OSHA Inspection: CADE DRILLING, LLC

Issued

Jul 20, 2011

Abate by

Aug 7, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,900

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 struck by hazards:
a)Cade Drilling, LLC, Noble Energy, Inc. well site, Bashor PC AA09-
22, Cade Drilling Rig #22, Galeton, Colorado: On and before
2/28/11, the employer did not ensure that prior to pumping drilling
fluid through a pipe and hose assembly into a wellbore, the 2 inch fill
up line was adequately secured to prevent unsafe movement. An
employee was exposed to a 30 foot long section of hose that blew out
of the hole. The hose was not equipped with a safety cable on each end
of a high pressure 2 inch hose. When the pump was engaged, the
approximate pressure was 500 PSI, the hose came out the hole,
releasing mud on the rig floor and subsequent hose whipping action.
b)Cade Drilling, LLC, Noble Energy, Inc. well site, Bashor PC AA09-
22, Cade Drilling Rig #22, Galeton, Colorado: On and before
2/28/11, the employer did not ensure the hammer union attached to the
2 inch fill up line  was secure or anchored down causing a sudden
release of pressure and, violent whipping action when pumping drilling
fluid in the wellbore.
Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement
method to correct this hazard is to adopt API Recommended Practice 54.
Section
9.13.3 states the following. Each section of a high pressure rigid line
should be
secured by appropriate means to prevent movement should the line fail.
Flexible high
pressure hoses should be properly secured to prevent unsafe movement. Other
suspended hydraulic, air, or electrical lines should be appropriately
secured.
Additionally, the pressure relief valves should remain open during
operations.
Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for
this item
(See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").

Issued

Jul 20, 2011

Abate by

Aug 7, 2011

Penalty

Initial $2,100