OSHA Inspection: BAYOU STATE OIL CORP

Issued

Jul 31, 2000

Abate by

Aug 3, 2000

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $420 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish to each of his employees a place of employment which was 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 following condition(s):
a)  Bayou State Oil Co, Bellevue Oil Field, 1368 Hwy 528, Princeton LA.
For the period
of time up to and including 4 May 00, the pulling cable of the white
workover rig was
allowed to cut into the crossmembers of the derrick due to the improper
sized sheave
installed at the crown of the derrick. The employer allowed for the
continued use of the
rig, even though damaged. This exposed the employees to the hazards and
injuries related
to being struck by the derrick should the derrick collapse.
According to API RP54 "Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling
and
Servicing Operations" Para 5.1.4 : "Unsafe and potentially dangerous
conditions
should
be eliminated or reported  immediately to the supervisor in charge for
corrective action."
Para 5.3.2 states: "Well operations involving the rig shall not be
commenced until the
rig is rigged up in a safe manner."
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to
assure that the correct size sheave is in use to prevent the cables from
coming into
contact with the derrick.

Issued

Jul 31, 2000

Abate by

Aug 24, 2000

Penalty

Initial $875 · Current $525 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish to each of his employees a place of employment which was 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 following condition(s):
a)  Bayou State Oil Co, Bellevue Oil Field, 1368 Hwy 528, Princeton, LA.
For the
period of time up to and including 4 May 00, the brakes on the drawworks
of
the white
workover rig were not maintained in a good operating condition. Employees
have to
exert great physical force on the brake lever in order for the brakes to
fully engage. This
exposed the employees to the hazards and injuries related to physical
exertion and falling
into operating machinery.
According to API RP54 "Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for
Oil and Gas
Well Driling and Servicing Operations." Para 8.4.6: "Brake systems on the
drawworks
should be inspected and properly maintained according to the manufacturer's
recommendations."
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to
adjust the brakes so very little pressure is required to engage the brake.

Issued

Jul 31, 2000

Abate by

Aug 3, 2000

Penalty

Initial $875 · Current $525 Reduced