OSHA Inspection: GREAT WHITE PRESSURE PUMPING

Issued

Aug 3, 2012

Abate by

Aug 29, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

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:
LINDA LEASE/WELL #41-2:The employer does not ensure that employees are
protected from
struck-by hazards by ensuring that fracturing equipment was inspected and
pressure tested, used
with available safeguards, and operated using procedures that safeguarded
personnel during
fracturing operations. On or about February 7, 2012 employees were exposed
to struck-by
hazards in that:
c) All employees were not provided and required to utilize communication
devices during setup
and use of high pressure equipment.
e) The employer did not ensure that personnel not directly involved in the
operation
remain
beyond a designated minimum distance during all prefacturing, pressure
testing and pumping
operations.
f) The employer did not ensure that employees did not loosen or tighten
threaded connections
and unions while under pressure.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard
include, but is not limited to, implementing Industry Recommended
Practices to safeguard
employees during fracturing activities.
Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19, within ten (10) days of the date of this
citation, the employer must
submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard,
including describing
the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees are protected from
struck-by hazards when
engaged in fracking operations.