Explosion Injuries

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Fires and explosions offshore can result from hydrocarbon releases, pressurized equipment failures, electrical faults, hot work, welding, fuel systems, gas accumulation, chemical reactions, or failures in detection and suppression systems. These events can cause catastrophic burns, blast injuries, inhalation injuries, hearing loss, brain injury, and death.

The investigation usually requires a broad view of the operation. Permits, lockout/tagout procedures, gas-testing records, alarm history, maintenance documents, inspection findings, control-room data, work orders, and communications before the incident may help explain what happened.

Emergency response is also important. Questions may involve whether alarms functioned, escape routes were clear, fire-suppression systems operated, personnel were trained, rescue equipment was available, and evacuation procedures were followed.

Multiple companies frequently work together offshore. Operators, drilling contractors, service companies, vessel owners, equipment manufacturers, maintenance contractors, and engineering firms may each possess information relevant to the event.

Evidence preservation should begin quickly because damaged equipment may be removed and the scene may be altered during repairs. Serious explosion cases often require experts in engineering, fire science, process safety, metallurgy, human factors, and medicine.