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Safety Alert 29 - Heater Explodes

A man working on an offshore production platform was injured recently when the high pressure coils in a line heater ruptured. The workman was placing on production a gas well which flows through a line heater ahead of a separator. The heater was not fired at the time of the accident. When pressure from the well was applied to the high pressure coils of the heater, the coils ruptured, resulting in over-pressure to the shell of the vessel. The firebox and firebox flange blew off and the vessel moved several feet, knocking the man against the christmas tree. The man sustained head and shoulder injuries.

Issued Date
Date for required review
Safety Alert/Bulletin Number
29