Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 021 Hazard: HEAT

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 explosions hazards: a.Spudder Rig - Rosiek #1 Well - Employees were exposed to the hazard of fire and explosion because of an unknown quantity of flammable gas that was being used on the mast floor and doghouse at the well site. The two natural gas lines that were tapped from the main line were run into the doghouse servicing the man made heater and was not located at least 75' from the well head, the other gas line ran to the forge and was not located at least 75' from the well head. One feasible and acceptable abatement method among others to correct the hazards is to assure that the well be checked for pressure and if pressure is indicated, the operators authorized person should be notified, then proper steps should be taken to remove pressure or to operate safely under pressure before commencing operations such as specified in the American Petroleum Institute standard, Section 5, paragraph 5.3 and the NIOSH standard entitled "Comprehensive Safety Recommendations for Land-Based Oil and Gas Well Drilling" Section 9.b. prohibiting open flames to include all areas with 75 feet of the well head, the prohibition of heating devices within 75 feet of the well head, and providing a heater that has an explosion proof design.