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

Section 5(a)(1) 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) On May 6, 1998, a crew of 4, employed by Energy Service Company, a sub contractor of Mitchell Energy Corporation, were working at the Carl V. Cheves #2 well, when oil and gas spewing from the BOP caught fire. The employer had developed a worksite safety and health program, but did not implement this program. (b) On May 6, 1998, a crew of 4 from Energy Service Company arrived at the Carl V. Cheves, #2 well, located in East Risch (Caddo Congl.) field, Wise County, Texas. The crew was pulling tubing and installing a Guiberson 6" 900 series A1 manual type BOP. The crew and/or the rig operator, did not perform a funtional test or a pressure test on the BOP prior to using it. The well started spewing oil and gas from the BOP, the crew was attempting to close the BOP, when the oil and gas ignited. Among methods of abatement, one feasible and acceptable method to abate these conditions: a) Employer needs to develop and implement methods to ensure all employees are familiar and knowledgeable in the companies safe work practices and procedures. b) Employer needs to enforce his own policies and/or abide by the "recommended guidelines/practices" that are set from the American Petroleum Institute, #54 or from the Association of Energy Service Companies.