Piper Alpha disaster
Background: 6th July 1988
A release of condensate on the Piper Alpha platform led to a series of explosions and fires. These, in turn, caused its destruction. The severity of the incident was increased as a result of a failure by other platforms to cease operations.
The damage:
- A total of 169 people perished including two rescuers
- Only 62 people survived from the the 229 man crew
- Many of the survivors suffered serious injuries
Lessons to take:
A far-reaching investigation by Lord Cullen led to 106 recommendations, including:
- Improved leadership training
- Increased training and better competency review
- Improvements in emergency response arrangements
- Better permit to work control
- Increased protection for control rooms
