Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard: UNAPEQUIP

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. Rupture of high pressure piping on mud pump manifolds. The auxiliary mud pump on Rig #2, Bruan Lease, Midland, Texas, had a rupture of the high pressure mud piping on the mud pump when the cellar jet became clogged. An inspection of the piping disclosed that erosion of a pipe fitting and the pipe connected to it had occurred, rendering it incapable of withstanding the pressure placed on it. b. Rupture of high pressure piping on mud pump manifolds. The auxiliary mud pump on Rig #2, Bruan Lease, Midland, Texas, was repaired after a rupture of the mud piping manifold. A section of the pipe used in this repair was welded together by maintenance personnel and used in place of manufacturer's recommended replacement parts. A section of pipe used to replace the joint was welded together in the field. No tests were made to ensure the integrity of the welds. A feasible method of abatement is to periodically and routinely inspect such pipes, welds, and fittings using appropriate visual or other non-destructive test methods.