Apache Northwest Pty Ltd has pleaded guilty in the Karratha Magistrates Court for failing to carry out good oilfield practice and secure the safety, health and welfare of persons engaged in its operations.

The company was fined $20,000, plus $2,050 costs.

Initiated by the Department of Industry and Resources’ Petroleum Division’s Safety and Environment Branch, Apache was prosecuted for a flashback incident on 26 November 2001 under Section 97 (1) of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.

The incident occurred on the Harriet “A” Platform, near Varanus Island 135km west of Karratha when air was inadvertently pumped inside petroleum production equipment containing hydrocarbons during pipe-work modifications, leading to an internal flash fire.

The Department of Industry and Resources said while no one was injured and no equipment was damaged, the incident had potential to be more serious.