MCR Oil Tools: PHMSA certifies safe thermite technology!

MCR Oil Tools: PHMSA certifies safe thermite technology!

On June 13, 2025, MCR Oil Tools announced that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has approved non-hazardous transportation of its thermite-based Radial Cutting Torches (RCT). This decision follows a lengthy legal battle and reaffirms the safety of MCR's technology, which is used worldwide to cut oil drilling pipes on land and in the deep sea. MCR obtained this approval after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2024 overturned the RCT's arbitrary classification as an "explosive" based on complaints from competitors that ignored factual evidence, including test results from PHMSA's thermite study itself.

The approval from PHMSA is an important step for MCR, which has manufactured advanced cutting systems for the pipe recovery industry since 1993 and relies on RCT for a majority of its sales. CEO Mike Robertson commented on the decision, highlighting the company's significant safety record, which has had no safety incidents in over 40 years. MCR plans to continue to rely on legal developments and the Fifth Circuit's decision to address the unfair classification.

Context of approval

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the thermite tool classification back to PHMSA in October 2024. This initial classification had resulted in significant shipping delays and increased administrative costs for both MCR and the oil and gas industry as a whole. PHMSA now recognizes the safe nature of the technology used by MCR, which should significantly simplify distribution to oil and gas producers worldwide.

The importance of safety regulations in the oil and gas industry cannot be overemphasized. Oil platforms are large installations that are associated with numerous dangers. The industry has high injury and death rates, making effective risk management essential. The most common hazards on oil rigs include fire and explosion hazards, chemical exposure, as well as physical hazards from heavy machinery and extreme weather conditions.

Risk management and security standards

To increase safety on oil platforms, emergency procedures and regular inspections are necessary. Compliance with safety regulations is also crucial. For example, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulates offshore oil and gas production in the UK, while international guidelines set requirements for safety management systems.

Additionally, technological advances such as remote monitoring systems can help manage risk. Offshore reefer containers have established themselves as an effective solution to ensure the safe transport of oil and gas products and reduce the risk of explosions or fires. Jason Tan, the Business Director of MGS Icestorm, has over 13 years of experience in the shipping industry and has contributed to the development of modern offshore reefer products.

The recent developments surrounding the approval of MCR Oil Tools' RCT exemplify the need for transparency and informed decisions in the area of ​​safety regulation. With an impressive safety record and a clear strategy to combat false allegations, MCR is well positioned to meet the industry's challenges.

For further details on this topic, you can view the individual reports using the following links: ots.at reports that …, law.justia.com informs about this Court Ruling, while mgsicestorm.com addresses hazard management practices on oil rigs.