OSHA Inspection: WESTERN WELLSITE SERVICE, LLC

Issued

Oct 23, 2009

Abate by

Nov 19, 2009

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,875 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 flash fire and explosion hazards.
(a)Western Wellsite Service, Inc. & Hwy 60 & WCR 38 3/8 NW, Platteville,
CO 80651: On and before July 21, 2009, the employer did not ensure that
welding and cutting operations were not in close proximity to flammable
liquids, accumulations of crude oil, escaping gas, or locations where
sparks,
flames, heat, or hot slag could be sources of ignition. On July 21, 2009,
a fire
ignited when a oxy/acetylene torch was lit near an existing well, which
encompassed work-over rig # 5 and an adjacent trailer. The hydrocarbons
were released when a backhoe knocked off a valve with it's bucket, which
allowed for the hydrocarbons to settle in close proximity to the well-head
and
underneath the work-over rig. This condition exposed employees to fire and
explosion hazards.
Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to
correct this
hazard is to develop and implement specific procedural elements involving
well control in
accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended
Practice 54, Third
Edition, August 1999 states in paragraph 20.1.1 A written safety work
permit system
covering welding and flame cutting operations on all drilling and service
rigs should consist
of the following:
a)Pre-work Stage Communications meetings:
1.Simultaneous operations.
2.Air/gas testing.
3.Equipment isolation.
4.Equipment preparation.
5.Indentification of hazards.
6.Emergency Procedures.
b)Work-in-Progress Stage:
1.Air/gas testing.
2.Personal protective equipment requirements.
3.Fire watch.
4.Special procedures/precautions.
c)Return to Service Stage:
1.Authorization and turnover signatures.
2.Posting of permit.
Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to
correct this
hazard is to develop and implement specific procedural elements involving
well control in
accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended
Practice 54, Third
Edition, August 1999 states in paragraph 20.1.3 "Welding and flame cutting
operations shallnot be permitted to close flammable liquids, accumulations
of crude oil, escaping gas, or
locations where sparks, flames, heat, or hot slag could be sources of
ignition.
Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for
this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").

Issued

Oct 23, 2009

Abate by

Nov 19, 2009

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,875 Reduced