Burns caused by release of steam and boiling water from overheated pump
- Safety Flash
- Published on 30 April 2006
- Generated on 17 September 2025
- IMCA SF 05/06
- 1 minute read
A Member has reported an injury caused by boiling water from an overheated centrifugal pump.
What happened?
During filling and pigging operations, a high volume centrifugal pump overheated due to the motion of the pump impeller. This caused the water in the pump casing to flash to steam, increasing the pressure in the pump casing and suction hose. The pressure caused the suction hose at the pump inlet to separate violently from the suction hose fitting, spraying steam and boiling water over a worker stood nearby. The worker received second degree burns to his legs.
Recommendations
The company has recommended that all operations using high volume centrifugal pumps should evaluate the procedures and piping systems in use, and ensure that they are ‘fit for purpose’, to prevent a reoccurrence of this type of incident.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.