Alert
  • Published: 12 May 2011
  • Incident ID: 3120

Free Rotation of Composite Flanges During Installation and Removal

Cause & Consequence

  • Moving, flying or falling object
Incident Consequence
Injury

Incident Location

Drilling unit

Incident Activity

Any Activity Type

Incident Info Source

Linda.Topp@conocophillips.com

Specific Incident Equipment

Pipework, Composite flanges

Lessons Identified

Task Risk assessment carried out prior to work commencement should identify that any work involving composite flanged valves should recognise the potential hazard presented by composite flanges and the requirement for adequate support for the valve to prevent rotation. All members of the work party and any new members must be fully aware of the risk assessment and hazards associated with the work that is being undertaken and their competency for the work checked and verified.

Incident Recommendations

All composite flanges on the installation should be identified and the hazards associated highlighted, to this end labels have been attached to all valves.The introduction of stepped studbolts that remain captive in the valve are being investigated as this would allow one side of the flange to be slackened without risk of the valve rotating.

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