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

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)Well 5-18, Flood Area 5, Allegheny National Forest, Bradford, PA 16701- A continuous flow of natural gas was permitted to be vented to the atmosphere which posed a fire/explosion hazard and employees were exposed to severe burns due to fire and/or explosion hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to install pressure control and/or a safety device as set forth in the American Petroleum Institute Practice 54 (RP54), Second Edition, dated May 1, 1992 and the Pennsylvania Code, Title 25. Environmental Resources, Department of Environmental Resources, Chapter 78. Oil and Gas Wells. b)Spark arresters or equivalent equipment were not provided on all internal combustion engines within 100 foot of the wellbore. The condition exposed workers to severe burns due to fire and explosion hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to install spark arresters or equivalent equipment that is within 100 feet of the wellbore as set forth in the American Petroleum Institute Practice 54 (RP54), Second Edition, dated May 1, 1992. c)Open flames were permitted within 25 feet of the wellbore where uncontrolled amounts of gas were vented to the atmosphere. This condition exposed employees to severe burns due to fire and/or explosion hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazards is to remove open flames and ignition sources as set forth in the American Petroleum Institute Practice 54 (RP54), Second Edition, dated May 1, 1992. d)Preliminary planning was not initiated and implemented to assure all equipment was functional and employees were aware of their duties in that employees were exposed to severe burns due to fire and/or explosion hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazards is to plan prior to commencement of plugging operations and train and inspect equipment as set forth in the American Petroleum Institute Practice 59 (RP59), First Edition, dated August 20, 1989.