Analysis of hazard scenarios for a research environment in an oil and gas exploration and production company

The present study analyzes HSE hazard scenarios at the research areas of an international company that specializes in the exploration and production of oil and gas. Objective is: I. to analyze the major HSE hazard scenarios for the experimental facilities in the new research location; II. to be able to reduce those hazards to a pre-defined minimum through optimal design; III. to be able to reduce the amount and severity of future research-related incidents/near-misses. To analyze the ten major hazard scenarios, which were developed in a previous study, use is made of the Tripod 6 technique. With this technique, also barriers and general failure types are determined for the major hazard scenarios. The most frequent barrier is the checking of design, systems and installations. Second frequent barrier is (centrally guided) maintenance. Further frequent barriers are the use of adequate material/equipment parts, periodic inspection and safety device. Most frequent general failure type is design, followed at a distance by maintenance management, organization, procedures and other types. To reach the above mentioned reduction of incidents, it is proposed to improve these barriers and general failure types. Although focusing on the Dutch part of the company, results are also usable for the equivalent facilities in the USA. The research presented in this article is based on a final report of the post graduate master course 'Management of Safety, Health and Environment' of the Delft University of Technology. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.