Saudi Aramco

Drilling & Workover Organization

August 2020
The Alerts are provided to all Drilling and Workover Operations Foremen and Liaisonmen so that we all learn from the
experiences of others. The knowledge of this incident could prevent similar ones from happening in the future.
Saudi Aramco policy requires the information in this Alert to be communicated to all crew members and documented on
morning reports.

What happened?

Operation was refueling heavy equipment (bulldozer) using a diesel truck. The
driver was trying to start transfer pump. After several trials, the pump failed to start,
heated up, and produced ignition sources, which started the fire on the truck. Driver
tried to extinguish the fire but could not. The fire spread quickly so he informed site
Foreman & site engineer and initiate the site emergency response.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
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Consequences:

 Property damage
 Potential serious injuries or fatality
 Operation interruption

Why did it happen?

 Failure to implement preventive maintenance for the fuel pump

 Hazard identification process for the task was not effective.

What should be done to prevent recurrence?

 Contractor shall have an effective preventive maintenance program for fuel

pumps
 Contractor shall develop a hazard identification process and implement the
preventive measurements prior to starting the task
 Enforce procedures of grounding and bonding to prevent static electricity or
spark

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use