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 to each of his employees a place of employment which was 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 following condition(s): a) Williams Land Rig #1, H&P Rig 136, Amelia, LA - Employees involved in pressure testing operations of a lubricator assembly on a rotary drilling rig were exposed to the hazards of being struck by high pressure gas and/or well fluids and portions of piping due to a failure to ensure pipe fitting(s) and union(s) {provided by third party contractor(s)/service company(s)} had been maintained in good operating condition and had not been subjected to pressures greater than their rated working or test pressures as specified by API RP 54-99, Section, Sub-Section 9.13, paragraph 9.13.4. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to ensure implementation of the procedure identified in the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Accident Prevention Reference Guide, 3.18(A), High Pressure Lines and Fittings, which states, "Rig Supervisors should instruct personnel in the proper use and maintenance of high pressure lines and fittings around the rig."d