Safety gap analysis in oil platform: neft dashlari (SOCAR) in absheron peninsula case study and proposed measures

Abstract

This thesis presents a comprehensive safety gap analysis of the No. 5 oil and gas production platform of the historic Oil Rocks (Neft Daşları) field operated by SOCAR, located in the Absheron Peninsula. As one of the oldest offshore oil production facilities still in operation, the platform faces significant age-related challenges that necessitate systematic assessment and improvement of its process safety, firefighting systems, electrical infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. The research was formally authorized for academic purposes and conducted through field visits, document reviews, technical inspections and discussions with experienced engineering personnel. The study followed a structured methodological framework designed to determine the platform's real risk level based on empirical observations and existing documentation. The process began with an extensive site visit aimed at evaluating the physical and operational condition of equipment and systems. During this stage, attention was given not only to the visible technical condition of critical components but also to operational behaviors, housekeeping standards and the practical implementation of existing safety measures. The observations collected during the site visit provided an essential foundation for the subsequent analytical stages. Following the field assessment, a detailed review of existing documents was conducted, including operational procedures, safety instructions, inspection and maintenance reports, and incident or failure records. This evaluation allowed for the identification of recurring deficiencies, outdated practices and areas where safety controls were either insufficient or inadequately implemented. Reviewing documentation alongside field observations provided a holistic picture of the platform operational reality, revealing both technical vulnerabilities and organizational gaps. The next stage involved application of the HAZID (Hazard Identification) method to systematically identify potential deviations that could occur in the process, equipment, and operating environment. Each deviation was assessed in terms of its causes, mechanisms, and possible escalation paths. For every identified deviation, the analysis considered potential human, environmental and operational consequences, including scenarios involving equipment damage, process shutdowns, and risks to personnel. Once potential hazards and deviations were clearly defined, a Real Risk Calculation was performed using the SOCAR 5×5 Risk Assessment Matrix. This calculation incorporated both the inherent hazards and the actual status of existing preventive safeguards. By considering the integrity and reliability of current protective barriers, the analysis produced realistic residual risk values rather than merely theoretical estimations. This step was essential for ensuring that the final risk ratings reflected the true operational conditions on the platform. Based on the findings from HAZID and the risk evaluation, five major deviations were selected for deeper analysis. These included Flammable Gas Leakage, Toxic Gas Leakage, Liquid Hydrocarbon Leakage, Flare Flame Out, and Crude Oil Spill. Each deviation was examined in detail to determine the current risk level, the effectiveness of existing safeguards and the necessary additional measures required to reduce risks to acceptable or ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) levels. The assessment demonstrated that the implementation of recommended preventive and mitigative actions significantly reduced the likelihood of severe incidents. Although some deviations such as Flammable Gas Leakage (C4L1) and Toxic Gas Leakage (C5L1) initially posed high-consequence risks, the revised safeguards brought their likelihood down to the lowest credible level, placing them safely within the acceptable risk zone. Other deviations, such as Liquid Hydrocarbon Leakage (C3L1), Flare Flame Out (C3L1), and Crude Oil Spill (C3L2), were also reduced to levels consistent with SOCAR's tolerable ALARP region. These results indicate that further reducing the remaining risks would require disproportionate effort compared to the benefit gained, confirming that the achieved residual risk levels meet ALARP requirements. The thesis concludes by outlining targeted technical and operational recommendations tailored to each deviation and the overall platform condition. These include improvements to detection and alarm systems, periodic testing of firefighting equipment, enhanced preventive maintenance scheduling, modernization of obsolete electrical components, and strengthening of emergency response procedures. Collectively, these measures aim to bridge the identified safety gaps and elevate the platform's safety performance to contemporary offshore industry standards. Overall, the study provides a structured, evidence-based evaluation of operational safety at the Oil Rocks platform#5 and contributes valuable recommendations for improving risk management practices in aging offshore facilities. The research underscores the importance of systematic hazard identification, realistic risk evaluation, and continuous improvement to ensure safe and reliable operations in legacy oil and gas infrastructures.