Proactive Learning from Process Safety Events to Prevent Process Safety Events in an Oilfield Services Provider

Abstract

Abstract Since the introduction of upstream process safety programs to manage various critical activities of an oilfield services provider, much has been learned in this pioneering field which allowed us to further fine- tune the program in preventing process safety events during well services operations. This paper examines in detail, using several past upstream process safety incident case studies within the Middle East and Asia Pacific region, and demonstrates how effectively investigated and understood UPS barrier failures contribute to improved implementation of the upstream process safety program and effectively prevent recurrence of such events. Key failure modes and root causes involved in these upstream process safety incidents and near misses will be analyzed in detail. Using barrier check tools employed as part of the upstream process safety program for the various well services activities, an analysis will be done to evaluate if the barrier check tools would have helped prevent these incidents. Some leading performance indicators will also be discussed and use of learnings from process safety events serve as a validation point for understanding effectiveness of the operationalization effort for upstream process safety. The barrier check tools will be briefly introduced early on to give context to this endeavor. Where there are inadequacies in the program, these will be identified from this review and will be fed back into review of the upstream process safety program. Highlighting the impact of the program in potentially preventing these incidents helps reinforce the appreciation for effective implementation and execution of the upstream process safety requirements. The proactive learning process from operationalization of upstream process safety goes toward improving the execution of the program as well as driving towards consistency within the industry in operationalizing upstream process safety.