OSHA Inspection: DIRECTIONAL DRILLING SERVICES LLC.

Issued

2001-12-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2002-01-14 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $750.00 Reduced

Issued

2001-12-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2002-01-11 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $750.00 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 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 hazard of being struck by
moving machinery
(rotating drill bits) and wrenches:
(a) On or about 07/10/01, the employer did not insure employees were
operating the
equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedures when
changing out the drill head and back reamers. Pipe wrenches and drilling
machine torque
were used to loosen the drill bit.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard, is to instruct employees to follow the manufacturer's instruction
manual, pages
103, 104, 105, concerning pullback and back reaming. These instructions
include the use
of a Quick Wrench available from the manufacturer and joint compound with
an EZ-
Connect pin and adapters as well as a notice to never use machine torque
to loosen or
tighten any joint.
ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREDATION