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The LASTFIRE (Large Atmospheric Storage Tanks) Project was conceived in the late 1990s by a consortium of 16 oil companies. The original aim of the project was to review the risks associated with large diameter (greater than 40 m) open top floating roof storage tanks. The project was initiated due to the recognition by the oil and petrochemical industries that the fire hazards associated with large diameter open top floating roof tanks were insufficiently understood to be able to develop fully justified site specific fire response and risk reduction policies. A true Fire Hazard Management (FHM) approach to reducing the fire associated risk to as low as is reasonably practicable was adopted during the project. This is in line with regulatory trends towards preparation of “Safety Cases" whereby all aspects of risk mitigation including incident prevention are reviewed.
Under the direction of a Project Coordinator, a Working Group including Shell and BP Research personnel worked closely with the project sponsors to investigate these risks and to disseminate the findings of the review in the form of a comprehensive 300 page document including: • Incident frequency survey • Review of incident escalation mechanisms • Risk reduction options • Review of foam properties • Risk workbook • Lightning issues review • Foam performance test for storage tank fires The original LASTFIRE Project provided an independent and comprehensive assessment of fire related risk in large, open top floating roof storage tanks resulting in a methodology by which site specific Fire Hazard Management policies can be developed and implemented. It therefore represented a major advance in the knowledge of this risk.
Members recognised the importance of the LASTFIRE Project as a forum for knowledge sharing and research and the project continued and developed into the forum that it is today. Since conception, a number of significant studies have been developed by the group including, but not limited to: • Foam Assurance Guidance • Boilover Study • PFAS-free Foam Testing Reports
