OSHA Inspection: CYCLONE DRILLING, INC.

Issued

Dec 7, 2011

Abate by

Jan 30, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to serious burn hazards and explosions:    (a) On or about July 24, 2011, and at times prior thereto, employees tripping out of the hole to lay down drill pipe were exposed to serious burn hazards where the employer did not adequately monitor and control underground well activity during the drilling process that could release potentially high levels of explosive gases and liquids following the unexpected failure of swell packers during the process of laying the drill string.    Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement would be to revise and extend well control and monitoring procedures through the process of laying drill string and until employer leaves the work site.