Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 006 Hazard: BURNS

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 burns from a blowout at a well bore. a) The employer, Tom Brown Inc did not ensure that well control was maintained by ensuring that appropriate equipment and materials were in place prior to commencement of the work. The condition of the well was not monitored at all times by the company superintendent and or company man so that when it became apparent that the stability of the well was failing corrective measures could have been taken. The employer did not ensure that blow out preventers ( BOP ) were inspected daily, weight indicator gauge was in the drillers view, and escape or auxiliary means of escape was rigged and available to derrick and snubbing hands. The On or about June 8,2004 at proximately 1330 hours a blow out occurred and the gas from the well ignited burning several employees. Among other methods, recognized and feasible means to correct this hazard include, but are not limited to, the employer can follow the recommendations of the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 54 6.1.1 which states that well control shall be maintained at all times and that special consideration shall be made to ensure that appropriate equipment and materials are on location and operational before work commences.l