OSHA Inspection: WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):   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 being struck by or caught under metal storage racks and/or the materials stored on them in the event of a collapse.  a) Shop Area, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, employees using a forklift and employees working nearby (welding, painting, etc.) were exposed to struck-by/caught under hazards when materials were placed on or removed from the metal storage racks. The employer failed to ensure that all of the metal storage rack columns were anchored to the floor with anchor bolts.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Jan 2, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(i):   More than 60 gallons of Category 2 liquids were stored in a storage cabinet.  a) Shop Area, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, a black metal storage cabinet contained ten (10) grey 5-gallon metal drums which contained 100% methanol (50 gallons) and two (2) white 55-gallon non-metal drums which contained a solution of 60% methanol (110 gallons). The employer was storing 160 gallons of Category 2 flammable liquids in a single storage cabinet.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $2,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(d)(2):   Mechanical ventilation was not kept in operation at all times while spraying operations were being conducted and for a sufficient time thereafter to allow vapors from drying coated articles and drying finishing material residue to be exhausted.  a) Shop Area, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, employees did not have ventilation fans operating while spraying black paint onto unpainted flanges.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(g)(1):   Spraying was conducted outside of predetermined spraying areas.  a) Shop Area, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, employees spray painted equipment outside of the predetermined spray area as evidenced by the overspray residue on the building floor.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $2,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(1):   The employer did not conduct any inspection, maintenance or testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace.  a) Shop Area, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, the employer had not conducted monthly visual inspections or performed an annual maintenance check on any of the facility's four (4) portable fire extinguishers during the preceding twelve (12) months.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1):   The employer provided portable fire extinguishers and did not mount, locate and identify them so that they were readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury.  a) Shop Area, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, a portable fire extinguisher was stored on the floor in the south corner of the facility without mounting, locating and identifying the designated place.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii):   The employer did not ensure that each operator had successfully completed the training required by paragraph (l), except as permitted by paragraph (l)(5), prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck:  (a) Shop Area, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, employees used a Toyota 7FGU45 forklift to place/remove materials on metal storage racks prior to being trained and evaluated in its use.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $2,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(i):   Oxygen cylinders were being stored near highly combustible material, especially oil and grease; near reserve stocks of carbide and acetylene or other fuel-gas cylinders, or near any other substance likely to cause or accelerate fire.  a) Shop Area, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, oxygen cylinders were stored directly adjacent to acetylene cylinders in the south corner of the building.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(2)(iv):   Valve protection caps, where cylinder is designed to accept a cap, were not in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders are in use or connected for use.  a) Facility Entrance, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, an acetylene cylinder was stored in a metal cage without a valve protection cap in place.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.

Issued

Nov 13, 2012

Abate by

Dec 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(g)(7):   There were not any "No smoking" signs in large letters on contrasting color background conspicuously posted at all spraying areas.  a) Facility, Weatherford U.S. L.P., 134 Wickwire Way, Towanda, PA: On or about October 1, 2012, The company had not posted any "No Smoking" signs in or around the predetermined spraying area.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation.