A RATIONAL APPROACH TO FIRE SAFETY OF OFFSHORE INSTALLATIONS

Nearly 50% of the serious accidents which have occurred on fixed platforms are due to fire, blowout and explosions, sometimes with dramatic consequences, as shown by the Piper Alpha disaster. This has focused attention on the problem of a rational identification of hazard scenarios and optimisation of topsides. In this paper, an overview of the European state-of-the-art with respect to fire safety of offshore structures is given and the need to integrate all the aspects relevant to an effective management of safety into a rational context is highlighted. This harmonisation of the design approach to fire safety in the offshore field is the objective of a specific research project, partly funded by the CEC, which is about to start. The goal will be reached, on the basis of existing regulations, available techniques, computational tools and simulation programs, through the following main steps, which are briefly outlined in the paper: 1. development of standardised fire hazard scenarios for topsides; 2. development of tools for the cost/benefit optimisation of layout design with respect to fire safety, taking into account the probabilistic aspect of the phenomena; 3. harmonisation of existing regulations and updating of design guidelines for topside fire safety, as well as the development of recommendations for emergency, escape and abandonment procedures during a fire.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Offshore Safety: Protection of Life and the Environment, Intl Conf; 20-21 May 1992; London, U.K. Sponsored and Organised by Inst Marine Engrs and RINA. Pprs. Pubs by Marine Management (Holdings) Ltd., U.K. Ppr 22, p 175 [5 p, 14 ref, 1 tab]
• Authors:
  • Cazzulo, R
  • Murgia, C
  • Ziliotto, F
• Publication Date: 1992

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fire prevention; Fires; Protection; Safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Platform safety
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00704652
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM