Issue No.

02 | January 2023 Loss Prevention

Process Safety Bulletin

Burn Pit Flash Fire Injury

What happened? Impact:

Release and ignition of condensate resulting in a Lost
While a gas well flowline was being depressurized in
Time Injury (LTI).
preparation for In-Line Inspection (ILI), the flare extinguished
unexpectedly (flameout). The operator descended into the
burn pit to check on the flare and a flash fire ignited, likely due
to delayed ignition of the flare, resulting in 2nd degree burns on
the employee’s face, arms and hands.

What went wrong?

▪ The blowdown valve was not fully isolated before approaching,
allowing condensate to flow into the burn pit.

▪ The atmosphere in the burn pit was not tested before entry.

▪ The flare flameout hazard was not considered in the risk

assessment.

▪ Emergency response was delayed due to late 911 activation.

Gas Well Flare Burn Pit
What can be learned?

Identify and isolate Conduct gas testing Identify all applicable Ensure that training is Immediately notify all
critical isolation valves prior to entering any hazards, and establish provided on all emergencies in
prior to conducting any confined space, per GI appropriate procedures potential hazards, accordance with GI
activity, in accordance 2.709. to support conducting including flameout. 6.000.
with GI 6.012. tasks safely.

Always ensure atmospheric conditions are safe before entering a

confined space.
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use