Definition(s)
Hydrocarbon Release
Hydrocarbon release refers to an unintentional or uncontrolled release of gas or liquid hydrocarbons from the processing, storage or offloading systems on a production or drilling installation. A hydrocarbon release does not include releases that result from processes designed into the production and processing systems to respond to upset conditions (e.g. blowdown system). Note: IRF (www.irfoffshoresafety.com/country/performance/scope.aspx). Two types of hydrocarbon releases shall be reported:
A Major Hydrocarbon Release is defined as:
• A gas release rate above 1 kg/sec for at least 5 minutes duration
• The amount of gas released is greater than 300 kg or
• The amount of liquid released is greater than 300 L.
A Significant Hydrocarbon Release is defined as:
• A gas release rate between 0.1 kg/sec and 1 kg/sec and lasts for 2 to 5 minutes
• The amount of gas released is between 1 kg and 300 kg or
• The amount of liquid released is between 5 L and 300 L.
Incident Reporting and Investigation Guidelines, The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, November 30, 2012. Regulatory Guidance