Methane can be liquefied and transported at extremely low temperatures as LNG

MSA Safety has some advice for navigating the hazards of methane gas leaks

Methane (CH₄) is a simple hydrocarbon and the primary component of natural gas. Colourless and odourless, it possesses several key properties that make it both a valuable resource and a potential hazard. Strict safety measures and protocols are needed to manage the risks associated with methane’s high energy content and the extreme conditions required to keep it in liquid form.

The explosive hazards of methane gas leaks

Methane, being a highly combustible gas, can form explosive mixtures with air in concentrations ranging from 5% to 15%. This property, combined with its odourless nature, underlines the need for vigilance in detecting leaks before they escalate into dangerous situations. When leaked into confined spaces, such as buildings or pipelines, methane can create an explosive atmosphere, where even a small spark or ignition source can trigger an explosion.

The physical state of methane as a colourless and odourless gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure makes it difficult to detect without specialised equipment. Methane leaks in pipelines, storage facilities, or other infrastructure can result from corrosion, equipment malfunctions, or inadequate maintenance. These leaks not only release methane into the atmosphere but also expose these facilities to the risk of explosions.

Methane can be liquefied and transported at extremely low temperatures as LNG, a critical component of the global energy industry and an important energy transition fuel. The transportation and storage of LNG come with their own set of specific and unique hazards.

Preventing methane gas leaks

Effective detection methods and preventive measures can mitigate the unique hazards associated with both gaseous and liquefied methane, particularly in confined spaces and during LNG transport and store.

1. Inspection and maintenance:

Regular inspections can help to identify potential vulnerabilities in infrastructure, such as corroded pipes or faulty equipment.

2. Enhanced leak detection technologies:

Utilizing cutting-edge technologies, including advanced gas sensors, can improve the detection of methane leaks before they escalate.

3. Emergency shutdown systems:

Implementing robust emergency shutdown systems in infrastructure can swiftly isolate and contain methane leaks in the event of detection.

4. Public awareness and preparedness:

The addition of odorants like mercaptan to natural gas, plays an important role in public safety. Public awareness campaigns, coupled with clear guidance on emergency response procedures, further enhance community preparedness against the explosive hazards of methane leaks.

Gas monitoring methods for methane leaks

Detecting methane gas leaks can help to avoid environmental hazards and potential explosive situations. Several methods and technologies are employed for methane leak detection. They include:

• Point detectors: These are fixed devices that can detect methane levels in specific locations where they are installed. They provide real-time readings and are often used in areas with known risks. Infrared and catalytic bead sensors are common detection methods.

• Open path detectors: These devices use infrared technology to detect methane along an open path between a transmitter and a receiver. Changes in the infrared light absorption indicate the presence of methane.

• Acoustic detectors: Acoustic (ultrasonic) sensors can detect the sound of gas escaping from leaks. This method is especially useful for identifying leaks in pressurised systems and can complement other detection methods.

• Fire and gas detection controllers: Used to power the connected methane fire and gas detectors and display measured gas concentrations. They can also monitor the limit values, actuate alarm devices, and initiate risk reduction measures.

Combining multiple detection methods can provide a more comprehensive and reliable approach to identifying and addressing methane gas leaks promptly. The choice of method often depends on factors such as the size of the area to be monitored, accessibility, and the severity of potential risks.

Understanding the unique properties of methane, from its chemical composition to physical characteristics, underscores the explosive dangers associated with gas leaks. By combining rigorous inspection, advanced detection technologies, emergency shutdown systems, and community education, risks can be mitigated, helping to ensure a safer and more secure future for all.

Find out more at https://gb.msasafety.com/submarket/oilandgas-lng

The programme is designed to elevate workplace safety, minimise incidents, and cultivate a culture of safety excellence. (Image source: SafeStart)

A new year brings new opportunities, and there’s no better time to start rethinking your personal safety – both on and off the job, says Larry Wilson, Author and CEO, SafeStart

This month, we’re pausing our Paradigm Shifts series to bring you an exciting invitation: join us for the SafeStart Trainer Certification Level 1 Course in Dubai, UAE! This immersive two-day programme is designed to elevate workplace safety, minimise incidents, and cultivate a culture of safety excellence. You’ll gain valuable insights and practical tools to effectively implement the SafeStart process and become a certified trainer.

Event Details

Date: 18–19 February 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Media Rotana, Hessa Street, Dubai, UAE

What is SafeStart?

SafeStart is a globally renowned safety program that helps organisations reduce workplace incidents by addressing human factors, critical errors, and decision-making risks. This Level 1 certification will guide you through SafeStart’s six-step process, enabling you to drive long-term cultural change and boost performance.

Explore the agenda highlights here.

Don’t miss this opportunity – spaces are limited, so secure your place today!

Looking forward to seeing you in Dubai!

Warm regards,
Larry Wilson
SafeStart Author and CEO

Figuring out when an incident will take place will be important. (Image source: Canva)

Larry Wilson, Author and CEO, SafeStart, emphasises the critical importance of identifying "when" we're most vulnerable to complacency and critical errors. Read on:

As we keep exploring the series Paradigm Shifts in Safety, we’re excited for you to check out the eighth article in this 12-part series.

Lots of ground covered so far: hazardous energy and movement, three sources of unexpected events (over 95% in the Self-Area), the counter-intuitive nature of dangerous activities vs. actual outcomes and then why: because when both our eyes and mind are not on task, for that moment, we are defenseless.

So as mentioned in an earlier article, it’s not that we are totally defenseless, it’s that from time to time, we are “momentarily defenseless”. which is why you hear so many people talking about car wrecks or serious injuries, saying that I really wasn’t doing anything wrong, I wasn’t really speeding or rushing. Okay, I was a bit tired and I was thinking about a problem at work, or home, or whatever… and then (car wreck, bad fall, serious cut, blown knee, concussion, etc.).

So, figuring out “when”, becomes the crux of the matter. Unless we know when those moments will happen, knowing why we get hurt badly (eyes and mind not on task/no reflex) won’t help to prevent the next one. So, figuring out the “when” part is the key. And unfortunately, for so many years, the focus has been on “what” the people were doing and how much hazardous energy they were dealing with (which is important) but not, which is the main paradigm shift here, not nearly as important as figuring out when.

When will you or me or the next guy in line— when will we be most likely to make both critical errors at the same time—where there is also a significant amount of hazardous energy involved?

Well… it will likely be doing something that you have been doing for a while, because at the beginning of any activity where there is a fair bit of hazardous energy and the potential for injury – “awareness“ or “eyes and mind on task” – is very high (see Figure #1).

During this first period with an activity or skill it is possible and normally quite natural to self-trigger or to be able to self-trigger on the amount of hazardous energy. And as a result, it’s easy to stay focused. It may even seem, at least when you first start out, that it would be impossible to become complacent.

However, as we all know, the initial fear rarely lasts forever. And over a period of time, depending on the activity or skill required, we come to the first stage of complacency. This is where the fear or skill is no longer pre-occupying.

And as mentioned in previous articles, we don’t give our minds permission to wander. It happens without our permission or without making a decision to think about something else (Figure #1). So even if you don’t have anything else you need to think about or want to think about, your mind can still drift away.

But if you’re rushing, chances are it’s for a reason. It might be because you want to get there early. More likely, it’s because you don’t want to be late. Either way, that’s what most people think about when they’re rushing—not what is the risk in the moment – right now (driving really fast on a city street). And if the consequences for being late are going to be really bad (late for meeting at work)…

Click here for the full article and to learn why understanding when moments of vulnerability occur is key to prevention, not just focusing on what we’re doing. Discover how to shift your perspective and enhance your safety strategies: https://ae.safestart.com/paradigm-shifts/8-the-complacency-continuum-and-when-vs-what/

The white paper uncovers troubling lapses in maritime fire safety practices. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A Survitec white paper highlighting maritime fire safety risks has won the Safety in Maritime (Marine) award at the IBJ Awards

The paper, titled "Why Are the Fires Not Going Out? Unveiling the True Cost of Inadequate Fire Safety Inspections", exposes the widespread failures in fire safety practices that have led to an alarming increase in shipboard fire incidents worldwide.

Drawing on data and testimonies from Survitec’s certified service technicians, the white paper uncovers troubling lapses in fire safety practices. According to the paper, some ship operators are relying on untrained crews for fire safety maintenance due to post-COVID cost-cutting measures. These practices have led to avoidable system failures, such as the use of incorrect or counterfeit parts, poorly fitted equipment, and contamination of essential firefighting systems. Survitec also highlights instances of substandard inspections and approvals where safety certifications were granted despite obvious deficiencies.

Metkel Yohannes, director of Service & Rental Solutions at Survitec, said, “Shipboard fires have risen by 17% year-on-year, becoming one of the leading causes of maritime losses and the most expensive source of marine insurance claims, accounting for over 20% of total losses.

“While advancements in fire detection and protection technologies have been made, the industry is still seeing alarming levels of fire safety deficiencies, with thousands of incidents reported each year by international inspection authorities. This highlights an urgent need for improved oversight and maintenance practices across the sector.”

One example highlighted a vessel that experienced an engine room fire. While the crew successfully extinguished the flames, they discovered a fault in their high-expansion foam firefighting system, caused by a protective cap left inside the system after the installation of a new foam pump.

In another instance, a fire broke out aboard a bulk carrier in early 2024 after more than half the recently inspected and certified CO2 cylinders failed to activate.

The study also raises concerns about the growing risks of alternative fuels and lithium-ion batteries, which require specialised detection and firefighting systems. Survitec argues for more stringent oversight of service providers, urging the maritime industry to adopt higher quality control benchmarks and ensure that all fire safety inspections meet rigorous international standards.

Yohannes concluded, “Shipowners and operators need accredited partners with the expertise to ensure their safety systems perform under the most demanding conditions. Anything less is not only a false economy but a threat to crew safety and vessel integrity.”