OSHA Inspection: AQUILA SEDCO DRILLING COMPANY, LP

Issued

Oct 29, 2014

Abate by

Nov 4, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(vii)(B): The employer did not ensure that outdoor electrical equipment was protected from accidental contact by vehicular traffic.  Drill Site: On or about July 29, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer did not protect the 480 volt 8/4 AWG flexible cords extending from the transformer to the drilling rig from damage caused by vehicles. This condition exposed the employees to electrical hazards.

Issued

Oct 29, 2014

Abate by

Nov 4, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(a)(2)(x):  Flexible cords and cables were not protected from accidental damage, as might be caused, for example, by sharp corners, projections, and doorways or other pinch points:  On or about July 29, 2014, and at times prior thereto, The 240 volt 8/4 AWG flexible cord running from one side of the change house to the other was not protected when going through unprotected wall openings. This condition exposed the employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Oct 29, 2014

Abate by

Nov 4, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(i): Flexible cords and cables were not approved for conditions of use and location:  Drill site: On or about July 29, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer had the crew use a wall mounted electrical connection to connect two 480 volt 8/4 AWG flexible cords together, to feed power to the drilling rig approximately 200-feet from the transformer. This condition exposed the employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Oct 29, 2014

Abate by

Nov 4, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,800

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief was provided that would prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws:     Drill Site: On or about July 29, 2014, the strain relief to the outlet hanging outside the change house by the door was damaged. This condition exposed the employees to electrical hazards.

Issued

Oct 29, 2014

Abate by

Nov 4, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,600 · Current $5,600

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(i): Portable cord and plug connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) were not visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects (such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to outer jacket or insulation) and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as pinched or crushed outer jacket):  Drill site: On or about July 29, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer failed to inspect the 480 volt 8/4 AWG flexible cord for damage prior to use. The flexible cord stretched from the transformer across 200-feet to the drilling rig while maintenance was performed. This condition exposed the employees to electrical hazards.  The Aquila Drilling Co., LP was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 1910.334(a)(2)(I), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313502536, citation number 1, item number 4 and was affirmed as a final order on March 14, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at Annie Oakley 23-1, Rig 3 Pecos, TX 79772.