Written by Allister Thomas and Chris Jaffray –
The incident in November 2014 took place on the Brent Delta installation when a gas cylinder unexpectedly discharged, causing projectiles to strike a worker.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard today that technicians were required to replace a gas cylinder within a system used to extinguish fires on November 9, 2014.
One technician rolled what he thought was an empty cylinder and took off a protective cap, however the cylinder was in fact fully charged which caused an uncontrolled release of gas and a loud bang – resulting in the technician dropping the cylinder which caused the valve to shear, with projectiles severely injuring a second technician.
An investigation from the Health and Safety Executive found the company had failed to take appropriate steps to ensure the risks related to handling of pressurised cylinders were eliminated.
The company failed to remove pressurised cylinders which were not safe for use and had not provided information in respect to safe handling of energised gas cylinders.
Shell said it “deeply regrets” the incident and has since made a number of safety improvements.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard the injuries sustained could have been far worse.
shellplc.website and its sister non-profit websites royaldutchshellplc.com, royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellenergy.website, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, shellnews.net and shell2004.com are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia feature.
0 Comments on “Shell fined £60,000 after worker severely injured on Brent Delta”
Leave a Comment