ELF DRAWS NOTICE TO IMPROVE SAFETY

British Health & Safety Executive inspectors have served Elf Enterprise Caledonia Ltd. an "improvement notice" following explosions in the North Sea Piper Bravo platform's flare system. HSE said the notice refers to incidents Feb. 7, Mar. 18, and May 2. It requires Elf Enterprise to implement a structured system for hazard identification, assessment, and risk control in a hydrocarbons processing plant. An Elf Enterprise official said a program of inspection and minor repairs to the flare

May 23, 1994

British Health & Safety Executive inspectors have served Elf Enterprise Caledonia Ltd. an "improvement notice" following explosions in the North Sea Piper Bravo platform's flare system.

HSE said the notice refers to incidents Feb. 7, Mar. 18, and May 2.

It requires Elf Enterprise to implement a structured system for hazard identification, assessment, and risk control in a hydrocarbons processing plant.

An Elf Enterprise official said a program of inspection and minor repairs to the flare system began May 13. It is expected to take at least 2 weeks.

A team of engineers and safety specialists has been briefed to ensure compliance with the notice.

Production from Piper field and its Saltire field satellite was shut in May 2 by Elf Enterprise and will remain so pending compliance.