OSHA Inspection: FWA DRILLING CO., INC.

Issued

Oct 5, 1992

Abate by

Oct 22, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

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.  Rupture of high pressure systems subjected to overpressures
when a pressure relief device fails to activate.  The
auxiliary mud pump on Rig #2, Bruan Lease, Midland, Texas,
had a rupture of the high pressure systems when the cellar
jet became clogged.  An inspection of the pressure relief
valve revealed that the valve was set with a nail instead
of the shear pin required by the manufacturer.  This nail
had rusted in place, rendering the valve inoperative.  A
feasible means of abatement is to use the shear pins
specified
by the manufacturers of these pressure relief valves,
instead of a nail, and to inspect and test these valves
prior to putting them in service on a drilling site.

Issued

Oct 5, 1992

Abate by

Oct 22, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

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:
a.  Rupture of high pressure piping on mud pump manifolds.  The
auxiliary mud pump on Rig #2, Bruan Lease, Midland, Texas,
had a rupture of the high pressure mud piping on the mud
pump when the cellar jet became clogged. An inspection of
the piping disclosed that erosion of a pipe fitting and the
pipe connected to it had occurred, rendering it incapable of
withstanding the pressure placed on it.
b.  Rupture of high pressure piping on mud pump manifolds.  The
auxiliary mud pump on Rig #2, Bruan Lease, Midland, Texas,
was repaired after a rupture of the mud piping manifold.  A
section of the pipe used in this repair was welded together
by maintenance personnel and used in place of manufacturer's
recommended replacement parts.  A section of pipe used to
replace the joint was welded together in the field.  No
tests were made to ensure the integrity of the welds.  A
feasible method of abatement is to periodically and
routinely
inspect such pipes, welds, and fittings using appropriate
visual or other non-destructive test methods.