OSHA Inspection: PATTERSON DRILLING COMPANY RIG # 4

Issued

1998-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

1998-04-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4500.00

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 fire or explosion:
Employee was exposed to the hazard of fire and explosion due to the
improper
rigging of the Geronimo Emergency Escape Line.
a.The Geronimo Emergency Escape Line was installed improperly, i.e. in
such a manner which was too steep and which did not allow for adequate
slack in order to allow the employee with enough travel distance in order
to stop 20 to 25 feet prior to reaching the anchoring point as
recommended by Geronimo Manufacturing, Inc.
b.The Geronimo Emergency Escape Line was anchored improperly, i.e. the
Geronimo Emergency Escape Line route was not kept clear of
obstructions, the line went just above the ground pipe rack near the
anchoring point.
This occurred on or about March 12,1998 on Patterson Drilling Company Rig
#4.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard would be by the installation of a properly rigged and secured
emergency descent device or other satisfactory auxiliary means of egress,
such
as specified in Section 5, Sub-Section 5,7, Paragraph 5.7.1 of the American
Petroleum Institute (API) RP 54-92, page 12. Essential elements of this
procedure
would include:
a.The escape line route is to be kept clear of obstructions.
b.The tension on the escape line is to be periodically checked and adjusted
to assure a safe landing and to allow the Derrickman to stop 20 to 25 feet
from the anchor point.
*** Certification and Documentation of Abatement required ***