OSHA Inspection: UNION DRILLING COMPANY

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $2,000

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $2,000

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $70,000

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)  Where an inoperable fluid level gauge necessitated that
employees manually gauge the level of the liquid in Unit
Number 391 fracturing tank, the absence of implemented
procedures and training for entering and working or
effecting a rescue in a confined space exposed workers to
an oxygen deficient atmosphere and acid fumes.  This
condition existed on or about June 2, 1992.  Procedures
for confined space entry should include the following at
a minimum:
1.  Establishment of a permit system whereby a qualified,
competent individual identifies all conditions which
must be evaluated to ensure safe entry.  The permit
system shall include management "sign-off".
2.  Testing of the atmosphere prior to entry and while
working in a confined space to ensure adequate
oxygen content and absence of toxic or flammable
gases or vapors.
3.  Training of employees in all health and safety hazards
associated with confine spaces and appropriate rescue
procedures.
4.  Provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of safety
equipment such as but not limited to self-contained
breathing apparatuses, communication equipment,
lifelines and harnesses.
5.  Utilization of ventilation equipment to provide a safe
atmosphere to enter and work in a confine space.
6.  Posting of clearly visible warning labels at all manways
and/or installation of tamper proof barriers at all
openings.
Abatement Note:  Feasible methods of abating this hazard, among others
would be:
1.  Implementing a complete confined space entry program as
listed above.
2.  Provide a mechanical/automatic method of gauging the liquid
inside the fracturing tank.
3.  Render the fracturing tanks completely inacessible (e.g. by
welding a barrier over all hatchways).

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $70,000

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 3, 1992

Issued

Nov 30, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Issued

Nov 25, 1992

Abate by

Dec 9, 1992