OSHA Inspection: CARTEL DRILLING LLC

Issued

Mar 21, 2017

Abate by

Apr 14, 2017

Penalty

Initial $2,897 · Current $2,897

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(ii):     The physical, health, simple asphyxiation, combustible dust, and pyrophoric gas hazards, as well as hazards not otherwise classified, of the chemicals in the work area;         a)  Cartel Drilling, LLC, at Old County Road 15, Windsor CO 80551:  On and before November 17, 2016, the employer did not ensure that employees were trained on the physical hazards of the chemicals used in the work area.  Employees used a high-volume pump, MCM model 250 serial number 14256, to pressurize a 2 inch fill-up hose to clean out the clay around the dredge pump in the cellar.  A blockage in the hose caused a pressure build-up.  The sudden release of this blockage caused the hose to whip, striking two employees, resulting in lacerations, fractures, and head trauma.  This condition resulted in exposure to a chemical and struck-by hazard.    Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard include:    1) In normal operations, pumps, piping, hoses, valves and other fittings shall not be operated at pressures greater than their rated working pressure and shall be maintained in good operating condition, as referenced in the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 54 Paragraph 9.13.4;    2) Flexible high-pressure hoses should be properly secured to prevent unsafe movement, as referenced in the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 54 Paragraph 9.13.4; and    3) The use of a manufacturer-approved butterfly valve, with manual controls, can be used to manage and control the flow volume.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Sample Abatement- Certification letter)