The C-NLOPB says the Hibernia Management and Development Company has reported a near miss on the Hibernia platform earlier this week.

The offshore regulator says workers were in the process of completing a test on a high-pressure manifold when the valve handle and gearbox cap separated from an upper valve, travelling a distance of almost four metres.

The valve handle and gearbox cap weigh about 27 kilograms in total.

The C-NLOPB says five people were working in the area at the time, but no one was injured and no other equipment was damaged. A barricade was put up and operations in the area were halted while an investigation was launched to determine the exact cause of the incident.

The regulator says the certifying authority has imposed limitations on related equipment until repairs have been completed and the operator demonstrates that related systems are fit for use.

Safety officers with the regulator are travelling to the Hibernia platform in the coming days for followup with HMDC.