OSHA Inspection: KIMZEY CASING SERVICE, LLC

Issued

Jan 28, 2011

Abate by

Feb 16, 2011

Penalty

Initial $6,930 · Current $6,930

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish 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 amputation hazards:
(a)Kimzey Casing Service, LLC at Ensign Rig 14-306 Rickards Well #41-10H,
Greeley, CO 80631  On or before 10-20-10, the employer did not ensure that
employees were protected from amputation hazards caused by the unsafe
operation of
the Farr 10750 power tongs:
1)The employer did not follow safe operating procedures for the start up
of the
power tongs.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated
in the Farr operator's instruction manual.  Section V.C.1. provides
directions
for start-up procedures, and states, "After the power unit engine has been
started and hydraulic oil circulated for approximately 10 minutes, slowly
close
the by-pass valve which will allow oil to circulate through the hoses and
to the
tong."  Instead, the operator started the motor and immediately activated
the
hydraulic system by engaging the by-pass valve;
2)The employer did not clear all personnel away from the power tongs and
did
not provide advanced warning to the floorhands prior to energizing the
tongs;
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated
in the employer's standard operating procedures for operating the tongs,
including, "Clear floor in operating area."
3)The employer did not ensure that the hydraulic tong control mechanism was
designed or guarded to prevent accidental activation.  The power tongs
included an 8" vertical activation lever that was not guarded to prevent
the
immediate activation when the hydraulic power was energized.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated
in the Wyoming Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations for Oil
and Gas Well Drilling, in Chapter 6, Section 7(a)(xxxvi) provides that the
control device on power tongs shall be designed or guarded to prevent
accidental activation.  The employer is based out of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.
4)The employer did not ensure the hydraulic power was interlocked with the
front doors, in that the tongs were operable regardless of whether the
front
doors were open.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is to set
an interlock on the front doors to prevent hydraulic operations unless the
door
is shut and latched.  The employer's standard operating procedures
foroperating hydraulic power tongs provides that engineering controls are
to
include, "Integral tong doors that keep the tongs from operating without
the
doors being closed."
5)The employer did not disconnect the hydraulic input pressure line when
working on the power tongs.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated
in the API Recommended Practice 54, Section 9.9.10 for Drill String
Handling
Equipment, "When working on power tongs, the power input pressure line
should be disconnected."
6)The employer did not hold a pre-job safety meeting with his crew, and
others
if applicable, to review the responsibilities prior to energizing the
tongs.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated
in the API Recommended Practice 54, Section 12.1 for Special Services, "The
supervisor of the special service should hold a pre-job meeting with his
crew,
and others if applicable, to review responsibilities for the operation(s)
to be
performed."  In addition, the employer's Rig Up Procedures include the
sequence of spotting the truck and then backing the truck up, and then,
"Hold
a tailgate meeting..."
Conditions exposed employees to amputation hazards.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (See
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").

Issued

Jan 28, 2011

Abate by

Feb 16, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,207 · Current $4,207