OSHA Inspection: S.H.LOE OIL CORP

Issued

Feb 25, 1999

Abate by

Mar 23, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,500 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 the conditions listed below:
a)  Nebo Hemphill Field, Shapiro #1 well, south of Jena LA. On or about 8
Sep 98, the
employer failed to assure that the plugged well was free of all oil and
oil by-products
prior to employees cutting into the surface and casing pipe with a torch.
Oil had seeped
into the upper section of pipe since the time the well had been plugged,
and hydrostatic
pressure had developed. Cutting into the pipe caused the oil to spray out
and ignite. This
condition exposed employees to the hazards and injuries from fire.
According to API Bulletin E3, First Edition, dated January 31, 1993, Pg
14, Para 2.5:
"Critical plug placement should be verified during plugging operations to
ensure any
fluid migration pathways have been sealed. Plug verification is important
to ensure that
the plug is where it is supposed to be and that the cement has hardened."
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard is to utilize a vacuum truck prior to the capping operation to
remove any and all
residual oil, gas, etc.

Issued

Feb 25, 1999

Abate by

Mar 23, 1999

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $420 Reduced