Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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 the condition(s) listed below: Service Drilling Southwest LLC, located at Section 5, B5, B&B Survey, Wheeler, County, Tx 79096. For the period of time up to and including March 14, 2001. Daily inspections did not identify that the wire rope line from the draw works to the tongs, was improperly fastened to the chain in that it was bent in a zero radius, thus causing early and premature wear on the wire rope. The rope in question had been broken approximately half-way through. Subsequently, the rope was cut and a "dog knot" was placed in it to hold it to the chain. API recommended practice 9B, section 2.60 states that a half hitch is not desirable as it deforms and weakens the wire rope. Wire rope users manual (3rd edition), Page 33 states that " wire rope should not be shortened, lengthened, or terminated by the use of a knot". When a wire rope is bent at a zero radius or a knot, it causes the outer layers to stretch resulting in excessive load on them and at the same time places compression on the inner layers, resulting in premature failure. The failure of this rope during use could result in an employee being struck by a whipping piece of wire rope. One feasible method of abatement would be the following, however the employer is responsible for determining the most appropriate method, based on the employers knowledge of the operation. Place a socketed fitting on the end of the cable in such a manner not to exceed the minimum radius for that size wire rope.