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 a fire and explosion hazard: A.Employer did not erect a Geronimo Emergency Escape Line with a properly installed Geronimo Emergency Escape device at Rig Number 1, exposing employees to the hazard of fire and explosion: This occurred on June 17 2005, at Scorpion Exploration and Production, Inc., Rig No. 1. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be installation of a properly rigged and secured emergency descent or other satisfactory auxiliary means of egress, such as specified in Section 6, Sub-Section 6.10 Paragraph 6.10.1 of the American Petroleum Institute (API) RP54-99, Third Edition, August 1999. Essential elements of this procedure would include: 1.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. 2.The escape line route is to be kept clear of obstructions. 3.A safety device is to be provided to permit fast emergency exit from the Derrickman's working platform to a safe place. 4.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 twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) feet from the anchor point. 5.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 is fastened. B.On June 17, 2005, at this well site, this employer did not have the rig drill floor attended by a person qualified in well control procedures at all times during operations at Rig Number 1, exposing employees to the hazard of fire and explosion. This occurred on or about June 17, 2005 on Scorpion Exploration and Production, Inc., Rig Number 1. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be to have theToolpusher and Driller trained in Well Control Procedures, such as specified in Section 6, Paragraph 6.1.2 of American Petroleum Institute (API), RP54, Third Edition, August 1999. Essential elements of this procedure would include: 1.Personnel should be trained in basic well control as needed. 2.Blowout Preventor drills should be conducted and noted on the daily drilling report. 3.Instruction of the driller's or crew chief's responsibility for the safety of the crew and equipment during normal operations and possible emergencies. 4.When drilling or well servicing operations are in progress on a well where there is any indication the well will flow, the rig shall have on the rig floor a safety valve (stabbing valve) with connections suitable for use with each size and type tool joint or tubing connection being used on the job.