Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A Hazard: CHEMICAL

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) The hazard of being overexposed to hydrogen sulfide gas while working on oil well workover rigs. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard would be to implement and enforce a written hydrogen sulfide procedural policy for all employees who may have occasion to work in areas where there is a potential for exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas. This policy would include the following basic essential elements: 1) Provide continuous monitoring of hydrogen sulfide levels in the work area by means of monitors equipped with visual and audible alarms. 2) Insure that respiratory protective equipment (5 minute escape packs) is available in the immediate area whenever a site is known to have a potential for any exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas. 3) Require the use of respiratory protective equipment whenever conditions or events indicate a potential for overexposure to hydrogen sulfide gas. 4) Require the crew foreman to cease operations when conditions or events indicate the need for equipment or safeguards not immediately available on site. 5) Provide a means of documenting that well has been properly "killed" whenever "killing" a well becomes necessary. This could be accomplished by means of a "checklist" or "permit" which would indicate the time and method by which the well was "killed", as well as any other pertinent information, and would be "signed off" by the crew foreman and the water truck driver. 6) Insure that all employees have been thoroughly and effectively trained in the requirements of this written policy.