OSHA Inspection: HILCORP ENERGY, INC.

Issued

Aug 1, 2011

Abate by

Aug 18, 2011

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $6,300

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer does not
furnish to each of his employees 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 the hazards associated with the  sudden and
unexpected release of
natural gas under high pressure.
On or about March 31, 2011, on the Trahan Well #1-ALT natural gas well
employee(s) were
attempting to flow the well. The three inch flow line was rated for
approximately 1400 psi and
the well pressure was approximately 8,000 psi. A valve in the production
line remained closed
causing the line to rupture. This condition exposed the employee(s) to a
struck-by hazard.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct the
hazard would
be:
1. Develop a written procedure and check list to ensure all valves
associated with flowing
the well are in proper operating position.
2. As stated in API Recommended Practice 54 Third Edition, August 1999
Section
(6.1.1) "Well control shall be maintained at all times".
Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within (10) calendar days the employer must
submit
documentation describing the actions it is taking to establish,
communicate, and
implement written procedures to ensure  well control is maintained when
flowing the
well.