Offshore staff
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador — Various industry reports state that Hibernia Management and Development Co. Ltd. (HMDC), the operator of the Hibernia platform in the Atlantic Ocean offshore Canada, has reported that a near-miss incident occurred on the platform on Oct. 5.
According to HMDC, as reported to safety regulator C-NLOPB, the platform's personnel were in the process of completing a pressure test of the high-pressure manifold on the Hibernia platform.
Personnel had closed the upper diverter valve when the valve handle and gearbox cap (which weighs approximately 27 kg) separated and traveled a distance of 3.9 m.
No personnel were injured, and no equipment was damaged. The location where the incident occurred was barricaded and deemed a restricted area. At the time of the incident, five authorized personnel were in the work area.
HMDC immediately ceased operations in the area and has initiated an investigation to determine the potential classification and root cause of the incident, which the C-NLOPB is monitoring.
The Certifying Authority has imposed limitations on related equipment until repairs have been completed and the operator has demonstrated that related systems are fit for use. C-NLOPB Safety Officers were already scheduled to travel to the Hibernia platform in the coming days and will follow up with HMDC to review this incident.
