OSHA Inspection: NABORS DRILLING USA, INC.

Issued

Oct 13, 2006

Abate by

Oct 18, 2006

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 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 hazard of "struck by" due to faulty equipment:
a)  Nabors Drilling USA, Inc., Rig #319, Parachute, CO:  On and prior to
August 4th, 2006, the air tugger (model K6UL) used to raise and lower
drill
pipe
and other drilling rig components, was operating with a faulty main
control lever.
The main control lever was not capable of returning to the center or
neutral
position upon being released by the operator resulting in continuation of
winch
line movement.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to follow the manufacturers operating practices as found in
publication form P5869, Edition 8, dated February, 1981. These operating
practices include checking winches at the beginning of each shift to
ensure that
controls function properly and return to neutral when released.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is not required for this item.

Issued

Oct 13, 2006

Abate by

Jan 3, 2007

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 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 hazard of struck by hazards due to operating a faulty
hoist:
a)  Nabors Drilling USA, Inc., Rig #319, Parachute, CO: On and prior to
8/4/2006, the main control lever on the air tugger (model H6UL) was fitted
with
improvised springs. These springs were not capable of returning the
control lever
back to the center or neutral position after physically releasing the
control lever.
b)  On and prior to 8/4/2006, the main control lever on the air tugger
(model
H6HL) was fitted with an improvised throttle lever pin. A common nut and
bolt
were used to secure the main control lever to the base unit. This
condition did not
permit the main control lever to "seat" in the center or neutral position.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to adopt and follow the preventive maintenance program
contained
in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME B30.7-2001)
publication.  Section 7-2.3.1 titled Preventive Maintenance states in
paragraph (b)
"Replacement parts shall be at least equal to the original parts."
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (See
enclosed "Sample
Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification

Issued

Oct 13, 2006

Abate by

Jan 3, 2007

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $1,190 Reduced

Issued

Oct 13, 2006

Abate by

Jan 3, 2007

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced