Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: EXPLOSION

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to fire and explosion: The hazard of being restricted in escape from the monkeyboard in the event of fire or explosion. This occurred on or about July 16, 1995 on Stricker Drilling Co., Inc., Rig #6. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be installation of a properly rigged and secured emergency descent device or other satisfactory auxiliary means of egress, such as specified in Section 5, Sub-Section 5.7, paragraph 5.7.1 of American Petroleum Institute (API) RP54-92, page 12. Essential elements of this procedure would include: a.Staking out a securely anchored one-half inch wire rope escape line attached to the derrick or mast so as to provide a ready and convenient means of escape from the derrickman's working platform. b.The escape line route is to be kept clear of obstructions. c.A safety device is to be provided to permit fast emergency exit from the derrickman's working platform to a safe place. d.The tension on the escape line is to be periodically checked and adjusted to assure a safe landing and to allow the derrickman to stop 20 feet to 25 feet from the anchor point. e.The ground anchor point of the escape line is to be located a minimum lateral distance from the derrick or mast equal to the height above ground level to the point where the escape line fastened to the derrick or mast.