Identification of possible human errors that can result in fires/explosions during tankers' cargo loading/unloading operations at the XYZ marine petroleum terminal

Abstract

This study identifies possible human errors that can result in fires/explosions during tankers’ cargo loading/unloading operations at the XYZ marine petroleum terminal. Risk control solutions are developed to minimize the human errors. Between the oil fields of the world and the users of derivative products, independent terminals like XYZ perform vital connecting services. Independent storage terminals are those which are not owned by the clients they serve and do not own any of the products they handle. XYZ’s clients include private and state oil companies, refiners, petrochemical companies, and traders in petroleum products and chemicals. Located in Houston, Texas, the XYZ terminal handles more than 3.6 million tons of oil products annually (XYZ terminal, 2000). Similarly, oil tankers play a vital role on the transportation of the major part of the world's huge production of crude oil. Supertankers carrying 300,000 tons or more of crude are in service, and oil accounts for half the annual tonnage of all sea cargoes. (International Labour Office Geneva, 1983). In general, the bulk carriage of crude oil presents special problems, such as the surging and expansion of the liquid cargo. In addition, the hazardous nature of crude oil has to be taken into account; flammable vapors have to be dispersed safely, especially during fast loading/unloading of cargo at the marine terminals. To meet some of these requirements, tankers are equipped with inert gas systems and vapor control systems to minimize fire and explosion risks (Carlebur, 1995). Despite the advances that have been made in tanker design, fire prevention systems, and firefighting technology, shipboard fires remain a very real threat (Mediola & Achutegui, 2000). The enormous amount of hazardous and flammable materials transported by water raises concerns not only for the safety of the vessel’s crew, but also for the protection of the surrounding environment against catastrophic spills and pollution (Williams, 1999). Human errors have been determined as one of the biggest causes of these accidental losses. At least 80% of the 911 tanker accidents that occurred between 1974 and 1996 were caused by human error (Marcus & Brown, 1997). Accident data gathered worldwide has verified that human errors were the cause of 64% of the accidents during loading/unloading operations (Hart, 1994). According to the International Tanker Owner Pollution Federation Ltd (2000), the highest likelihood of occurrence for fires/explosions happens during operational activities at the loading/unloading jetty. The Objectives of this study is to (1) identify possible types of human errors that can result in fires/explosions during tankers’ cargo loading/unloading operations and (2) provide risk control solutions to the identified problems at the XYZ petroleum marine terminal. A literature review was conducted in order to compiles available information for the better understanding of possible human errors that result in fires/explosions during tankers’ cargo loading/unloading operations. Twenty questionnaire-surveys were sent to the terminal and ten of them returned with answers. Consequently, a secondary study was needed in order to support and verify the results previously mentioned above. This section summarizes some of the most relevant worldwide human-error experiences that have resulted in fires/explosions during tankers´cargo loading/unloading operations within the petroleum industry. Finally, the research brings conclusions and recommendation to be used in future operations at the XYZ terminal.