Aren’t Always Successful In Stopping Fires
Today’s oil rigs have blowout preventers (BOP) to seal in the high-pressure gases that are trying to push their way to the surface of the hole being drilled. The blowout preventer is a lid for a pressure cooker that is fastened to the ground surface casing before excavation even begins. Blowout preventers may be installed on oil rigs and are frequently found at depths of 7,000 feet or more. Blowout preventers are a kind of mechanism that is used to keep pockets of gas from building up. However, in some cases, a blowout preventer may not be closed fast enough to avoid a blowout.
These fires can likewise be started by cutting an oil line with an acetylene torch, as was the case with the recent Gulf oil rig blaze. The Black Elk Energy Co.’s oil and natural gas platform that recently burned testified to the devastation caused by these types of blazes. Instead of a saw, the platform’s labor force utilized a torch to cut through the oil line, which had 28 gallons of oil and caught vapors after being set on fire.
How Do You Stop An Oil Rig Fire?
The fires at oil rigs are typically uncontrollable once they begin. Traditional firefighting methods are ineffective due to the large quantity of fuel that allows the fire to spread. Using explosives to “blow out” a fire at a wellhead may be one approach for putting it out. The burning fuel and oxygen are pushed away from the well by creating a shockwave that drives them away. To stop the flow of oil, the wellhead must be sealed. On an offshore rig, extinguishing a fire is considerably more difficult. The rig may be sunk by explosives, so fire-retardant foam or even seawater might be used to douse the flames. Some have claimed that the Deepwater Horizon sank as a consequence of the enormous amounts of seawater blasted at it by private boats in an effort to extinguish the fire.
What Causes Oil Rig Fires?
Oil rig fires are very dangerous and unpredictable, so everyone on the oil platform must be prepared to act quickly if one occurs. It only takes a single spark—a little mistake—to start an oilrig fire. If safety laws are followed, workers are properly educated and supervised, and equipment is maintained correctly, these disasters may be prevented. Unfortunately, some oil companies put money and production ahead of the safety of their employees. They may stonewall in replacing old machinery. They may push for deadlines that make workers weary and unfocused. Workers who have had traumatic experiences while working on oil rigs may be hesitant to take precautions. We may assign liability (legal responsibility) and help injured workers and their families seek accountability, answers, and justice by determining what caused an oil rig fire.
Who Is Responsible For An Oil Rig Fire?
Oil rig blowouts are particularly hazardous because there is usually no warning. Workers on oil rigs must constantly be aware of the amount of oil in the hole and keep an eye on trip tank levels as well. When workers don’t follow recommended safety procedures, such as gas pressurization valves, they may be held liable if a fire occurs on an oil rig.
In general, the following parties may be held responsible for oil rig fires:
- An employer or supervisor
- A negligent co-worker
- A manufacturing company
- A maintenance company
Statistics On Oil And Gas Industry Fires
The oil and gas industry was responsible for more than 10% of all occupational deaths caused by fires and explosions during this period, according to federal labor data. From 2009 through 2013, there were 78 fatalities in the sector as a result of these incidents. The third most frequent reason for fatal accidents in the oil and gas sector was fires and explosions (15%), which has increased in recent years. Oil rig blazes are more difficult to put out than ordinary fires due to the huge fuel supply for the fire. This can result in a mega-loss of property, as well as significant injuries. These fires may burn for days before they can be capped, which might cause a lot of damage and serious injuries during that period.
Contact Texas Oil Rig Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in an oil rig accident, you must act immediately. You and your family have certain rights as offshore workers who are injured or harmed by the most common oilfield accidents. Our firm is here to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by your employer or their insurance company. Our team of qualified oil rig fire attorneys is ready to defend your rights at this difficult time. We pride ourselves on having exceptional legal knowledge in this field, and we can put it to work for you and your family during this trying time.
We are on your side and dedicated to ensuring that you receive the best possible results for your case. call us for a free case evaluation right now.
Call us at (888) 997-2148 now for you free consultation.
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