• A tanker driver spotted product on the floor


• He advised site team who investigated and found no issues.


• Removed cladding at ground level to check source of leak


• Product identified in cladding and around inlet pipe – no tank fracture and inlet pipe not for that tank Ignition occurred following morning as a result of heat from the tank allowing lighter oils released from pipework volatize effect ?? pipe fracture identified - aged insulation (>20years) disintegrated acting as a wick.


• By removing the cladding to check issue effectively open to air oxygen introduced and over 8hours unseen smouldering occurred to enable ignition after glowing effect


• Local site measures put out the fire and brigade called. Attended site, removed cladding using non sparking - fire safe equipment to reveal and remove further hazards


• Fire watch teams put in place until all risk removed over a 3 day 24/7 period

Safety procedures

• Correct, relevant and followed
• Fire brigade provided information appropriate to the event and safety considerations
• Site controls – interactions and pressures managed
• Early assessment of possible causes and interaction with SHEQ team, Fire service and manufacturers
• Fracture as a result of welding to the tank and pipe and no allowance for  the movement, d clamp type bolts not used.
• As pipes inside insulation and cladding no ability to inspect without removing, unusual arrangement
• Design of intake system unusual for current times but could exist elsewhere so immediate calls to all units and assessments carried out within 12hours
• Inspections of equipment and shared learnings with ourselves and others via industry working groups and own networks
• Alert to be shared with MPA working group and associated organisations

SEE ATTACHED PDF FOR IMAGES AND MORE DETAILS