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

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 fire and explosion hazards due to the uncontrolled release of pressurized gas from the well bore causing an ignited blowout: (a)Cyclone Drilling, Inc. & Rig # 1 RWF 334-29, Parachute, CO 81635: On and before August 27, 2008, the employer did not ensure that well control operational procedures were implemented promptly to safely stop the well from flowing once it was apparent that pressure control had not been maintained and conditions indicative of a blowout were imminent. At approximately 2:00 a.m., Cyclone Rig # 1 took a kick and the drilling crew did not take prompt and effective measures to control and stabilize the well such as but not limited to the use of the annular blowout preventer and/or ram blowout preventer. This condition exposed employees to fire and explosion hazards due to the uncontrolled release of pressurized gas from the well bore causing an ignited blowout. Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to develop and implement specific procedural elements involving well control in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice 54, Third Edition, August 1999 states in paragraph 6.1.1 "Well control shall be maintained at all times. Consideration shall be made to ensure appropriate equipment and materials are on location and operational before work commences." Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").