Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 005A Hazard: LACKTRAIN

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 the condition(s) listed below: a) Greywolf Rig #80, University Block.20, #501, Kermit, TX; On or about 5-7-05 a Link Belt 75 Ton Lattice Boom Crawler Crane, Model Number LS-138H, Serial #B5KI1-361, was not operated according to the manufacturer's specifications. The crane operator had not been properly trained on the type of work being conducted and/or safe operating procedures. The crane operator did not recognize and take the necessary precautions to insure the safe operation of the crane. The operator was instructed to rotate the lattice boom which pulled the bull-rope sideways placing the wire rope under tension. When the wire rope disengaged it struck a nearby employee. Among other methods, one method of abatement is to ensure that crane operators successfully meet the qualifications for the specific type crane they are operating as required by 5-3.1.2 of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.5-2000, Mobile And Locomotive Cranes. b) Greywolf Rig #80, University Block.20, #501, Kermit, TX; On or about 5-7-05 the crane operator of a Link Belt 75 Ton Lattice Boom Crawler Crane, Model number LS-138H, Serial #B5KI1-361, responded to the signals of the drilling company tool pusher, a person neither trained nor appointed to act as the signal man for the operation. The operator also responded to the signals from an employee that was not trained in rigging and/or signal operations. The operator was instructed by the tool pusher to rotate the lattice boom which pulled the bull-rope sideways placing the wire rope under tension. When the wire rope disengaged it struck a nearby employee. Among other methods, one method of abatement is to ensure that crane operators are trained and instructed to respond to signals only from the appointed signal man in accordance with section 5-3.1.3(c) of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.5-2000, Mobile And Locomotive Cranes. DISCLAIMER: 1) You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above. 2) The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. 3) The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an appropriate method.