OSHA Inspection: CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

Issued

Jun 8, 2012

Abate by

Apr 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,250 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 likely to cause death or serious physical harm to the employees
in that employees
were exposed to a sudden release of pressure and struck-by hazards from
flying parts when a
hammer union, under pressure, was struck with a sledge hammer:
(a)Shonk Land #36 Well Site:  When placing a well back into service,
pressure was not
relieved from the separator prior to an employee striking the float valve
hammer
union with a sledge hammer.  The hammer union blew off the separator with
the
sudden release of pressure injuring employees, as determined on May 15,
2012.  The
employee who struck the valve had not been adequately instructed regarding
the
dangers of striking a hammer union of a separator dump valve that is under
pressure.
NOTE: "Among other methods, on feasible and acceptable abatement method
would
be to provide instructions to employees who may work with hammer unions on
separator dump valves that striking a hammer union that is under pressure
is
prohibited and dangerous.