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 does 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 hazards associated with the sudden and unexpected release of natural gas under high pressure. On or about March 31, 2011, on the Trahan Well #1-ALT natural gas well employee(s) were attempting to flow the well. The three inch flow line was rated for approximately 1400 psi and the well pressure was approximately 8,000 psi. A valve in the production line remained closed causing the line to rupture. This condition exposed the employee(s) to a struck-by hazard. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct the hazard would be: 1. Develop a written procedure and check list to ensure all valves associated with flowing the well are in proper operating position. 2. As stated in API Recommended Practice 54 Third Edition, August 1999 Section (6.1.1) "Well control shall be maintained at all times". Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within (10) calendar days the employer must submit documentation describing the actions it is taking to establish, communicate, and implement written procedures to ensure well control is maintained when flowing the well.