Workers not provided adequate gas monitors
FMC Technologies Canada has been fined $62,060 by WorkSafeBC for an incident in Dawson Creek, B.C.
This firm was contracted to provide testing services during flowback operations for two new wells at a gas well site. Workers were transferring gas and condensate to an open-top buffer tank. While checking a generator unit near the buffer tank, one of the firm’s workers turned the generator’s engine off but the engine continued to run. A flash fire erupted and the worker sustained serious injuries.
WorkSafeBC’s investigation determined that poor separation resulted in gas and condensate being moved to the buffer tank. The fire erupted when an ignition source at the generator contacted the hydrocarbon cloud from the buffer tank.
The firm failed to ensure that machinery was certified and capable of performing safely. It also failed to provide adequate personal gas monitors. Additionally, FMC Technologies Canada failed to adequately analyze risks and implement safe work procedures for work activities involving the release of gas, a repeated violation, and failed to conduct air sampling to assess the risk of worker exposure. These were all high-risk violations.
Furthermore, the firm failed to provide its workers with the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety.
Source: WorkSafeBC
