Adam Fontenot Finds Hazardous Grating

Great job to Compliance Coordinator Adam Fontenot for his safe work and recent WATCH Card submission.

On a recent compliance visit to an abandoned satellite platform in the Gulf of Mexico, Adam and an operator performed a walk around inspection and were tracing out piping. While tracing out piping, he stepped on a section of grating and heard a crackle sound. The grating did not appear rusted but felt “spongy,” so he stepped back and called over the production operator to assess the area.

After lightly touching the grating with the toe of his boot, a section of grating measuring approximately three feet wide and four feet long fell into the water. The two immediately stepped back to barricade and cover the open area. Upon inspection, Adam and his coworker found an angle iron support underneath the grating that was severly corroded, which gave way when he tapped the of grating with his foot. 

They then devised a game plan, communicating the safest way to protect the open hole without leaving it unattended. Working from a safe distance, they decided to slide pieces of grating to cover the hole to eliminate hazards. Then, they were able to secure the grating and a erect a temporary hard barricade. Additionally, they went a step further and hard-barricaded the stair case leading to the affected area to prevent access until the construction team could make the necessary repairs. 

Not only did Adam do a great job handling this situation, but he also effectively communicated with the other personnel on the platform to ensure everyone was aware of the situation.

This is a reminder that we need to remain vigilant in identifying defective grating and supports beneath grating. Thank you, Adam, for your communication, commitment to Safety and Bias to Action!