A Statistical Review of Fires and Explosion Incidents in the Gulf of Mexico 1980-1990

Abstract

A statistical review has been made of the offshore fire and explosion incidents in the Gulf of Mexico from 1980 to 1990. This review generally indicates that most incidents (78.7%) are shown to be from the loss of process piping or equipment integrity or from miscellaneous causes and which result in minor losses. Over half of the ignition sources are from hot surfaces of equipment or exhaust gases of internal combustion processes or various miscellaneous sources. Major loss of life has generally occurred as a result of drilling activity blowouts or helicopter transport operations. The major financial risks for these facilities are property losses precipitated by blowout incidents. The early part of the decade accounts for approximately three-fourths of the incidents, while recent years have seen a considerable decline in the number of incidents.