OSHA Inspection: LANTERN DRILLING CO. SUBSIDIARY OF FOREST OIL CORP

Issued

Apr 20, 2006

Abate by

May 2, 2006

Penalty

Initial $1,375 · Current $1,375

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 condition(s) listed below:
Lantern Drilling Rig 9, HSA 1649, Monahans, TX.  For the period of time up
to and including
03/03/06, equipment on location was not properly grounded in the following
instances:
a)  The ground rod ("electrode") on the accumulator was in the soil less
than six inches.
The electrode was less than 3-feet in length.
b)  The ground rod ("electrode") on the fuel tank was not in the soil and
the grounding
electrode conductor was not attached between the fuel tank and the
electrode.  The electrode was
less than 3-feet in length.
c)  The ground rod ("electrode") on mud pump #2 was in the soil less than
six
inches and
the grounding electrode conductor was not attached between the mud pump
and the electrode.
The electrode was less than 3-feet in length.
According to API Recommended Practice 54, August 1999, section 6,
paragraph 6.1.16 states
"The rig substructure, derrick, mast, and other equipment as appropriate,
shall be grounded to
prevent accumulation of a static charge."
According to NEC 2005, Article 250, section 53, paragraph (G) states "The
electrode shall be
installed such that at least 2.44 m (8 ft) of length is in contact with
the soil.  It shall be driven
to a depth of not less than 2.44 m (8 ft) except that, where rock bottom
is encountered, the
electrode shall be driven at an oblique angle not to exceed 45 degrees
from the vertical or,
where rock bottom is encountered at an angle up to 45 degrees, the
electrode shall be permitted
to be buried in a trench that is at least 750 mm (30 in.) deep.  The upper
end of the electrode
shall be flush with or below ground level unless the aboveground end and
the grounding
electrode conductor attachment are protected against physical damage as
specified in 250.10."
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods for abated would be:
1)  Ensure all "electrodes" are not less than 8-feet in length.
2)  Ensure all "electrodes" are used according to the NEC.
3)  Ensure all equipment is properly grounded after each rig-up.
4)  Follow the method of grounding recommended in IADC Alert 98-22.

Issued

Apr 20, 2006

Abate by

May 2, 2006

Penalty

Initial $825 · Current $825

Issued

Apr 20, 2006

Abate by

May 2, 2006

Penalty

Initial $825 · Current $825

Issued

Apr 20, 2006

Abate by

May 2, 2006