Fire and Explosion

Hazard Management (FEHM):

An Overview
Overview of Fire and Explosion Hazard Management Figures

Figure 1. Accident Investigation and Causal Analysis

Figure 2. Fire and Explosion Incidents:

Relationship of Key FEHM Components

Figure 3. Understanding Fire and Explosion Mechanics: Fault-

Tree-Analysis Diagram based on Ball Energy Model

Figure 4. Preventing Fires and Explosions:

Understanding the Expanded Fire Triangle

Figure 5. Fire and Explosion Hazard Management (FEHM)

Process

Figure 6. Stages of a Fire and Explosion Hazard Management

Process

Figure 7. Potential Fire and Explosion Controls

Figure 8. Fire and Explosions – Overview of System Dynamics

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

 Overview of Fire and Explosion
Hazard Management Figures
The purpose of the document is to provide a printable version and brief
explanation of the diagrams used to develop Industry Recommended Practice
IRP 18 – Fire and Explosion Hazard Management. These diagrams were created
as part of the work of a Canadian Oil and Gas Industry Committee looking into
fires and explosions in the upstream industry. Enform has issued an Industry
Recommended Practice prepared by the IRP18 Committee. Further information
about this IRP can be found on the Enform website http://www.enform.ca/316.
These diagrams were created by Walter Tersmette, P. Eng., as part of his role as
the Co-chairman of this industry committee.
Figure Discussion
1 Accident Investigation and Causal Analysis
One focus of the IRP18 Committee’s work was to identify and analyze relevant
fire and explosion case studies. To complete the analysis, two accident theory
models used by the safety industry were applied: 1) James Reason’s “Swiss
Cheese” model and 2) Edward Adam’s “Organizational Responsibility Model”.
Reason’s “Swiss Cheese” model sets out the basic relationships between
hazards, defenses and losses. The model identifies three basic levels of
defenses based on organizational, local workplace and human factors and the
potential holes in those defenses. Adam’s “Organizational Responsibility Model”
looks more closely at the activities of managers, supervisors and workers, the key
people in every management system.
2 Fire and Explosion Incidents: Relationship of Key FEHM Components
This diagram illustrates the relationship between the key components of fire and
explosion management relative to the sequential events in an accident.
• What was the fire and explosion hazard management process? (FEHM - This
is described by Figures 5, 6 and 7)
• Were the potential hazards fully recognized: fuel, oxygen-air and ignition-
energy sources? (Figure 4)
• What were the preventive barriers and controls? What plans and procedures
were established to manage the potential job hazards? How did they or could
they fail? Could these have been anticipated and addressed in the job
planning stages?
• What events occurred that may have escalated the severity of events? What
protective measures did or could have altered the outcome?

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

Figure Discussion
3 Understanding Fire and Explosion Mechanics: A Simplified Fault-
Tree Analysis
This is a simplified fault-tree-analysis diagram based on the Ball Energy Model.
One important addition resulting from the analysis of fire and explosion case
studies was the recognition that dealing with a ‘closed’ system, there is a need to
assess how oxygen may enter that system and the potential consequences
should this occur.
4 Preventing Fires and Explosions - Understanding the Fire Triangle
Based on the case studies reviewed, the committee ascertained that many of the
incidents were the result of failure to recognize potential fire and explosion
hazards. Figure 4 shows a more complete range of potential hazards related to
fuel, oxygen and ignition sources.
5 Fire and Explosion Hazard Management (FEHM) Process
This diagram depicts the relationship between an employer’s philosophy, fire and
explosion hazard management process and prevention plans and controls.
6 Stages of a Fire and Explosion Hazard Management Process
This diagram depicts the five stages of an effective FEHM process. The figure
includes reduced images of a number of the other figures to help clarify the
relationships between the figures in this document.
7 Potential Fire and Explosion Controls
This diagram shows a list of potential controls that should be considered to
prevent or reduce the risk of fires and explosions.
8 Fire and Explosions – Overview of System Dynamics
This diagram shows the complex interrelations between the three components of
the fire triangle and the factors affecting the probability of ignition.

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

 Figure 1
Investigation and Analysis of Fire and Explosion Incidents
Incident Causation Model

Management Supervisor Worker

Defenses
Fire
Fire & Explosion Explosion
Hazard - Threat Incident

Organizational Workplace Human

Engineering Administrative Protective

Controls Controls Equipment

ƒ Determining the Nature of Incident Dynamics

ƒ Understanding the Physical Operations Being Completed
ƒ Identifying Site Layout, Equipment and Protection
ƒ Assessing the Ability of People to Avoid Errors

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

 Figure 2
Fire and Explosion Incidents:
Relationship of Key FEHM Components
Hazard Identification Consequences
Risk Assessment

Expanded Worker
Fire Injuries
Fire & Triangle Fatalities
Explosion Fuel - HC
Hazard Develop
- Gases Fire & Fire
Management - Liquids Well Control
Explosion
Process - Vapours Prevention
Explosion Escalation Public Safety
- Chemical Plans - Incident Events Environmental
- Solids Implement Impacts
(FEHM) Control
Oxygen - Air Measures
Source
Equipment
Energy Damage
Ignition
Source Preventive Protective &
Barriers & Emergency
Controls Controls

What Can Go Wrong? Preventive Controls

Fire and Explosion .Strategy / Protocol Fuel – Hydrocarbon Source Controls Equipment and Design Controls Operating Plans and Threat Barriers Threat Barriers Threat Barriers
Design Standards Present Fail Present Fail Present Fail
A fire and explosion strategy is a systematic Hazardous Material
approach to identifying, reducing and managing
Operating Plans
hazards. A fire and explosion protocol is concise and Oxygen Sources and Procedures
FEHMH documents the company’s approach on how it plans
Philosophy to meet the overall hazard management philosophy
Ignition Sources Worker Training
What a company of the company.
believes, their
Fuel Oxygen Ignition
approach to hazard
management, and what Procedures STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3 STAGE Heat (Ignition) Oxygen (Air) Source Source Source
FEHM
“Oxygen –Air Source”

risk they are willing to accept.

Procedures describing how Assessment of the Fire Evaluation of Alternative Development of a Fire Implementa
Strategy / Protocol and Explosion Risk for Preventive & Protective and Explosion Hazard Protective Figure XX
Control

strategy / protocol is
implemented. the Planned Operations Control Measures Management Strategy Preventive C Potential Control Methods
How and when a company plans
to execute their philosophies. • System & Equipment Design
Strategy
• Inherently safe design • Risk assessment • Layout and Spacing Alarms and Controls
• Process safety management • Emergency response Incident Experience
• Project design reviews • Fire protection • Equipment Inspection &
• Safety management • Explosion protection Maintenance
Detection / Suppression Procedures
• Operating Procedures Planned Operations Systems
Procedures • Gas and Fire Detection Fire
Practical procedures that are the nuts and bolts of a • Emergency Controls and Equipment Emergency Equipment • Explosion
company’s operations and FEHM. These procedures describe Shutdowns Requirements InciSolvent
how to implement their strategies. • Emergency Response d
Equipment and Procedures What Are You Doing?
Emergency Procedures
Fuels [6]
• Fire Protection Systems
Energy – Ignition Source Controls Detection and Suppression Systems Emergency
Protective Controls

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

 Figure 3
Understanding Fire and Explosion Mechanics
Fault-Tree-Analysis Diagram based on Ball Energy Model

Hazard Barriers / Hazard Barriers / Hazard Barriers /

Threat Controls Threat Controls Threat Controls
Present Fail Present Fail Present Fail

Ignition Fuel Oxygen

Source Source Source

Must be considered for those

operations where oxygen may be
introduced into a “closed”
Heat (Ignition)
FEHM
Oxygen (Air) Fire and system. For hydrocarbon
Strategy Explosion releases into atmosphere, there
Procedures Incident is no opportunity to affect this
dimension of the fire triangle.
Fuels [6]

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

 Figure 4
Preventing Fires and Explosions: Understanding the Fire Triangle

Heat / Ignition Sources [5] Oxygen Sources

1. Hot Work Planned Introduction of Air
2. Vehicles (Inluding engines and o Air-based operations
3. Other Open Flames (i.e. Flare o Air Purging
Stacks, Burners, Torches)
Unplanned Introduction of Air
4. Electric Arcs and Sparks (i.e. o Underbalanced operations
non-explosion proof equipment) o Swabbing & other operations
5. Static Electricity Ignition / Oxygen / Air that create a vacuum
6. Hot Surfaces E FEHM o Pockets of air created during the
7. Friction and Mechanical Sparks installation and servicing of
8. Chemical Reactions and Sparks Strategy Equipment
(i.e. fuel - oxidizer reactions) o Oxidized (Weathered)
9. Spontaneous Combustion Procedure Hydrocarbons
10. Pyrophors (i.e. Iron Sulphide) o Oxidizers
11. Pressure / Compression Ignition o Chemical Reactions
(Dieseling) o On-Site Generated Nitrogen
Fuels [6]
12. Sudden Decompression o Tank Drawdown
13. Catalytic Reactions Release of Hydrocarbons into Air

Gases Liquids / Vapours Chemicals Solids

o Natural Gas o Crude oil / Condensate o Solvents and cleaning o Lubricants
o Hydrogen Sulphide o NGL liquids agents o Sealants,
o LPG Gases (Including o Hydrocarbon based frac o Special compounded o Packings, “O” rings,
propane and butane) fluids hydraulic fluids & diaphragms and valve
o Other hazardous gases o Gasoline, Diesel & other lubricants seats
(i.e. hydrogen, acetylene, fuels o Chemicals used for well o Paints and Coatings
carbon monoxide) o Methanol servicing and stimulations
Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1
 Figure 5
Fire and Explosion Hazard Management (FEHM) Process
Fire and Explosion Management Process
The overall strategic approach the company establishes
for managing fire and explosion hazards.
• Hazard / Risk Assessment • Inherently Safe Design
• Assigned Responsibilities • Process Safety Management
FEHM • Education & Training • Safety Management Systems
Philosophy • Site-Specific Prevention • Communication (Worksite &
Planning Industry)
What a company
believes. Its approach
to hazard management Prevention Plans
and what risk it is The specific measures that
willing to accept. determine how the FEHM
process is implemented.
Preventive Barriers and Controls
FEHM Process ƒ System & Equipment Design
This is the company’s overall, systematic ƒ Layout and Spacing
approach to identifying, reducing and ƒ Equipment Inspection &
Maintenance
managing hazards. It defines how and when a
company plans to execute its philosophies. ƒ Operating Procedures
Protective & Emergency Controls
ƒ Gas and Fire Detection
Fire and Explosion Prevention Plans ƒ Emergency Controls and
These concise plans document the protocols required for Shutdowns
specific operations. They show how the FEHM philosophy and ƒ Emergency Response
program will be applied to a specific job and work site. Equipment and Procedures
ƒ Fire Protection Systems

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

 Figure 6– Stages of a Fire and Explosion Hazard Management Process

What Can Go Wrong? Preventive Controls

Equipment Design
Fuel Source and Barriers

Operating Plans
Oxygen Sources and Procedures

Ignition Sources Worker Training

STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3 STAGE 4 STAGE 5

Assess Fire and Identify Need for Site- Evaluate and Develop & Monitor
Explosion Hazards Specific Fire & Choose Fire and Implement Fire Effectiveness &
for Planned Explosion Prevention Explosion Control & Explosion Revise Process
Operations Plan Measures Prevention Plan as Needed

Alarms and Controls

Incident Experience

Detection / Suppression
Planned Operations Systems

Emergency Equipment
Equipment
Requirements
Emergency Procedures

What Are You Doing? Protective Controls

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

Fuel – Hydrocarbon Source Controls Equipment and Design Controls Operating Plans and Practices

Purge Out of Service Equipment Design Specifications Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
(Clean or Clear)
Lease / Equipment Layout Site-Specific Operating Procedures

Isolate - Blank and Blind.

(Lock-out / Tag Out) Vehicle Access Control Codes of Practice & Related IRPs

Material Inventory Control Emergency Worker Training & Education

Shutdowns &
Controls
Material Substitution Safe Work Permit System

Pre-Startup Safety Review

“Oxygen –Air Source”

Purging Into Service

Figure 7 Management of Change
Control

Seals & Gaskets

Potential Fire and
Ventilation
Explosion Controls Evacuation Plans

Inert Gas Blanket

First Aid Equipment

Area Classifications Fire Control Equipment

Gas and/or Fire
Detection
Grounding and Bonding Equipment Spill Containment / Control

Elimination of Open Flames O2 / LEL sensors Escape Equipment & Routes

Pressure / Temperature Control Warning & Alarm Systems Emergency Transporation Plans

Explosion Proof Electrical Equipment Fixed Fire Protection Systems Emergency Response Plans (ERP)

Energy – Ignition Source Controls Detection and Suppression Systems Emergency Controls

Fire & Explosion Hazard Management Diagrams.doc5_DR1

 Figure 8 Fire and Explosions – Overview of System Dynamics

What controls are in place

to ensure worker and
equipment safety? What are the
What are the oxygen or air
potential energy or sources?
ignition sources?

Energy Oxygen
Can work activities Ignition Air
introduce additional
ignition sources?

Are work activities

Ignition Delays: causing oxygen/air to be
Is there enough time added into the system?
for the required heat Is it possible for fuels to
transfer to take place? be released into the
workspace?

How are work

Fuel activities affecting
What are the potential fuel Hydrocarbon fuel quantity and
– hydrocarbon sources? quality?

There are 3 key points that must be remembered:

1. Anytime all three sides of the fire triangle can co-exist, there is real potential for a fire or explosion.
2. There are 8 critical risk factors that increase the probability of a fire and explosion significantly.
3. The system is dynamic and circumstances change over time. As a result, safe situations may become unsafe.

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