Risk modelling of fires and explosions on offshore platforms

Incidents involving fires and explosions present a major hazard to the workforce on offshore oil and gas platforms. Following the Piper Alpha Disaster in 1988, platform operators for the UK sector are required to submit safety cases for approval by the Health and Safety Executive. A key requirement of these safety cases is that hazards associated with an accidental release of hydrocarbons have been demonstrated to be as low as reasonably practicable. This paper describes an analysis using the SAROS (Safety and Reliability of Offshore Structures) software, developed to estimate the expected frequency of fatalities on offshore platforms with open-sided modules. The analysis involves identification and variation of a number of key input parameters within the model to determine the effect on the estimated frequency and magnitude of jet fires, pool fires and explosions and consequent fatalities. The aim is to identify propositions that can be implemented on offshore platforms in order to minimise the risk of fatalities.