Initial Response

The specifics of an initial response to a blowout is dependent on many factors.  For example; on or offshore, geographic location, type of rig, remote or near third party population center, the local environmental and political sensitivity, the blowout fluids (oil, gas, water) and their exit points (underground, underwater, to atmosphere), initial causalities, missing persons, threat to third parties, severity and so forth.  Many of the general tasks that need to be addressed, however, are common.  For example:

INITIAL ON-SCENE TASKS

INITIAL OFF-SCENE TASKS

Declare the emergency to onsite personnel

Receive notice from field location

Ensure safety of personnel and third parties

Activate Emergency Response Team (ERT)

Coordinate onsite resources, SAR, Medevac

Activate Crisis Support Team (if necessary)

Notify Emergency Response Coordinator

Activate Emergency Control Room

Establish essential crew roster

Coordinate & mobilize initial off-scene support

Evacuate or downman per SOP

  SAR, medevac, evacuation, firefighting

Establish onsite command post (CP)

Make outside notifications

Set up on-scene command

  Agencies, partners, families, first responders

Evaluate situation and report same

Hold initial incident briefing

Document safety procedures

Define Initial Action Plans

Establish exclusion, hot, warm zones

Mobilize outside specialists (as required)

Maintain well site security from third parties

  Oil spill, blowout control, environmental

Ignite well if necessary for safety or pollution

Activate Source Control Team as required

Protect property, apply firewater (if necessary)

Make initial on-scene assessment

Initial On-scene Commander turn over control to Emergency Response Team for solution

Take over on-scene command