OSHA Inspection: B.O.P. PRESSURE TESTER, INC.

Issued

Apr 8, 2002

Abate by

May 2, 2002

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $2,100

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)  Williams Land Rig #1, H&P rig 136, Amelia, LA - Employee(s) involved
in pressure
testing operations were exposed to the hazard of being struck by high
pressure gas and/or
well fluids and portions of piping due to the failure to maintain
connections in pipe
fittings, valves and unions in a safe condition as specified by API RP
54-99, Section,
Sub-Section 9.13, paragraph 9.13.4.  Among other methods, one feasible and
acceptable
abatement method to correct this hazard is to implement a maintenance and
inspection
program to ensure the integrity of pipe threads and pipe fitting threads
along with
ensuring that in normal operations pumps, piping, hoses valves, and other
fittings
are not
operated at pressures greater than their rated working pressure and be
maintained in good
operating condition as specified by API RP 54-99, Section 9, Sub-Section
9.13,
Paragraph 9.13.4.
b)  Employee(s) were exposed to the hazards of oil well operations such
as, but not
limited to, being struck by high pressure gas and/or well fluids and
portions of piping
from failed connections in pipe fittings, valves and unions used in
pressure testing
operations.  The employer had not adequately instructed employees as to
the hazards
associated with oil and gas well operations as identified by API RP 54-99,
Section 6,
Sub-Section 6.1, Paragraph 6.1.7 a-g. Among other methods, one feasible
and acceptable
method to correct the hazard is to develop, establish, and implement a
safety and health
program which would ensure employees are adequately instructed in safe
work practices
and the hazards associated with oil and gas well drilling operations.
This safety and
health program shall require observation of a new employee's work
performance and be
maintained  until the applicable supervisor is satisfied that the employee
can fill the
position in a safe and effective manner.ve

Issued

Apr 8, 2002

Abate by

May 2, 2002