Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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 struck by hazards due to worn and incorrectly attached tong snub lines: a) On or about September 7, 2005 and at times prior, Murfin Drilling Co. did not ensure that employees were protected from struck by hazards. The snub lines of the makeup and breakout tongs were not kept in a safe condition. 1. Chains making up part of the attachment lines had bent and strained links. 2. Chains making up part of the attachment lines were severely worn and had areas of scarfing. 3. Wire rope making up part of the attachment lines had several broken wires, several flatten wires, was twisted, and bird caged. 4. The technique of making a knot in the wire rope to attach to the chain portion is not recommended by any wire rope manufacturer or industry standard. Among other methods one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazardous condition would be to develop and implement procedures to inspect and replace worn or damaged wire ropes and chains. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").