OSHA Inspection: STERLING DRILLING COMPANY

Issued

Feb 2, 2015

Abate by

Mar 6, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 struck by hazards:     Employees working in the derrick were exposed to fire and explosion hazards in that the auxiliary escape line was not anchored to withstand a pulling force of 3,000 pounds.  The auxiliary escape line was wrapped around the body of a wheeled horse trailer.     One feasible and acceptable method to abate this hazard is to ensure the anchorages of auxiliary escape lines are of sufficient strength to prevent the escape line from becoming dislodged in the event of an emergency.  API RP 54, American Petroleum Institute, RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY FOR Oil AND GAS Well Drilling AND SERVICING OPERATIONS (March 2007) states in paragraph 6.10.1 "It is recommended that the ground anchor point of the escape line should be located a minimum lateral distance from the derrick or mast equal to two times the height of the work platform. The ground anchor point should be able to withstand a pull of at least 3,000 lb. If the rig configuration or location configuration will not permit use of the escape system, an alternate means of fast emergency exit from the derrickman's working platform to a safe place should be provided."