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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish 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 amputation hazards: (a)Ensign United States Drilling, at Rig 14-306 Rickards Well #41-10H, Greeley, CO 80631 On or before 10-19-10, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from amputation hazards caused by the unsafe operation of the Farr 10750 casing power tongs: 1)The employer did not ensure that the Kimzey hydraulic tong control mechanism was designed or guarded to prevent accidental activation. The power tongs included an 8" vertical activation lever that was not guarded to prevent the immediate activation when the hydraulic power was energized. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated in the Wyoming Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations for Oil and Gas Well Drilling, in Chapter 6, Section 7(a)(xxxvi) provides that the control device on power tongs shall be designed or guarded to prevent accidental activation. The employer operates drilling rigs in Wyoming and is subject to Wyoming regulations. 2)The employer did not hold a pre-job safety meeting with his crew, and others if applicable, to review the responsibilities prior to energizing the tongs. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated in the API Recommended Practice 54, Section 12.1 for Special Services, "The supervisor of the special service should hold a pre-job meeting with his crew, and others if applicable, to review responsibilities for the operation(s) to be performed." The casing contractor was following Ensign's sequencing of work by setting up the equipment first prior to the pre-job safety meeting. The employer did not train the employees about the hazards of this specific equipment prior to rigging up, and prior to the casing company energizing and testing the equipment. 3)The employer did not clear all personnel away from the power tongs and did not provide advanced warning to employees prior to energization; Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated in the employer's Job Safety Analysis Worksheet for Running Casing Without Sling, for the task of preparing the rig floor: "All tools and equipment in proper place; clear and clean the rig floor; rigup and inspect casing tongs, tong lines, elevators, and slips." Conditions exposed employees to amputation hazards. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification