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

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: A.On June 17, 2005, at this well site, employees were exposed to struck-by hazards involved with sudden pressure release in that the employer did not: 1.ensure the installation of clamp and safety chain(s) for hammer connection unions at each end of the high pressure vibrator 4 inch mud hose; 2.lack of a protective cover cap for safety relief valve pin on the Wilson 500 Mud Pump; 3.regularly conduct and document the inspection of critical mechanical parts (threaded and otherwise) including but not limited to the mud pump pressure relief valve, four inch nipple at the standpipe and swivel gooseneck and four inch hammer connection unions at each; Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard is to initiate and maintain an inspection program with written documentation for the high pressure equipment associated with the mud pumps. Equipment must be installed and maintained in good operating condition in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practice 54 Section 9, Sub Section 9.13, Paragraph 9.13.3, 9.13.4 and 9.13.11 (Third Edition, August 1999). B.On June 17, 2005, at this well site, the employer failed to follow good engineering practices in the guying and anchoring of the drilling rig derrick structure prior to commencing operations: 1.Improperly installed crosby clip(s) on 9/16-inch wire rope guyline to crown of mast (derrick), there is only one crosby clip. Lack of thimble in chain link to prevent crushing of wire rope guyline. 2.Improperly installed crosby clip(s) on 1/2-inch wire rope guyline to the East corner of pipe racking board. 3.Four foot pipe placed underground with 1-inch wire rope through it and chain secured around wire rope. One crosby clip used at ground level. 4.Use of open chain hooks on mast (derrick) guyline. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard is to follow guidelines described in the American Petroleum Institute's (API) Recommended Practice 54, Section 9, Sub Section 9.6, Paragraph 9.6.3 (August, 1999) and API 4-G Section 5, Paragraph 5.5 First Edition, January 1992.