Inspection Detail

Inspection: 111846176 - Nabors-Loffland Drilling Co.

Inspection Information - Office: American Canyon District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on November 3, 1991, Employee #1 and a coworker were sent by their supervisor to open a remote 6 in. petrolic nipple so the temporary blovey line, which led away from a steam well that was under construction, could be inspected. The five-man crew was attempting to clear a blockage in the line. While Employee #1 was opening the line and putting in water from a 1 in. garden hose, the driller climbed the muffler and determined that enough mud was available to charge the line. He saw his two crew members--Employee #1 and the coworker--returning to the ground level. At the same time, the motorman incorrectly and without direction engaged the centrifugal pump, pressurizing the line and causing mud and water to go through the line and escape. The escaping liquid struck Employee #1 on his upper body, causing him to fall over a standard guardrail. He landed 51 in. below on an expanded steel guard placed over an auger. Employee #1 was transported by employee vehicle to the hospital for treatment of first- and second-degree burns to his neck, ear, and torso. He was admitted to a burn treatment center for additional care.

Keywords: BURN, WORK RULES, CONSTRUCTION, EAR, TORSO, HIGH PRESSURE, FALL, NECK, HOT WATER