OSHA Inspection: MISSOURI BASIN WELL SERVICE

Issued

Feb 24, 1988

Abate by

Mar 16, 1988

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $300

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
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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:
a) The hazard of being overexposed to hydrogen sulfide gas while working
on oil well workover rigs.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct the hazard would be to implement and enforce a written hydrogen
sulfide procedural policy for all employees who may have occasion to
work in areas where there is a potential for exposure to hydrogen
sulfide gas. This policy would include the following basic essential
elements:
1) Provide continuous monitoring of hydrogen sulfide levels in the work
area by means of monitors equipped with visual and audible alarms.
2) Insure that respiratory protective equipment (5 minute escape packs)
is available in the immediate area whenever a site is known to have
a potential for any exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas.
3) Require the use of respiratory protective equipment whenever
conditions or events indicate a potential for overexposure to
hydrogen sulfide gas.
4) Require the crew foreman to cease operations when conditions or
events indicate the need for equipment or safeguards not immediately
available on site.
5) Provide a means of documenting that well has been properly "killed"
whenever "killing" a well becomes necessary. This could be
accomplished by means of a "checklist" or "permit" which would
indicate the time and method by which the well was "killed", as well
as any other pertinent information, and would be "signed off" by the
crew foreman and the water truck driver.
6) Insure that all employees have been thoroughly and effectively
trained in the requirements of this written policy.

Issued

Feb 24, 1988

Abate by

Mar 16, 1988

Issued

Feb 24, 1988

Abate by

Mar 16, 1988

Issued

Feb 24, 1988

Abate by

Mar 16, 1988