HSE Alert

REF: GHSE/IN-AL/2016-15

FAILURE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER LED TO PRESSURIZED DISCHARGE AND INJURY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT

On 23rd April 2016, a dry powder (ABC type) fire extinguisher catastrophically failed while being
transferred from the cellar deck and onto the loading bay at an offshore facility. A loud noise was heard
and a thick white cloud was observed in the vicinity during the incident. A contractor was found lying
unconscious on the floor near the emptied extinguisher. Upon inspection, it was observed that the bottom
part of the extinguisher cylinder had failed. The extinguisher weighs 9 kg and operates at 14 bar gauge.

Actual photo of the extinguisher that failed

The emergency response team declared a general platform alarm and assessed the situation and the
injured person (IP). The IP was given first aid treatment and later put on a medevac to the hospital.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Pending a full investigation, the following are recommended to prevent occurrence of similar incidents:
1. A fire extinguisher should be inspected, tested, and maintained as scheduled in accordance with
the requirements in PTS 18.54.01 (Management of Fire Protection Systems).
2. A defective or corroded fire extinguisher should be immediately removed from site.
3. A defective or corroded fire extinguisher should be assessed by a competent person who should
determine whether it is safe for handling and transport, and take appropriate remedial actions.
4. A fire extinguisher should be protected from possible damage, sabotage, and the weather.

NO WORK IS SO URGENT THAT WE CANNOT TAKE THE TIME TO DO IT SAFELY

Group Health, Safety, and Environment

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The information provided herein is intended for HSE awareness only. For INTERNAL circulation only.
 5. A fire extinguisher should be provided by a supplier that is accredited by local authorities and in
compliance with relevant Malaysian Standard (such as MS 1539:2004) or other internationally
recognized standards (such as NFPA 10).

All Business/OPU/HCU heads and facility managers are responsible to ensure that all staffs, contractors,
and visitors entering PETRONAS workplaces, plants, and facilities are safe from this hazard.

CONTACT
Kamariah Hazlina Bt Kamarul Bahrain
Head HSE Risk and Incident Management, Group HSE
kamarhz@petronas.com.my

NO WORK IS SO URGENT THAT WE CANNOT TAKE THE TIME TO DO IT SAFELY

Group Health, Safety, and Environment

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The information provided herein is intended for HSE awareness only. For INTERNAL circulation only.