OSHA Inspection: THORNTON DRILLING COMPANY

Issued

2012-09-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2100.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1): Aisles and passageways were not kept clear, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a slip or trip hazard.       Rig #25: On or about July 2, 2012, four locations where aisles and passageways were not kept clear, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a trip hazard.            a.  In front of the water vessel and next to the generator house the metal suitcase lid lifted up approximately 2-           inches above the flat surface.             b. In front of the water vessel and next the mud pump the metal suitcase lid lifted up approximately 2 inches above            the flat surface.             c.  In front of the mud pump the metal suitcase lid lifted up approximately 1-3/4 inches above the flat surface.             d. The stairway platform in the Mud House was not flush with the floor. The stairway platform offset as much as 2           inches above the floor. Employees working in the Mud House were exposed to trip hazards including falling or            stumbling off the floormore than 6 feet to the ground.

Issued

2012-09-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2800.00 · Current $1400.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:    Rig #25: On or about july 2, 2012, two seperate locations where employees had no access to quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body within the work area for immediate emergency use.             a.    The AquaGuard Eye-Wash unit located on the rig floor was not operational.         b.    There was no drench/shower unit located near the chemical mixing barrel or within the Mud House. The               employer did not provide employees with a means of an emergency drench/shower unit in the event a chemical              came in contact with the body.

Issued

2012-09-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $4900.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1): Electrical equipment was not free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:    Rig #25: On or about July 2, 2012, the employer did not ensure the electrical equipment was free from recognized hazards. The red metal suitcases designed to enclose the rigs electrical wiring had a 480V nominal electrical cable pinched between the metal casing and the lid. The cable's outer insulation as well as the inner insulation tore open exposed the bare conductor and energized the metal suitcase.

Issued

2012-09-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $4900.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5): The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures was not permanent, continuous and effective.    Rig #25: On or about July 2, 2012, grounding rods were not installed to 8-ft. depth in accordance with NEC (National Electrical Code) exposing employees to electrical hazards.         a)  The grounding rod at the Fuel Tank was not installed 8 feet into the earth.        b)  The grounding rod at the Generator House was not installed 8 feet into the earth.        c)  The grounding rod at the Water Tank was not installed 8 feet into the earth.       d)  The grounding rod at the Power Washer was not installed 8 feet into the earth.

Issued

2012-09-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3500.00 · Current $1750.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Flexible cords and cables were run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors.    Rig #25: On or about July 2, 2012, a 220V nominal flexible cord used to power the heater in the bottom Dog House was run through a hole cut in the wall of the metal structure.