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Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 250 / Wednesday, December 28, 1983 / Proposed Rules

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration

29 CFR Part 1910

[Docket No. S-360]

Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing

AGENCY: Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA).ACTION: Proposed rulemaking.

SUMMARY: OSHA proposes to issueemployee safety requirements fordrilling, servicing and special servicesoperations for oil and gas wells. Thisstandard would supplement existingstandards in 29 CFR Part 1910 andwould address the unique hazards foundin these operations. OSHA expects thatthis standard will result in a decrease inthe number of deaths and injuriesoccurring in this industry. Also, thisstandard, along with the non-mandatoryappendices, will provide employers andworkers with a set of mandatory rulesand voluntary guidelines on which tobase company safety programmingefforts.DATES: Comments on the proposedstandard must be postmarked by March5, 1984.

Requests for a hearing must also bepostmarked by March 5, 1984.ADDRESS: Comments, information, andhearing requests should be sent to:Docket Officer, Docket No. S-360,Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration, Room S6212, U.S.Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.20210.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:Mr. James F. Foster, OccupationalSafety and Health Administration,Room N3637, U.S. Department of Labor,Washington, D.C. 20210, (202) 523-8151.SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The drilling and servicing industry isinvolved in locating and extractingunderground deposits of oil and gas andin maintaining the equipment used tobring the oil and gas to the surface. Thisindustry has some safety problamswhich are unique, and some which arecommon to all workplaces. Uniquehazards include those related to thecathead, rotary table, and wellpressures. Hazards which are commonto many industries including the oil andgas well drilling and servicing industryare falls from elevated platforms,slipping/tripping hazards and machineguarding hazards.

The oil and gas well drilling andservicing industry is ranked among themost hazardous industries in the UnitedStates according to data collected andpublished by the Bureau of LaborStatistics. In 1973 OSHA decided toregulate this industry under itsConstruction Safety Standards (29 CFRPart 1926). This decision was based onthe proposition that the processes andequipment used and the hazardsencountered were similar to those in theconstruction industry.

However, the application of theconstruction safety standards to the oiland gas well drilling and servicingindustry was contested by the industry.As a result of this controversy, theOccupational Safety and Health ReviewCommission (OSHRC) issued severalrulings holding that the constructionstandards were not applicable to oil andgas production (MND DrillingCorporation, No. 76-4149, 1977-1978CCH OSHD 22,289 (ALI 1977); R. B.Montgomery Drilling, Inc., et. al., No.76-2131, 1977-1978 CCH OSHD 21,755(ALI 1977): Fairbanks Well Service, Inc.No. 76-4297, 1977-1978 CCH OSHD

21,740 (AL) 197.7); Bomac Drilling, No.76-450, 977-1978 CCH OSHD 21,667(ALJ 1977); B-/Hughes, Inc., 1982 CCHOSHD 25,977 (3/31/82), re: Constructionstandards not covering drilling; SnyderWell Servicing, Inc., 1982 CCH OSHD25,943 (2/2/82), re: not covering well

swabbing). (See Reference 25.)According to the OSHRC, employersengaged in oil adn gas well drilling andservicing should be subject to thegeneral industry standards found in 29CFR Part 1910.

OSHA subsequently began gatheringinformation on the types and numbers ofinjuries and deaths occurring in thisindustry and attempting to determinewhether the general industry standards(29 CFR Part 1910) were adequate toprotect workers in this industry. It wasdetermined, based on Bureau of LaborStatistics (BLS) data, that this industryhas a number of special safety andhealth problems which are relfected bya higher than average injury and illnessincidence rate (see Reference 26).

In addition, new enforcementproblems emerged as a result ofapplying the general industry standards.It was apparent that the generalindustry standards either did notaddress or inadequately addressed anumber of hazards unique to the oil andgas well drilling and servicing industry,possibly even contributing to this higherinjury and illness incidence rate.Because of the uniqueness of theseoperations and the lack of specificstandards to protect workers fromserious hazards associated with these

operations, Section 5(a)(1) citations(general duty clause of the OccupationalSafety and Health Act (OSH Act)) wereissued whenever a specific standardwas lacking (see Reference 6).

In 1980, the National Institute forOccupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) began a study of problems inthis industry to providerecommendations for standardsdevelopment. In addition, OSHAcontinued to gather information anddata concerning the operations,machinery, equipment and hazardsrelated to the industry (see Reference 8).Reviews were conducted of statestandards (see References 9-16),standards of other government agencies(see References 19-20), industrypractices (References 1-3) andstandards of foreign governments (seeReferences) to see how specificproblems were addressed. Many of theproposed requirements were adoptedfrom, or based on, state standards andindustry recommendations when OSHAfound that these standards appeared toadequately address the hazards found.(Examples include: (d)(3), (d)(6), (e)(1),and (e)(6)).

In January 1982, oil industryrepresentatives, including members ofthe International Association of drillingContractors (IADC) and the Associationof Oil Well Servicing Contractors(AOSC), met with OSHA. Theseindustry representatives expressed aninterest in providing assistance toOSHA to develop a meaningful standardthat would protect the safety and healthof workers performing drilling andservicing operations and reduce theadversarial relationships that existed inthe past. The representatives statedtheir dislike for the widespread use of"general duty" citations and requestedthat the proposed standard clearly statewhat was necessary for compliance.

In the spring 1982, BLS began a WorkInjury Report (WIR) study (Reference 7).At the same time OSHA initiated ananalysis to determine the costs of theproposed standard. In addition OSHAanalyzed all of the Agency's closedfatality case files related to oil and gaswell drilling and servicing (Reference 5).

In June 1982, OSHA circulated a draftof the proposed rule and requestedcomments from its field staff, states,trade associations, labor unions, andother interested groups and parties. InJuly 1982, OSHA participated in ameeting in Dallas, Texas withrepresentatives of industry,Government, and other interestedparties. Additionally, OSHA heldmeetings with ad-hoc committees, tradeassociation groups, state and Federal

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Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 250 / Wednesday, Jecember 28, 1983 / Proposed Rules

field staff, and several individuals andgroups who requested discussion of theproposed rule. The draft was modifiedto reflect the input OSHA receivedduring this first round of review.

A second draft (dated November,1982) was circulated for additionalcomment in December 1982. OSHAagain received significant input fromindustry sources, interested states andthe insurance industry.

In all, OSHA received written andoral input from over 100 externalsources. These included the following:Association of Oilwell ServicingContractors, American PetroleumInstitute, individual drilling andservicing companies, the states ofOklahoma, Michigan, Alaska,California, Kentucky, and the UnitedGeneral Insurance Company. OSHAfound this input helpful in developingthis proposal.

OSHA believes that the currentgeneral industry standards inadequatelyaddress the unique hazards encounteredduring drilling, servicing and theperformance of special servicesoperations on oil and gas wells. OHSAbelieves this lack of adequate regulatoryprotection has contributed to the highnumber of deaths and injuries in thisindustry. Additionally, the frequentissuance of general duty citations byOSHA compliance officers is furtherevidence of the inadequacy of currentregulations.

In OSHA's view, an industry-specificstandard should be promulgated in orderto provide adequate protection toworkers in this industry. Therefore, thisproposed standard covers those hazardswhich are unique to this industry andcomplements the general industrystandards protecting the workers in thisindustry.

Many hazards found on oil and gaswell drilling and servicing rigs arecommon to virtually all workplaces andthese hazards are addressed by theOSHA General Industry Standards (29CFR Part 1910) which will continue toapply. However, this industry has manyunique hazards or special workcircumstances which require specialstandards. Therefore, these industry-specific problems-the uniquehazards-are addressed in the proposedrule.

The selection of the proposedrequirements to be added to Part 1910are based upon (1) the situations wherethe general duty clause (Section 5(a)(1)of the Act) has been invoked; forexample, using the rotary table tobreakout drill pipe (Reference 6); (2) thespecial situations dictated by thelocation of operations, for example,medical and first aid requirements and

emergency planning; (3) the unusual orspecialized equipment, for example,catheads, drawworks, and rotary tables;and, (4) the specialized procedures inthis industry, for example, cementing,drill stem testing, and wirelineoperations.

In common with most OSHA safetystandards recently promulgated orunder development, a level ofperformance rather than adherence to aspecification is emphasized. OSHAbelieves this approach allows sufficientlatitude for the employer to control thehazards effectively. In many cases,however, some employers may not havethe expertise or the time available todevelop specific compliance measuresthat will meet the performance-orientedstandard. For assistance to theseemployers, some examples of "how tomeet the standard" are included in theAppendices. These examples are notmandatory, but only provide guidance.Other sources may also be consulted,such as trade associations, professionalsafety publications, and states with on-site consultation services.

II. Agency ActionOSHA has determined that there now

exists a sufficient body of data andinformation upon which a reasonablestandard can be based to effectivelyreduce the number of injuries anddeaths associated with oil and gas welldrilling, servicing and special servicesoperations. The standard beingproposed by OSHA reflects thisdetermination.

Workers in the oil and gas welldrilling and servicing industry areexposed to a number of hazardsassociated with both the equipment andthe various operations performed duringthe course of drilling or servicing. Thereare approximately 5,400 rigs in operationwhere workers are exposed to thesehazards and it is estimated that thereare approximately 95,000 workersemployed in various occupationsrelating to oil and gas well drilling andservicing. The death and injuryexperience which is described inReferences 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, and 18 iscompelling evidence that OSHA needsto take action to reduce the occurrenceof these deaths and injuries. Thesereports clearly show that there is asignificant risk to workers in thisindustry, and that mandatory standardsare necessary. This proposal is theAgency's response to this need formandatory standards.

Data indicate that workers in thisindustry have been exposed to hazardsfor many years which OSHA hasinadequately regulated through existingstandards. OSHA data show that the oil

and gas industry receives the highestpercentage of 5(a)(1) citations comparedto other industries. These citations,which are issued only when a standarddoes not exist to address the hazard butyet the hazard is well recognized as apotential source of serious injury, haveindicated clearly that there is a lack ofstandards directed to these hazards.OSHA can be and must be more specificin its requirements in order to assistemployers in meeting their obligationsunder the Occupational Safety andHealth Act.

OSHA has completed three studiescovering accidents in the oil and gaswell drilling and servicing industry.These studies show that workers in thisindustry are exposed to significant risksof injury and death on the job.

The first study (Reference 4) wascompleted in 1980 and is entitled,"Selected Occupational FatalitiesRelated to Oil/Gas Well Drilling Rigs asFound in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations." This was astudy of 30 selected fatal incidentsrelated to oil and gas well drilling rigs.All of the incidents occurred between1974 and 1978, and the majority of thefatalities were related to falls fromelevations or "struck by" or "caught in"machinery and equipment. Theinformation on which the study wasbased was obtained from Federal OSHAFatality/Catastrophe investigationsfiles.

The study found that operationalproblems (failure to observe or lack ofoperating procedures such as not tyingoff when on the monkeyboard orstabbing board) accounted for almostone-half of the fatal incidentsinvestigated. Falls from the derrick orother working surfaces accounted for 75percent of all the fatalities. Theproposed rule will address theseproblems by requiring training andestablishing mandatory operatingprocedures related to ladders andworking surfaces, particularly elevatedworking surfaces.

The study also found that one-fourthof the fatal incidents were related tohazards with the equipment, material, orthe facility. Workers were struck byparts of equipment that separated orfailed, by the collapse of the derrick,failure of the ropes, etc. Also, the studyshows a variety of occupations wereinvolved in these incidents with thederrickman, floorhand and roughneckamong the more frequently involved.The proposed standard contains manyprovisions directly related to these typesof hazards.

The second study (Reference 6) wascompleted in 1981 and is entitled,

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"Comprehensive Summaries of SeriousAccidents in the Oi/Gas Well IndustryStandard Industrial Classification(SIC--13a" This study found that nmostof the 206 accidents investigated werecaused by inadequate supervision,training, or operating procedures; failureto use fall restraining devices: rigcollapse or failures; materials handlingproblems, equipment and materialsstriking employees; and contact withlive electrical equipment. Otherfatalities and injuries resulted fromtongs striking employees, flammableliquid or gag fires, elevator failures, orunguarded rotary table or bushings. Theinformation in this study was obtainedfrom OSHA reports of fatality.and injuryinvestigations (July 1972-March 1980).

The third study (Reference 5) wascompleted in 1983, and is entitled"Selected Occupational FatalitiesRelated to Oil and Gas Well Drilling andServicing as Found in Reports of OSHAFatality/Catastrophe Investigations."This study is an analysis of over 453Federal OSHA Fatality/Catastropheinvestigation files which were madebetween 1977 and 1981. By examiningthe information in these files, OSHAwas able to establish an apparentcause-effect relationship betweenhazards and accidents that resulted indeaths and/or multiple injuries to theworkers in this study. There were 467workers killed in these accidents.Among the most often cited causes forthe 467 deaths were equipment failures,lack of training, improper supervision ofnew employees, failure to wear personalprotective equipment, failure to lockoutpower sources and failure to guardmachinery and equipment.

Based on this information, OSHA isproposing a series of requirementsdirectly related to these hazards whichwill minimize the potential for anaccident that could result in an injury ordeath.

In order to gather additional data onnon-fatal accidents for this rulemaking,OSHA requested the Bureau of LaborStatistics (BLS) to conduct a WorkInjury Report (WIR) study (seeReference 7). WIR data collection iscarried out by individual states undercontract with BLS. Based upon the "firstreport of accident" filed by the employerwith the state, the injured employee issent a form (and post-paid envelope)with a request that the form becompleted and returned to BLS. Whilethe forms are coded by BLS, allinformation regarding identity ofemployer and employee are deleted. Thedata collected over several months werecompiled to provide useful informationassociated with non-fatal accidents and

their causes. The WIR study on the oilend gas well drilling and servicingindustry involve reports which describethe event at the time of the injury aswull Ps the activity which preceded it.This study shows that two-thirds of theinjuries occurred during drillingoperations, with one-fourth of theseincidents occurring during tripping in ortinpping out operations. This studyfurther demonstrates that workers inthis industry are exposed to significantrsks on the job and shows the severityof the injuries in these workplaves isgreater than in general industryworkplaces. For exarple, the incidentsof amputations in the oil and gas drillingand servicing industry are five times theaverage fur all compensation cases.

In addition to the WIR study, the BLSthrough its annual survey work, hasmade available data indicating that thisindutry has a higher injury and illnessincidence rate than the private sector"all industry" rate (see Tables I and II).

According to this survey, the injuryand illness incidence rate for Oil andGas Extraction in 1981 was about twotimes higher (6.6) than the rate for theprivate sector "all industry" (3.8). In theclassification Oil and Gas FieldServices. the rate in 1981 was nearlythree times higher (9.3) than for "allindustry." This rate reflects the rumberof lost workday cases per 100 full-timeworkers. In addition, the oil and gasindustry injury and illness incidencerate is similar to those in the mining andconstruction industries-two industriestraditionally considered "high hazard"because of their injury and illnessincidence rates. Furthermore, thenumber of lost workdays per 100 full-time workers for the oil and gasextraction (139.4) and oil field servicesindustry (198.1) are significantly higherthan they are for private sector "allindustry" (61.7).

TABLE I.-OCCUPATIONAL INJURY AND ILLNESSINCIDENCE RATES

(Lost workday cr'es per 100 full-time wor~erel

1981 1980 1979 1973 1977

rdivate S cl "Al ' .I..w 3.8 4.0 4.3 4.1 3.8Mir . ..................... 6.2 8.5 6.8 6.4 6.00! ar.d Gas Extraction ........... 6.6 6.7 7.0 6.9 6.3Ci, and Gas Fild Servoes. 9.3 9.8 9.5 10.2.C .nstru.a ..n............. 6.3 6.5 6.8 6.4 5.9

TABLE II.-OCCUPATIONAL INJURY INCIDENCERATES

(Lost workday cases per 100 tull-tirne workers]

1981 1980 1979 1978 1977

P.1vate 5eclr 'All Industry"... 81.7 65.2 67.7 63.5 61.6M ing ... ................. 148.4 1636 150.5 143.2 128.80.l and Gas Extctio,. .139.4 152.7 151.2 154.4 143.7Oil and Gas Irleld Services.198.1 27.6 215.7 229.7.

TABLE 11.--OCCUPATIONAL INJURY INCIDENCERATES--Continued

[Lo9t woikday cases per 100 fu;-k.,e workers)

1981 1980 1979 1978 1977

Corrstruclio ............................. 113.1 117.0 120.4 109.4 111.5

Another study examined (Reference18) was made by the Texas EmployersInsurance Association. This study ofaccident costs showed that oil and gaswell servicing ranked fou th in severityof the 52 major types of industrialoperations in Texas. The study of 300fatalities in major industry groupsshowed 27 percent of the fatalitiesoccurred in oil and gas operations. Thisgroup also studied 3,054 injuries thatoccurred during 1980 and 1981. Forty-seven percent of the injuries werecaused by being "struck by or strikingagainst," with the hand and head beingthe part of the body most frequentlyinjured. Three hundred accidents from1981 were selected for further study,showing that floorhands. normally themost inexperienced workers, had 155 or51.7 percent of these accidents.

Dr. Maurice Schade of the Universityof Oklahoma's Petroleum Drilling SafetyResearch Group (Reference 17) prepareda report in March 1981 in which heexamined 561 injuries in the petroleumdrilling industry. The study was basedon information received from sixmedium sized drilling companies andcovered accidents that occurred duringthe year 1981 only. There were 1.873employees who had 561 accidentsinvolving both non-lost time and losttime accidents. The study showed thatfloorhands wore involved in 44 percentof the injuries and most of those injuriesinvolved the handling of tubular goods.From his study, Dr. Schade concludedthat workers in the group examined hadmore than a one in four chance of beinginvolved in an accident on the job (non-lost time or lost time injury).

The National Institute forOccupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) conducted a study of the oiland gas well drilling industry andprovided OSHA with recommendationsfor developing a standard. The study isentitled, "Comprehensive SafetyRecommendation-Land-Based Oil andGas Well Drilling" (Reference 8). Inaddition to a discussion of the BLSinjury data for the oil and gas welldrilling industry, an early draft of thestudy also referenced a study of dataNIOSH received on fatalities andinjuries that occurred between 1973 and1978 in Texas and California drillingoperations. NIOSH applied thesestatistics to project estimated fatalities


for the entire drilling industry. NIOSHconcluded that the injury incidence andseverity rates for the oil and gas drillingindustry are more than six times therates of general industry. Allowing forthe possibility of error as much as afactor of 2, the potential for sustaining arecordable injury was still three timeshigher than for general industry. NIOSHalso analyzed 603 accident reports fromOSHA investigation files, companyaccident reports, workers compensationreports and published case historiesrelated to drilling. There were 106deaths associated with these accidents.Nearly half of the accidents (45.8%) andover half (56%) of the fatalities involvedthree categories-falls from the derrick,handling drill pipe, and tong operations.Falls from the derrick accounted for 31percent of the fatalities in this study;handling of drill pipe resulted in 16percent of the fatalities, and tongoperations for nine percent of thefatalities. The NIOSH document alsoreferenced a study compiled by theInternational Association of DrillingContractors entitled, "Drilling AccidentAnalysis, 1979." This study alsoestablishes that there is a significantrisk of injury to workers in the drillingindustry. Finally, the NIOSH documentincludes recommendations for a drillingstandard to address the unique hazardsnot covered by existing OSHA generalindustry standards.

In addition to comments on theproposed rule, OSHA is seekingcomments, information and data on thefollowing issues which it wishes toresolve in this rulemaking:

A. Can and should fall arrest devicesbe used on servicing and workover rigsto protect personnel riding the hoistingequipment? What problems would thiscreate in rig up and in work operations?What costs would be involved inadditonal rig up time and in workoperations and other related costs?

B. Are manual shutoffs of air intakesufficiently rapid to prevent dieselengine runaway in the event of a gasleak or blowout? How can and shouldthe gas be detected? Are automaticcontrols and actuators required? Whatcosts and benefits would such controlsbring? What sensing mechanism shouldbe used (e.g., engine overspeed, gasdetector, other)?

C. OSHA had originally intended toinclude an exemption from the GeneralIndustry Standard for perimeterguarding. This exemption would haverelaxed the requirement for guardrailson all rigs 4 feet or more off the groundby not requiring perimeter guardrailsunless the rig was 10 feet or more abovethe ground. OSHA subsequentlyreceived data from BLS (Reference 7)

that showed that a significant number ofinjuries occurred to workers who fellfrom heights of 10 feet or less. Becauseof this, OSHA has decided not topropose this exemption at this time.However, OSHA would like comment orinformation about injuries that haveoccurred when workers were not able tomake a rapid escape from the rig floorduring an emergency because guardrailslimited or prevented their rapid escape.

D. Under what conditions would theneed for blowout preventers (BOP) beunnecessary? Can this decision bebased on information about geologicalstrata and other scientific evidence? Arethere known situations or areas where itwill not be necessary to use blowoutprevention equipment? What marketincentives are already available thatwould encourage the use of blowoutprevention equipment (loweredinsurance premiums, reduced worker'scompensation costs, and reduced tortliability) and hence render a specificregulatory requirement unnecessary?

How frequently should blowoutprevention equipment be tested? Whattypes of tests are appropriate andadequate? Are there adverse effects onequipment operation and reliabilityresulting from frequent testing ofblowout prevention equipment? ShouldOSHA require blowout prevention(BOP) classroom training for one personper rig site? What schools should berecognized for this training? What costsare involved?

Is there any additional informationthat can be provided on BOP to assistthe Agency in rulemaking?

E. Recently OSHA has receivedseveral reports of fatalities and seriousinjuries attributed to the placement ofoperating controls on the control panelof the drillers console. The reportsindicated that several controls werelocated close to each other. Thesecontrols had identical operatingcharacteristics and were equipped withidentical knobs in spite of the fact thatthey were used to activate differentpowered functions. Apparently, inseveral instances the driller activatedthe wrong control causing needlessinjuries and fatalities. In one case,during the course of drilling, after thekelly had been "drilled down," thedriller had stopped the rotary table andbegun to hoist the drill string. The kellybushing started rising with the drillstring and the driller stopped hoisting toallow a crewman to free the bushing.While the effort to free the kelly bushingwas going on, other crew membersprepared to break out the kelly. Thetongs were hanging freely suspended bythe counterbalance line. Once thebushing was free, the driller reached for

the hoisting control but insteadactivated the control for the breakoutcathead. (On this rig, controls arelocated less than six inches apart andwere equipped with identical knobs.)This caused the breakout cathead totake up the slack in the tongs snub linewhich caused the tongs to-swingviolently. The tongs struck a rig handand threw him against the drawworkscausing serious injury.

OSHA is seeking comment on theextent of this problem in the industry;the economic feasibility of requiringdistinctive knobs for each control; andother methods of abating this type ofhazard. Additionally, should OSHArequire that all control panels bestandardized in relation to theplacement of operating controls, witheach control having distinctive knobs? IfOSHA requires this, should OSHArequire existing rigs to be brought intocompliance, and what period of timeshould be allowed to bring rigs intocompliance? What are the costs ofrequiring new rigs to have controls thatminimize the described hazards? Whatcosts are imposed on retrofitting existingrigs?

Finally, OSHA seeks accident andfatality reports related to these types ofproblems.

F. Should employers be required to fillor cover all holes or depressions in thearea of the worksite into whichemployees could trip or fall?

G. OSHA recently promulgated arevised hearing conservationamendment to its occupational noiseexposure standard (48 FR 9738, 3/8/83).The amendment required theestablishment of a hearing conservationprogram including exposure monitoring,audiometric testing, and training for allemployees who have occupational noiseexposures equal or exceeding an eighthour time weighted average of 85 dBA.OSHA decided to exempt the oil and gaswell drilling and servicing industry fromthe requirements of the revised hearingconservation amendment because of thepending project to develop a specialstandard for this industry. Specifically.OSHA stated:

A combination of factors, includingtremendous variation in working conditions,high mobility of operations, extremely highemployee turnover rate, and limitedaccessability of many worksites, convincedOSHA that employees would be betterserved by developing a standard morespecifically tailored to the needs of thisindustry. (Citations omitted; footnotes 53, 48FR at 9775.

For example, Dresser Industries, (anemployer with many locations rangingfrom multi-employee worksites to

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innumerable small mobile field servicingunits) while recognizing the "value...and need of effective hearingconservation programs," felt that a moreperformance oriented approach tohearing conservation than permittedunxder the general hearing conservationamendment was necessary. (See Ex.327-146A.) I

Dresser believes that the ideal hearingconservation program is one developed orapproved by knowledgeable experts in thefield. Such a program will be developedaround the actual conditions in theworkplace and will be designed to achievefour objectives. First is the identification ofemployees who are likely to be exposed tonoise in excess of 85 dBA (TWA). Second isthe timely taking of baseliue and periodichearing tests of such employees underacceptable conditions. Third is the informingof such employees in general terms of thepotential hazards of continuous loud noise,and informing any such employees who thetesting shows may be incurring unusualhearing loss, of such loss. And fourth is therequiring of suitable hearing protection incases that warrant this.

Such a program appears to becontemplated by the possible alternative (tothe hearing conservation amendment whichwas suggested during the administrativereconsideration of the amendment. ( Ex.327-146A, pp. 1-2.)

The alternative reads as follows:1. Employers shall conduct audiograms

annually of every employee exposed to noisein excess of an 8-hour time weighted averagesound level (TWA) of 85 dBA, 2 according tostandards on audiometers and audiometrictest rooms established by the AmericanNational Standards Institute,3 and under thesupervision of a qualified technician:

2. Such audiograms shall be reviewedannually by a qualified audiologist,otolaryngologist or physician to identifyemployees whose hearing acuity hasdiminshed more than normal:

3. Employers shall instruct all employeesidentified under paragraph 2 in the proper useof hearing protection when working in noisyareas and shall take appropriate measures toenforce the use of suitable protective devicesfor those employees when they are exposedto noise levels in excess of an 8-hour timeweightcd average sound level (TWAIA) of 85dBA.

Specifically Dresser suggested thatmodifications to the hearingconservation amendment to

For the purpose of this distu sion on the hearingconservation amendment all record and transcriptcitations are referencing the hearing conservationamendment docket, 11-011.

'-See Appendix A (of 29 CFR 01.95).3

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1969. and theInstitute's Specification for Audiometric TectRooms. ANSI S3.1-1977. Audiometers shall becalibrated annually to ensure the standard is met.ANSI S3.1-1977 must be followed for testingperformed at frequencies of 1,000 Hz and above: fortesting below 1,000 liz. ANSI S..1-1,06t0 may beused.

accommodate the peculiaritie, of theindustry might be useful. It wassuggested that employers within thisindustry have the option of subjectingemployees to audiometric testing andhearing protection provisions withoutwhat were viewed as burdensomemonitoring requirements. "Such aprovision will allow a higher degree ofprotection to those marginally exposedemployees without requiring animmediate and highly precisereassessment of exposure." (Ex. 327-146A, p. 4.) A relaxation of therequirement to obtain baselineaudiograms within a short period of timewas also suggested. Dresser suggested aone year period be allowed to obtainaudiograms if hearing protection wererequired until the base line is obtained(Ex. 327, 146A p. 5). Similarly, R.Brisnehan of the Petroleum EquipmentSuppliers Association and G. McKnownof the International Association ofDrilling Contractors suggested thatextending the period of time in which toobtain a baseline audiogram to one yearwould solve several of the industry'sproblems in complying with theaudiometric test provisions of theamendment (Tr. Vol. I-B, p. 295, 3/25/82).

Similarly, with regard to the trainingprovisions, several participantsindicated that these requirementspresented special problems for the oiland gas well drilling and servicingindustry. As Mr. McKnown testified atTr. 296, "We don't have any problemswith the training requirements * * *Training is an excellent idea. Noproblems on that." Mr. Carlton,representing the Association of OilwellServicing Contractors and Mr. Kargerrepresenting a number of employers inoil and gas well drilling expressedsimilar viewq (Tr. 162 and 188respectively).

On the other hand, severalparticipants argued that specialcharacteristics unique to the industrymade it inconvenient or infeasible tocomply with the hearing conservationamendment as it applied to generalindustry. For example, high turnoverrates ranging from 200 to 600% combinedwith mobile work sites, frequently inremote locations and a decentralizedhiring procedure all tend to negativelyimpact the feasibility of conductingbaseline audiograms within a fourmonth period. (See Tr. 156, 169 and 173).These factors, it was argued, wouldfurther create costs of compliance thatwere prohibitive. Even the usefulness ofbaseline audiograms was questioned inan industry with such a high turnoverrate where many employers receivingthe baseline audiogram would not still

be employed by the same compamy forthe annual audiometric testing whichfollows the taking of a baselineaudiogram. The existence of long termemployees in the industry however, wasattested to by several parties:McKnown, Tr. 293; Carlton, Tr. 162;Karger Tr. 184.

Although industry representativesargue for exemption from the generalindustry hearing conservation standard,none seriously disputed the significanceof noise exposure in the industry or thepossible need to some kind of hearingconservation regulation. Mr. Kargerargued that the exemption shouldremain in effect "at least to a point intime when the unique problems of theindustry can be addressed andalternatives conducive to the realities ofland based oil and gas well drillings* * * can be developed." (Tr. 170)

In consideration of the evidencepresented in the Hearing ConservationAmemdment proceeding, some of whichis summarized above, and theseriousness of occupational hearing lossand impairment, OSHA, in thisrulemaking, would like to examine moreclosely the unique problems of theindustry with regard to noise exposureand hearing conservation. As anoutcome of this rulemaking theexemption found in 1910.95(o) will beconsidered for modification based onthe record developed. OSHA thereforeseeks comment on the followingquestions in order to determine whetheran effective hearing conservationprogram for the oil and gas well drillingand servicing industry can be developedand, if so, what elements would beappropriate.

1. What is the nature and extent ofworker exposure to noise in thisindustry?

2. Which job tasks and locations onrigs and how many employees havenoise levels of 85 dBA or more(expressed in time weighted averages(TWAs])? List job tasks and estimatenumbers of employees with exposures at90 dB. 95 dB and 100 dB or more.

3. To what extent is monitoringnessesary to assure an effective hearingconservation program in this industry?

4. What alternatives to monitoringcould provide information regardingwhen hearing protectors are needed andthe degree of attenuation that hearingprotectors need to provide?

5. What is the employee turnoverrate? To what extent do employees tendto remain in the industry regardless ofemployer? What is the average numberof years in the industry per employee?Can this be broken down by operation?


6. Would a requirement that baselineaudiograms be obtained within one yearrather than six months still provide foran effective hearing conservationprogram for long term workers in thisindustry? Should employers whoseemployees have eight hour TWA'sbetween 85 and 90 dB be given longer toobtain baseline audiograms thanemployers whose employees haveextremely high exposures?

7. Are there any alternatives to audio-metric testing to ascertain that workersare not losing hearing and that thehearing conservation program iseffective?

8. Describe the present effort of yourcompany to conserve employee hearingincluding the specific elements of thehearing conservation program?

9. How can the various key elementsof the hearing conservation program setforth in 29 CFR 1910.95 be adopted to fitthe particular characteristics of the oiland gas well drilling and servicingindustry? Would the three paragraphalternative set forth above provideemployers with enough flexibility forcompliance and assure that employeesare adequately protected?

All submissions and testimonypresented by interested parties in thehearing conservation amendmentproceeding and relevant to this industryare being included in the Oil and GasWell Drilling and Servicing Docket, No.S-360, and will be fully considered inthis rulemaking. OSHA encourages,however, continued participation bythese parties in this rulemaking in orderto help resolve these difficult issues.

III. Summary and Explanation of theProposal

This proposal adds to existing generalindustry regulations a number of newprovisions which will directly addressthe hazards of a single industry-oil andgas well drilling and servicing. Inparagraph (a), OSHA defines the scopeand application of the standardproposed for oil and gas well drillingand servicing operations. The standardcontains requirements for the control ofhazards or workplace situations uniqueto oil and gas well drilling and servicingoperations.

It is OSHA's intent that the scope ofthis standard include all drilling,servicing and special servicesoperations performed on wells asspecified in proposed paragraph (a)(2) ofthis standard. Operations performed toprepare the site for drilling, such as roadconstruction, grading, and digging ofearthen pits are covered by the OSHAConstruction Standards (29 CFR Part1926). Therefore, these operations arenot addressed by this proposal.

However, it should be noted that theCoast Guard has authority foroccupational safety and health on theOuter Continental Shelf (OCS) pursuantto 43 U.S.C. 1333(e), 1347, and 1348,although OSHA has authority pursuantto 29 U.S.C. 653(a) and 43 U.S.C. §1347.Pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 653(b)(1),providing that OSHA does not apply toworking conditions with respect towhich other Federal agencies exercisestatutory authority to prescribe orenforce occupational safety or healthregulations, OSHA and the U.S. CoastGuard, in December 1979, signed amemorandum of understanding whichdelineated their respective authoritiesand responsibilities and whichestablished procedures for conductinginspections and investigations of OCSoperations. This agreement, under whichthe Coast Guard and primaryresponsibility for the safety and healthof employees engaged in OCSoperations, was based on a recognitionof the Coast Guard's extensiveregulations, regular presence on theOCS, and consequently of that agency'ssuperior ability to make onsite visits tooffshore rigs located there. Further, theCoast Guard has regulations dealingwith mobile offshore drilling units,which are inspected vessels as definedby the Coast Guard (46 CFR SubchapterI-A). Pursuant to a memorandum ofunderstanding signed by OSHA and theCoast Guard in March 1983, the CoastGuard, with certain exceptions notrelevant here, has exclusive authoritywith respect to the occupational safetyand health of seamen on inspectedvessels because of the Coast Guard'scomprehensive regulation of thesevessels.

In paragraph (a)(2) OSHA is proposingthe application of the standard. Therequirements of this standard wouldapply to rigs performing drilling,.servicing or special services operationson exploratory wells, developmentwells, injection wells and water wellsdrilled to support oil and gas recoveryoperations. Excluded from therequirements of this section are: cabletool drilling, drilling for seismic testsand subsoil structural investigations,drilling for minerals such a sulfur, anddrilling water and brine wells forpurposes other than in support of oil andgas recovery. OSHA data research wastargeted to rotary drilling whichrepresents the bulk of the drillingindustry. Other areas excluded aboveare unique enough to be addressedindividually and may be in the future ifdata show this is necessary.

Additionally, all drilling, servicing andspecial services operations employerswould not be required to comply with

every proposed requirement containedin the standard. Paragraphs (c), (d), and(e) of the proposed standard wouldapply to all operations. Therequirements of paragraph (f) of theproposed standard would only apply tothose operations specifically addressed.

In paragraph (b) OSHA proposes anumber of definitions which wouldclarify the meaning and intent of certainterms contained in the proposedstandard. Many of these definitions areconsistent with those published by theUniversity of Texas, PetroleumExtension Service, in their primerbooklets for Oilwell Drilling and OilwellService and Workover and in theirDictionary of Petroleum Terms (seeReferences 22-24). However, some areprovided which augment these. Theyinclude, but are not limited to thefollowing: imminently dangerous to life-and health, confined spaces, drilling,frozen plug, and headache post.

In paragraph (c) OSHA proposesgeneral requirements for all operations.

Paragraph (c)(1) proposes medical andfirst aid requirements in addition tothose found in Subpart K of this Part.Considering the type and frequency ofinjuries experienced in this industry (seeReferences 4-8 and 17-18) and the factthat, in many instances, theseoperations take place in remotelocations without ready access toemergency medical services, OSHAbelieves the additional requirementsbeing proposed will result in savinglives and reducing injury severity.

In many cases, slips and falls or beingstruck by machinery or equipment resultin back injuries, shock or fracturedbones and are all too common in thisindustry (see References 4-8). OSHAbelieves that transportation in aninappropriate manner of a worker with aback injury or broken bones, or onesuffering from shock and trauma wouldaggravate these types of injuries, insome cases with catastrophicconsequences. For example, workerswith back injuries or suffering fromshock should not be transported in thecab of a pickup truck in a sittingposition. Following standard practicesfor first aid, the victim should be placedin a horizontal position, and thentransported to the hospital or clinic.

OSHA is also proposing that acontingency plan which details theprocedures for obtaining prompt medicalassistance be prepared in advance andimplemented when needed. OSHAbelieves the concept of preplanning formedical emergencies will better enablethe employer and his employees to beprepared. Employees should know whatactions to take in the event of a medical

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emergency so that treatment can bepromptly provided to reduce the severityof the injury. The contingency plan mustprescribe, at a minimum, how toestablish communication with medicalassistance, the location of thecommunication instrument and detailsof the arrangements made to transportinjured employees.

Paragraph (c)(2) proposes that anemergency action plan which meets therequirements of § 1910.38(a) bedeveloped in advance and implementedwhen needed for all rigs and theiroperations. OSHA believes it isnecessary for the employer to preplanfor emergencies so employees involvedin these operations know what actionsare required of them during emergencysituations. Preplanning will enhancesafety for the entire crew.

In paragraph (c)(1) and (c)(2) justdiscussed, OSHA is proposingrequirements for a medical contingencyplan and an emergency action plan. Theproposal provides the employer withalternative means of compliance forthese provisions. The options includedevelopment of a written plan, availableat the worksite in a location known tothe employees; or preparation of a plan,employee training in the provisions ofthe plan, and certification by theemployer that these steps have beentaken.

Paragraph (c)(3) of the standardproposes training requirements foremployees working in this industry.OSHA believes that an effective trainingprogram will enhance worker safety byteaching employees how to recognizehazards and the procedures or means tocontrol or avoid them. The trainingprogram will familiarize employees withnecessary personal protectiveequipment and the proper method ofuse, inspection and care of thisequipment, and will make employeesaware of special requirements such aslockout and tagout procedures andconfined space entry procedures.Trained employees will be better able toavoid being injured while performingsuch work (see References 4, 6, and 8). Itis OSHA's intent that employees receivesome training prior to beginning workand that this training should beaugmented and repeated from time totime.

Paragraph (c)(4) proposes specificrequirements for the unique hazards ofover-water operations. Theserequirements would assure that OSHA'sstandards for water rescue and flotationequipment conform with current U.S.Coast Guard regulations for offshore rigsunder their jurisdiction.

Paragraph (c)(5) of the standardproposes housekeeping requirements for

all operations. OSHA believes that aconscientious effort to eliminate slippingand tripping hazards and hazards due toflammable and combustible liquids willproduce a significant decrease ininjuries in the drilling, servicing andspecial services industry (seeReferences 4-8).

Illumination requirements for all rigsare proposed in paragraph (c)(6) of thestandard. OSHA believes minimumlighting levels are necessary to helpminimize slips, trips, and falls and toallow work to continue safety in otherthan daylight hours. These lightinglevels are consistent with ANSIrecommendations for other industries.Injuries have occurred where adequatelighting was not provided (seeReferences 5-8).

In paragraph (d) OSHA proposesspecific requirements for drilling,servicing and special servicesworkplace situations which apply to alltypes of operations.

OSHA is proposing, in paragraph(d)(1), requirements to assure the saferaising and lowering of derricks ormasts and related rig-up operations.

The first two proposed requirements inparagraph (d)(1) address preplanningthe arrangement or placement ofequipment and outbuildings to minimizeenvironmental problems like waterdrainage and to assure the prescribedclearances for buildings and equipmentare maintained. OSHA believes thatpreplanning is essential. It will enablethe employer to foresee hazardoussituations and plan to avoid them.Additionally, this will help the employeravoid the problems of having to moveequipment and outbuildings once theyare initially set.

Additionally, paragraph (d)(1)prescribes the need to perform a visualinspection of the raising and loweringmechanism before operations begin.This check can catch any obviousproblems that can be seen with thenaked eye before the equipment isoperated. Also, a check needs to bemade of the mast to remove any loosetools or materials before movementbegins. Otherwise, these must besecured to prevent them from falling onemployees. AS a general safetyprecaution against the possibility of lineor derrick member failure, employeesare to remain clear of the area and arenot to be under the equipment when thederrick or mast is being raised orlowered.

The sixth proposed requirementaddresses a floor opening hazard thatcan occur during rig-up operations.During these operations, the rotary tableopening is to be covered until theequipment is put in place. This is to

prevent employees from inadvertentlyfalling into the floor opening. If coverscannot be used, guardrails or othermeans may be used provided the safetyof the employees can be assured.

Paragraph (d)(2) of the proposedstandard details OSHA's requirementsfor emergency escape systems. Underemergency conditions, such as ablowout or rig fire, it would beimpossible for the derrickman to usenormal means of egress from theelevated work station. Therefore, OSHAis proposing that an emergency escapesystem be provided for those employeesworking in the derrick or mast (seeReferences 1-8).

In the first two requirements ofparagraph (d)(2), OSHA proposes torequire that an emergency means ofescape be rigged and secured from thederrickman's work platform uponcompletion of rig-up operations. Thenext requirement proposes a similarduty when stabbing boards are used,except that the emergency escape mustbe available before a crew member isrequired to work in that area. OSHAbelieves these requirements arenecessary due to the fact that shallowentrapments of gas, such as methane orhydrogen sulfide, can be present anddrilling into these can cause a blowoutand rig fire which could cause death andserious injury. Without theseprecautions and escape systems, anyoneworking on the derrickman's platformwould have little or no chance ofescaping these dangers.

OSHA proposes in the thirdrequirement in paragraph (d)(2) that theemergency escape route be kept clear ofobstructions, be arranged to carry theemployee away from the area ofpotential danger and allow theemployee a safe landing. OSHA feelsthese requirements are necessary toinsure that the escape route can be usedfor its intended purpose without furtherendangering the employee.

OSHA is proposing in the fourthrequirement that the employer makesure that tension on the escape line willpermit a safe landing for the user. Whenan escape line is used as part of anemergency escape device, propertension on that line is a critical factor.Either excess or insufficient line tensioncan result in injuries to employees usingthe line.

In the fifth requirement OSHA isproposing that emergency escapedevices without automatic velocitylimiting controls be equipped with abraking device which can be operatedby the employee using it. The braking-device requirement that OSHA isproposing is essential to allow the

Federal Register] Vol. 48, No. 250 / Wednesday, December 28, 1983 / Proposed Rules

employee a safe landing when using thistype of emergency escape device.

The last requirement of paragraph(d)(2) addresses emergency escape unitsequipped with automatic velocitylimiting devices, and proposes to clarifythe intent of a safe landing as it is to beapplied when this type of unit is used.Additionally, OSHA proposes to limitthe speed of these devices at the time oflanding and to require separate anchorsfor escape lines in those cases whereuse of the rig guying anchors could posea hazard to the employee. OSHAbelieves these requirements arenecessary to ensure the safe use of thesedevices. The maximum landing velocityOSHA is proposing is 15 ft/sec which isequivalent to about 10 miles per hour.Speeds at landing in excess of 15 ft/sechave the potential of causing seriousinjury to the employee, further delayingthe employee from evacuating thevicinity after landing (see References 5-8).

Paragraph (d)(3) of the standardproposes minimum requirements for fireprevention and protection coveringincipient fire fighting equipment, ignitionsource control and control of fuelsources including iron sulfide.

In the first three requirements ofparagraph (d)(3), OSHA proposes theminimum numbers and types of fireextinguishers which are to be present onrigs. Requirements for fire extinguishersto be installed at all workplaces arethose specifically addressed in SubpartL of this Part. These proposedrequirements differ from Subpart L inthat OSHA is specifying the type andnumber of extinguishers necessary forrigs used in this industry. Theserequirements are based on, and in linewith, current industry recommendationsand State standards (see References 1,2, 3, and 9-16).

The fourth requirement of paragraph(d)(3) addresses the maintenance,testing, and inspection of fireextinguishers and is a cross reference tothe requirements of Subpart L of thisPart. This is done to alert the employerthat there are additional requirementsfor this equipment in Subpart L.

In the remaining seven requirementsof (d)(3) OSHA is proposing workpractice requirements or other safetymeasures controlling flammable liquidvapor accumulations; keeping ignitionsources at a safe distance away fromthe wellhead, and other measures tominimize the potential of a fire. OSHAbelieves these requirements or theequivalent measures are necessary toisolate potential fire hazards (flammableliquids and other fuel sources) orsources of ignition (open flame heaters,portable light plants and others) thereby

reducing the possibility of fire and/orexplosion (see References 5, 6, and 8).

In paragraph (d)(4) OSHA isproposing requirements for the safehandling of drilling fluids containinghazardous substances and chemicals.Examples include calcium oxide andsodium hydroxide used for pH control.Personal protective equipment and workprocedures are addressed.

The first duty in paragraph (d)(4)proposes safe handling instructionalrequirements for employees required tohandle hazardous substances, and thenext requirement proposes that thoseemployees be required to wearappropriate personal protectiveequipment. Because of the high potentialfor exposure to inhalation hazards,.skincontact, absorption, and other hazardsin these situations, OSHA believes thatthese requirements are necessary (seeReferences 5, 6, and 8).

The third requirement proposes thateyewash equipment be readily availablewhen using acids. This requirement isbased on OSHA's belief that in most, ifnot all, instances when acid is used, it isused in large quantities and is injectedinto, and retrieved from, the well underpressure. Caustics, on the other hand,are usually mixed into the drilling fluidat the mud hopper; are in a pelletized orother easily handled form; and arediluted by the drilling mud. Thus OSHAis proposing that three 1 quart bottles ofan approved eyewash solution beavailable.

In paragraph (d)(5) OSHA isproposing requirements to assure safeoperation near energized power lines toprevent electrocutions.

The requirements of paragraph (d)(5)propose clearances for rig operations ormaterial storage near or under electricaltransmission or distribution lines. Alsoit proposes requirements for notificationof the owner of the lines if lines are tobe relocated. These proposedrequirements are similar to § 1910.180and OSHA believes they are necessaryfor this industry to assure thatemployees will not be exposed toelectrical shock hazards (see References5 and 6].

OSHA proposes in paragraph (d)(6)requirements for handling and rackingpipe, drill collars and similar equipmentto prevent employee injuries due tobeing "struck by" moving pipes or being"pinned against" stored pipes.

The first requirements of paragraph(d)(6) propose design requirements forstorage racks. These requirements areintended to control hazards resultingfrom collapsing racks and from tubularmaterials rolling off racks. Theserequirements are based on industryrecommendations and practices, and the

need for these requirements issubstantiated by injury and fatalityreports (see References 1-3, 6-8, and 17-18).

In the third requirement of paragraph(d](6), OSHA proposes to prohibitemployees from standing or walkingbetween any pipe rack and a load ofpipe being loaded or unloaded. OSHAbelieves this practice is very dangerousand injury and fatality reportssubstantiate this belief (see References5-7).

The fourth provision of paragraph(d)(6) proposes that pipe or other tubularmaterial be secured at all times'exceptwhen it is actually being worked. OSHAagrees with industry recommendations(see Reference 1) and believes theserequirements will eliminate hazardsresulting from unsecured material fallingor shifting (see References 5-7).

The last requirement of paragraph(d](6) proposes that drainage of the drillstem stands be provided to minimize iceplug formation. In this instance, OSHAagain agrees with industryrecommendations (see References I and2) and feels that these requirements arenecessary to prevent injury to crewmembers working in the derrick. Thehazard occurs when a stand containingan ice plug is run into the hole, and theice plug is then blown out by wellpressure, thus possibly causing injury tothe worker.

OSHA is proposing in paragraph (d)(7)to prohibit the riding of hoistingequipment unless certain conditionsexist and certain requirements are met.These requirements include the wearingof a full-body harness attached to alanyard, the use of an emergency stopdevice and specific work practicerequirements. Although OSHA does notcondone this practice, it is felt thatworkplace situations could make thispractice preferable to other availablealternatives. For example, in theservicing industry, an employee isfrequently required to reach a workstation in the derrick several timesduring the work day. OSHA believes itmay be less of a hazard to allow theemployee to ride the hoisting equipmentunder the controlled conditionsprescribed by this paragraph than tohave a physically fatigued employeemake the climb.

In paragraph (d)(8) OSHA isproposing requirements for drilling,servicing and special servicesoperations performed in areas where apotential for exposure to hydrogensulfide gas exists. This gas is a poisonwhich, at low concentration, willdesensitize one's sense of smell. Theserequirements also propose establishing

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and implementing a monitoring programin specified areas of the rig usingautomatic environmental monitoringsystems, detector tubes, etc., to assurethe safety and health of employeesexposed to hydrogen sulfide.Additionally, OSHA is proposing thatthe details of this monitoring programand its procedures be available inwritten form for review at the worksite.OSHA believes that this precaution isnecessary because of the extremetoxicity of hydrogen sulfide.

In addition, OSHA proposesexemptions from the requirements ofmonitoring where the potential forexposure to hydrogen sulfide has beendetermined not to exist such as in manyfields where drilling has been performedover many years and these areas areknown to have no hydrogen sulfideexposure potential. Employers operatingrigs in areas with known hydrogensulfide exposure potential or in areaswith unknown or inconclusive dataregarding exposure potential must meetthe requirements for monitoring.

As part of this paragraph, OSHA isproposing requirements for respiratoryprotection equipment to be used in areaswhere exposure to hydrogen sulfideexceeds the permissible exposure levelsin Subpart Z of this Part. For example,exposure to 500 to 700 ppm causesunconsciousness to occur rapidly withcessation of breathing occurring in a fewminutes. A hydrogen sulfide release canresult in concentrations that far exceedthis level and such releases haveoccurred on oil and gas well rigs (seeReference 5). OSHA believes thatescape respirators are absolutelynecessary for all crew members whereexposure to hydrogen sulfide may bepresent. Additionally, OSHA believesthat approved positive pressurerespirators are necessary for anyextended work in a hydrogen sulfideatmosphere that exceeds the levelsallowed in Subpart Z of this Part.

Where an automatic hydrogen sulfideenvironmental monitoring system isused, it shall be connected to anemployee alarm system. OSHA believesthat in order to be totally effective, themonitoring system must provideadequate warning so that the emergencyaction plan (discussed earlier) can beproperly activated with regard to allemployees on the site-not just those ator near the monitoring readout.

Additionally, this paragraph proposesrequirements for the testing andmaintenance of the monitoring system.OSHA feels that untested or poorlymaintained monitoring systems are asdangerous as not having a system.Improperly maintained or untestedsystems may lead to a false sense of

security for employees who rely on themfor warning. This could have seriousconsequences should the system failduring an actual hydrogen sulfiderelease.

In the final requirement of paragraph(d)[8), OSHA is proposing all rigs,except those excluded from monitoring,be equipped with an operable automatichydrogen sulfide environmentalmonitoring system by July 1, 1987.OS!HA believes that these types ofsystems represent an effective means ofwarning employees about an actualexposure to hydrogen sulfide before itbecomes dangerous. The extendedeffective date will allow employers to'phase in these systems in an orderlyfashion as availability and worksituations dictate.

OSHA has several reports of fatalitiesinvolving persons entering confinedspaces associated with oil and gas wellrigs. In common with other industrialsettings, it is not only the employeegaining initial entry and being overcomewho proves to be a fatality, but would-be rescuers are also overcome and die(see Reference 6).

Paragraph (d)(9) addresses hazardsassociated with personnel enteringconfined spaces, whether inadvertentlyor because of work requirement withinthese spaces. Most confined spaces inand around rigs are tanks. Under certaincircumstances, cellars and pits are alsoconsidered to be confined spaces for thepurposes of this regulation. Criteria fordeciding if an open-topped space is tobe considered a confined space is:

(1) Depth four feet or more, and(2) Depth greater than one-half the

smallest dimension of the top opening.Are these criteria appropriate to assureadequate ventilation under the worstenvironmental conditions? Are therealternative criteria more appropriate todefine confined spaces?

OSHA has received reports of entryproblem in and around tanks wherepersonnel are required to monitor the inand out flow of fluids. These describehow personnel enter or fall into tanksduring well fracturing operations, andare then overcome and die. Multiplefatalities have occurred when otherworkers attempted a rescue and were inturn overcome and killed.

The proposed rules require posting ofcaution signs adjacent to openings oraccesses into confined spaces. Barriersare required to prevent inadvertententry. The proposed rules requirewarning signs adjacent to thoseconfined spaces employees may enter towarn of entry hazards and to identifypersons who must authorize entry.

This paragraph requires employers(who expect their employees to enter

confined spaces) to set conditions priorto entry, procedures to be followed atentry, and procedures for mitigatinghazards within or associated with theconfined space. It is OSHA's opinionthat the majority of problems will beaddressed by these requirements, andthe steps taken by employers in fulfillingthese requirements will assure that suchwork can be done safely.

The remainder of the paragraph isdirected toward procedures to affectrescue in the event of an emergencywhere an employee is unable to escapeon his own. Training requirements areestablished for designated rescuers whomay enter confined spaces. Alsoincluded are requirements for backuppersonnel and for rescue equipment.

In paragraph (e)(1) OSHA is proposinggeneral equipment requirements for alloperations. The implementation ofspecific work practices related togeneral rig safety is included.

The initial two proposed requirementsare to eliminate falling or trippinghazards caused by uncovered orunguarded openings in the rotary tableand unoccupied mouseholes andratholes. Accident reports seen byOSHA indicate that falling or trippinghazards are a major cause of accidentsin this industry (see References 4-8).These hazards are recognized within theindustry and are the subject of industrystandards and recommendations (seeReferences 1 and 2).

OSHA's current General IndustryStandard requires that guardrails beprovided along the perimeter of workingplatforms which are 4 feet or moreabove the ground. As mentioned earlier,OSHA had considered relaxing thisrequirement so that guardrails wouldnot be required unless the platform was10 feet or more above the ground. OSHAhas since decided against this for thereasons previously mentioned. OSHA,however, is still willing to consider anincrease of the height requirement above4 feet if sufficient data are madeavailable to justify any change. Thisparagraph also allows the use of a chainacross the vee-door in lieu of guardrails.Guardrails across the vee-door couldpose a hazard during the movement oftubular materials.

The fourth requirement of paragraph(e)(1) is proposing that a ladder or stairsbe provided for employee access andegress to cellars of five (5) feet or morein depth. OSHA believes that providingsafe access to and exit from thisrestricted area is necessary.Additionally, in emergency situations,safe access and/or a means of rapidegress could facilitate rescue operationsor well control measures.


OSHA is proposing in the fifthrequirement that employers implement alockout and tagout procedure which willrender the equipment inoperable andensure that power sources may not beenergized. This requirement is intendedto protect employees who are cleaning,servicing, adjusting, or maintainingequipment. Accident and fatality reportsshow that the inadvertent or accidentalactivation of machinery or equipmentwhile an employee is servicing them is aserious problem in this industry,resulting in several fatalities and/ortraumatic injuries each year (seeReferences 5 and 7]. OSHA believes thata lockout and tagout program based onthe rquirements of this proposal willeffectively protect employees who arerequired to perform maintenance ofequipment, etc., proximate to hazardslikely to cause injury.

The sixth requirement proposes thatall employees on the rig site wearsafety-toe footwear. OSHA believes thatthe nature of the work involved makesthis requirement necessary to prevent orreduce injuries to the foot. Accidentstatistics substantiate OSHA's belief(see References 5-7).

The seventh provision in paragraph(e)(1) proposes to prohibit operation ofmachinery without all guards in properposition and these guards are to be ingood, safe condition. Exceptions areallowed for repair, maintenance andtesting of machinery. OSHA feels thataccident data indicate that accidentscaused by improperly used machineguards or lack of machine guardingrepresent a significant percentage of theaccidents reported in the industry (seeReference 5).

The last two requirements ofparagraph (e)(1) propose requirementsfor wire rope used for hoisting purposeson rigs. These requirements include aminimum design factor of three (3) forall regular or normal operations; visualinspection on a daily basis; andreplacement of rope found to beweakened due to wear or damage.OSHA believes that these requirementsare necessary to assure employee safetyduring hoisting operations. Weak ordamaged rope can break which couldresult in employee injury from line recoilor from an overhead load falling on theemployee.

In this paragraph, OSHA also isproposing to exempt employers fromcreating or maintaining written recordsof the inspections. OSHA feels thatcompliance with the inspectionrequirements of this paragraph, and thecorrection of any defects found are theimportant features of this requirement.Although written records are notrequired, the employer must certify that

inspections and any needed correctionshave been performed. Also, chain orwire rope connections to equipment areto be secured positively so thatinadvertent separation could not occur(see References 5 and 6).

OSHA has received reports offatalities and serious injuries sustainedby employees following the collapse ofderricks and masts. Additional accidentreports have been received of rigcollapse where employees sustainedless serious injuries. These situationsare usually the direct result of misuse ormisrigging of the equipment. Paragraph(e)(2) addresses these problems andprovides criteria on correct design andrig-up procedures to be followedincluding procedures to repair damagedrigs. Provision is made to allow the useof equipment under emergencyconditions where a greater hazard maybe created by not controlling theemergency. For example, during ablowout, a damaged derrick or mastcannot be removed until the well isbrought under control. Manufacturer'srecommended limits are incorporated toprevent misuse of derrick componentsthat would stress them and lead tofailures (see References 5 and 6).Repairs that fail to meet specificationscould lead to a rig collapse.

Provisions are included to ensure thatrepaired and remanufactured equipmentmeet or exceed the original designspecifications. Ordinarily, structuralstrength to original specification wouldbe determined by certification by themanufacturer or by a professionalengineer, and these are certainlyacceptable. However, OSHA recognizesthat there are employers with thecompetence to complete repairs and toensure their adequacy. Provision ismade for self-certification in thesecases.

OSHA is proposing in paragraph (e)(3)to require the use of ladder safetydevices or other acceptable devices onall derrick or mast ladders to preventinjuries or deaths due to falls. In thisparagraph OSHA provides generalguidance as to what is and what is notacceptable as a ladder safety device.The use of a climbing assist device(counterweight) without the means tocontrol the descent velocity if anemployee should fall is not acceptableas a ladder safety device since it doesnot arrest the fall or allow the safelanding of the employee. If the weight ofthe counterweight is greater than theemployee's weight, which could causethe employee to be pulled up into thederrick or mast, it is not acceptable. Theproposed rule requires thecounterweight of a climbing assistdevice to be of such weight so as not to

exert an upward force greater than 90percent of the user's weight. Also,means shall be taken to prevent thecounterweight from falling if the sheaveor line breaks. OSHA believes theseprecautions are necessary due to thenumber of injuries and deaths reportedin this industry which were the result offalls or equipment failure which resultedin falls (see References 4-7).

In paragraph (e)(4) the factors whichaffect rig stability and use areaddressed. OSHA has received reportsof fatalities and has investigatedaccidents involving overturned rigs. Thisparagraph addresses the need forfoundations and guy lines which areadequate for the anticipated loads thatmay be imposed. Requirements forinspection and testing are included tohelp assure adequacy of anchors.Temporary, non-standard items such astrees and rocks are specificallyprohibited for use as anchors due to thenumber of unknowns of these items (seeReferences 5 and 6).

Trees, rocks, and other naturaloccurring items have been prohibited asanchors due to the number of unknownproperties of these items. It has beenpointed out to OSHA that sound,substantial trees with good tap rootstructures (e.g. various oaks, hickories,walnut) are frequently available in hillylocations, and it may be a betteralternative to utilize such trees ratherthan to rely on anchors set in newlydisturbed soil. What experience factorsare available to ascertain suitability oftrees as anchors? What method offastening guy lines to trees is suitable?Is the information and data developedby the Forest Services, U.S. Departmentof Agriculture for skyline logginganchors applicable to evaluating andselecting trees as anchors for oil wellworksites (see References 28 and 29)?

Additional questions concern the useof rocks, rocky crags, outcroppings,cliffs, high walls, and similar items.What methods are available to fastenguy lines to rocks? What criteria areavailable for rock selection andfastening or attaching guy lines? Howshould such anchors be tested? Arethere any other comments on the use ofrocks as anchors?

There are general requirements forpull testing of anchors in the proposedstandard. OSHA has received reportsthat testing of anchors should beperformed at regular intervals and inaccord with a schedule based uponexposure and use conditions of theanchors. What frequencies of testing ofanchors is sufficient to ensure safety ofworkers? What kind of testing programand protocol should be used? What

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criteria should be established forrejection of an anchor? Should pull testrecords be required on an-lhors?

Releasing boomers or load bindershave been the cause of a number ofaccidents when wind load is added afterrig-up. Since available allei'nat!ves exist,there appears to be no reason tocontinue the use of boome-s. Phase-outtime is included, along with anextension if a method is usedtemporarily to relieve tnrion before theboomer is released (s:e Reference 5 and6),

In paragraph (e)(5) OSHA is proposingdesign and work prractice rmjuirementsrelated to the drawworks. OSHAbelieves these requirements arenecessary based cn accident andfatality reports it has reunivod (seeReferences 5 and 6]. Additionally,hazards related to the dawworks havelong been recognized by the industryand have been addressed by tradeassociation safety recommendations,which OSHA's proposal closelyparallels (see References I and 2).

OSHA has records of numerousaccidents involving tongs and slipswhich have resulted ii fatalities andinjuries. OSHA believ-.s many of theseinjuries can be prevented by followingsafe work procedures proposed inparagraph (e)(6). These rules follow andparallel accepted industry practices (seeReferences 1-3 and 5--8).

In paragraph (e)(7) OSHA is proposingdesign and work practice requirementsto address hazardous conditions andpractices associated with catheads andrelated lines, ropes and chains. OSHAhas documented, in accident and fatalityreports it has reviewed, that thecathead, catlines, ropes and chains weredirectly or indirectly responsible fornumerous deaths and injuries toworkers in this industry (see References5 and 6).

In paragraph (e)(6) standards areproposed to address potential hazardssuch as the accidental release of a loadassociated with blocks, hooks, andelevators. OSHA has reviewed currentindustry recommendations, Statestandards, and other relevant sourcesand has determined that the proposedrequirements will adequately addressthese hazards (see References 1, 2, 3, 5,6, 7, and 9-16). OSHA has receivedreports of fatalities arising from runningthe travelling block into the crownblock. To deal with this potentially fatalhazard, OSHA proposes to include atravel limiting device on all new rigs fordrilling, servicing and special services.Due to economical and technicalconsiderations, OSHA proposes thatexisting rigs be exempted from thisprovision. Provisions are included to

prevent sheaves and blocks from falling,and io ensure that elevators used tohandle tubular goods are maintained soas to prevent failure. Provisions are alsoincluded with regard to inspection anduse of hoisting lines.

Parigr.tph (e)[9) proposrs that alldrilling and servicing rigs be equippedwith a weight indicator in operatingcnndltn. OSHA believes it isnecessary for the driller to know thehook lon d which is suspended so thedriller can avoid exceeding the ratedcapacity of the derrick or m=ist or theother components of the hoisting system.CSHA is also proposing that weightindicators irstalled six feet or moreabove the rig floor be secured by aseparate safety line or chain. OS1Afeels ths is necessary to prevent injuryto employees working below should theprin-ry connection to the mast orderrick fail (see References 1, 5, and 6).

Well blowouts present a seriouspotential hazard to workers at a wellsite. Blowouts can result in fires andexplosions which are capable of causingserious in uries and fatalitips. Paragraph(e)(10) addresses the installation,testing, and specialized training ofpersonal required to control potentialblowoatq.

OSHA is requesting additionalirformation on the need for and designof blowout prevention in the AgencyAction section of this preamble. Thesequestions are being raised to provide theAgency with sufficient information topromulgate a final rule which willprovide adequate employee protectionwithout causing undue financial burdento the industry.

Blowout prevention equipment isrequired at all well sites where it isknown that blowouts can occur, and atall wells drilled into areas of unknownblowoutpotential. Provisions areincluded on inspection and testing ofblowout prevention equipment.Additional provisions are included toensure all equipment subject to wellpressure will be capable of withstandingpressures enacuntered. Kelly cocks, orequivale-n', aie required and shall bereadily operated by a lever or similardevice to prevent back pressure at thekelly from rupturing the kelly hose orblowing back through the mud pipes(see References 1-3, 5, 6, and 13).

Paragraph (e)(11) proposes design andwork practice requirements related tothe kelly bushing, rotary table and otherrotary equipment. In paragraph (e)(11),OSHA proposes that rotary equipmentincluding the kelly bushing and therotary table be guarded unless theconstruction and installation preventsthe catching or snagging of employees ortheir clothes or ropes, lines, hoses,

chains and similar materials that couldcatch and then swing around on the rigfloor striking equipment and employees.Accident and fatality reports reviewed-by OSHA show that this equipment is amajor factor contributing to injuries andfatalities in this industry (see References5-7 and 21). OSHA believes thatappropriate guarding of this equipment.or proper design and installation of thisequipment supplemented withappropriate work practices, will controlthis hazard.

The first requirement in paragraph(e)(11) pioposes to allow the rotary tableto be used to spin out connections. Thispractice is widely used in the industryand OSHA feels that it has no adverseeffet on employee safety. Thisparagraph faither proposes to prohibitthe use of the rotary table for breakingout connections except under emergencyconditions. OSHA feels that the torqueavailable when the rotary table is usedto break out connections is notcontrolled and would easily produceenough force to break the tong snublines, thereby allowing the tongs to spinfreely. The spinning tongs have resultedin fatalities or severe injuries toemployees standing nearby. OSHAprohibits this practice, except underemergency conditions, e.g., to break outfrozen connections. OSHA believes thispractice can be accomplished in relativesafety if the other.provisions of thisparagraph are followed.

In the next requirement of paragraph(e)(11), OSHA is proposing that therotary table to be clear of all employeesand unsecured materials before theoperator engages the power. OSHAbelieves this requirement is necessarybecause if power is engagedprematurely, any employees standing onthe rotary table would be thrown off andcould receive critical injuries if throwninto other equipment or machinery.Additionally, loose materials could alsobe thrown off the rotary table causinginjury to any employee close enough tobe struck by them.

Paragraph (f) proposes addilionalrequirements for well servicing andspecial services. Some of theseoperations, which involve specialservices that are covered in thisparagraph, have been selected based onindustry recommendations and othersources (see References 1, 2, 5. 6, and 7).

In paragraph (f)(1) requirements areproposed to lessen possible hazardspresent in certain well servicingoperations. The first requirementconcerns possible well pressures thatmay be encountered and requires thatmeans to control these pressures shallbe implemented before starting the


servicing operations. The requirementsare additional and supplementary to theblowout prevention requirementsproposed in paragraph (e)(10) of thissection. Additionally, requirements areincluded to ensure that employees arenot struck by the pumping machineryand shall be out the derrick or mastwhen unseating a subsurface pump.

Paragraph (f)(2) proposes specificequipment testing requirements andwork practices for cementing operations.Due to the high pressures involved inthese operations, OSHA feels theserequirements are necessary to protectemployees. OSHA believes thatcompliance with these requirements willlessen the chances of the rupture of highpressure lines or will at leasty minimizethe injury potential to employees if thelines do rupture.

In paragraph (f)(3) the first set ofproposed requirements are included toensure wireline service units remainfixed in position once they are set up.Inadvertent or unexpected movementcan occur with these units, creatingimmediate hazards to employees.Requirements are included to ensurethat the wireline does not whip andindure employees when released fromtension.

The second and third set of proposedrequirements address the safe use of ginpoles and rope falls. These requirementsare being proposed to ensure that these-hoisting systems will be so designed andmaintained that they will be able tohandle all anticipated loads, to preventunwanted releases of loads and collapseof this hoisting equipment, damaged orworn parts may not be used.

The last set of proposed requirementsin paragraph (f0(3) address a number ofpotentially hazardous operations whichare involved in swabbing andperforating. The requirments proposedinclude control of flammable vapors orgases, limiting the possible ignition ofany escaping gases, and takingadditional precautions to protectemployees engaged in swabbing.

Perforating has unique problemsassociated with the handling ofexplosives. Requirements proposedaddress these problems in accord withgood practices in the industry (seeReferences 1, 5, 6, and 7).

In paragraph (f)(4) OSHA is proposingdesign and work practice requirementsfor stripping and snubbing operations(see References 1, 2, 5, and 6).

The first requirement in paragraph(f)(4) proposes an emergency escapesystem for employees working atophydroaulic snubbing equipment. Eventhough this equipment is usually smallerthan most drilling and servicingequipment, OSHA believes that

employees working atop this equipmentare exposed to the same hazards asderrickmen and must be provided thesame protection.

The next requirement in paragraph(0(4) proposes that snubbing towers beguyed or otherwise supported to preventcollapse or turnover. Although thesetowers are not as large as drilling orservicing masts or derricks, OSHAbelieves it is necessary to takeprecautions to prevent collapse orturnover.

The third requirement proposes thatflow lines or bleed-off lines be locatedaway from frequently occupied areas,such as the doghouse, or that they besecured to prevent whipping if the linesshould rupture. OSHA feels that it isreasonable to anticipate that one ofthese lines could rupture due to highpressure, and that by taking the requiredprecautions, the employer could lessenthe chances of employee injury.

The fourth provision in paragraph(f)(4) proposes that two-waycommunication be provided between thesnubbing operator and the pumpoperator. OSHA believes thatcommunication is necessary to lessenthe chance of equipment failure causedby the pressures on the system or otherproblems and to minimize the injurypotential to employees.

In the next two requirments inparagraph (f)(4), OSHA is proposing thatwell pressure be monitored at all timesduring stripping and snubbingoperations. OSHA believes thisrequirement is necessary to warn ofimpending blowouts and to allowcontrol measures to be taken to preventthe blowout from occurring. Some of thecontrol measures to be taken are thatemployees will be informed of themaximum working pressure limit of theequipment, and where this limit could beor actually is exceeded, the employermust provide blow down lines withremote control valves. OSHA believesthat to conduct these operations safely,the employee must be aware of thelimits of the equipment, and when theselimits are exceeded, the employee mustvacate the wellhead area, and theemployee must be able to release excesspressure from a safe distance.

The last requirement in paragraph(f)(4) proposes to prohibit the use ofgasoline engines in snubbing operations.OSHA believes that gasoline engineswould be potential ignition sources,igniting flammable gases or vaporsgenerated or released by theseoperations.

Paragraph (f)(5) proposes to addressthe hazards related to drill stem testingwhich present an especially severe setof problems. When conducting a drill

stem test, conditions may exist in a wellwhich could easily lead to a fire orblowout. OSHA is requiring all sourcesof ignition (icluding artificial lighting) bestrictly controlled. In addition, OSHAwould prefer that drill stem testing beconducted during daylight hours toeliminate the need for artificial lighting.When conditions require the use ofartificial lighting, light levels shall besufficient to allow emloyees to safelyconduct the test. The remainingprovisions are to control the hazards ofpossible blowouts and allow wellcontrol to be established quickly andeffectively (see References 1 and 15).

In paragraph (f)(6) OSHA is proposingdesign and work practice requirementsfor acidizing, fracturing and hot oiloperations (see References 1, 2, 5, and6).

The first two requirments ofparagraph (f)(6) propose that all linesconnected from the pumping equipmentto the well have a check valve installedas close to the wellhead as possible.Additionally, when a multi-pumpmanifold is used, a check valve needs tobe placed in each discharge line as nearto the manifold as possible. OSHAbelieves this is necessary in order toprevent backflow if the well is underpressure or develops pressure during theoperation. OSHA proposes that aninspection be made before beginningpump operations to ensure thatdischarge line connections areassembled properly and that all valvesin the discharge lines are opened.Restricted flow of liquid under pressurecould catise the lines to rupture andendanger employees in the area.

The next provision of paragraph (f)(6)proposes all blending equipment used inthese operations be electricallygrounded, and all equipment unloadingproppants into the hopper be bonded tothe blending equipment. OSHA believesthis precaution is necessary to preventthe buildup of static electricity whichcould arc and ignite flammable orcombustible vapors or liquid leaks.

In the fourth requirement of paragraph(f)(6) OSHA is proposing that hoseswhich develop a leak while being usedto pump flammable or combustibleliquids, under pressure, be covered toprevent the liquid from spraying into theair. Additionally, OSHA is proposingthat all leaking hoses be removed fromservice as soon as practicable. OSHAbelieves that hoses used to pumpflammable or combustible liquids underpressure should not leak since thiswould pose a fire hazard. OSHA feelsthat covering hoses which develop leaksduring the operation will significantlyreduce the chances of a fire by limiting

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the atomization of an ersichedflammable mixture in the air around theleak. and thus will greatly reduce thebuild up of a flammable vapor cloudwhich could be ignited.

Paragraph (f)(6) proposes in the fifthrequirement that pump discharge linesbe tested before treatment begins to themaximum expected treating pressureplas 1000 psi. OSHA believes that thispre-treatment testing is a necessaryprecaution to ensure the hose is safe forits intended use. Ibis is especiallyimportant when using acids,flammables, or other hazardousmaterials.

Paragraph (f)(6) proposes in the sixthprovision that all ignition sources becontrolled when pumping flammableand combustible liquids. OSHA believesthat leaks and spills are an ever presenthazard during these operations andcontrol of ignition sources is necessary.

The last provision of paragraph (f)(6)proposes that spilled oil or acid bedisposed of promptly. Additionally, thisparagraph proposes to require thatemployees performing this duty wearrubberized protective clothing or otherclothing which is resistant to oil and/oracid penetration. OSHA believes thatthe. prompt clean up off spills isnecessary to minimize fire and/orslipping hazards. Additionally,employees required to perform this taskmust be protected from exposure to thehazards related to the acid or oil in use.

Paragraph (f)(7) proposesrequirements for freezing, valve drillingand pipe tapping operations. Theseproposed requirements are based oncurrent industry recommendatiohs (seeReference 1) and address hazardsrelated to the high pressures involved inthese operations. Testing procedures areprescribed to assure that the equipmentis capable of operating at test pressures.

Paragraph (f)(8) proposes theemployer review the history nf a wellbefore starting fishing operations.Additionally, OSHLA is proposing thatwhen such review shows that the wellhas the potential of flowing, or couldcontain high pressure or hydrogensulfide, the employer raust take steps tocontrol hazards (see References 1, 5. 6,and 7). OSHA believes such reviews anecessary part of preplanning a fishingoperation and will permit employers todetermine what steps or equipment arenecessary to protect the employees.

In paragraph (f)(9) OSIA is proposingdesign and work practice requirementsfor gas, air or mist drilling. OSHA hasreviewed current industry practices andrecommendations [see Reference 1) andState standards (see Reference 15)which addressed the hazards found inthese operations and has based these

proposed requirements on those sources,Phase in dates of July 1, 1984, areprescribed for pressure rel:ief alves.enging shut-off valves, pressure gauges.check valves and other equipment toallow for an orderly conversion orupgrading of the employer's equipment,Ignition source control and other workprocedures and equipment used in theseoperations are addressed (see Reference1, 5, and 6).

OSHA has received repurts of seriousinjuries and fatalities in air drillingoperations due to the misapplication ofhigh pressure air. What restrictions areappropriate to prevent misuse ofpotentially hazardous high pressure air?How may the available high pressure airbe used for purposes other than as thedrilling fluid on and about rigs?

VI. References

1. American Petroleum Institute (API).Recommended Practices for OeaupationalSafety and Health for Oil and Gas WellDrilling and Servicing Operations, API RP-54.Dallas, Texas: APL 1981.

2. Association of Oil Well ServicingContractors (AOSC). RecommendedPractices for Occupational Safety and Healthfor Oil and Gas Well Servicing andWorvoer Operations. Dallas, Texas: AOSC.1982,

3. Association of Oil Well ServicingContractors (AOSC). Accident Prevention inOil Well Servicing Operations. Dallas, Texas:AOSC, 1976.

4. U.S. Department of Labor, OccupationalSafcty and Health Administration (USDOL/OSHA). Selected Occupational FatalitiesRelated to Oil/Gas Well Drilling Rigs asFound in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations. Washington.D.C.: USDOL/OSHA, 1980.

5. U.S. Department of Labor, OccupationalSafety and Health Administration (USDOL/OSHA). S&'rrJed Occupational FatalitiesRelated to Oil and Gas Well Drilling andServicing Gs Foand in Reports of OSHAFutaI 1w ".t~:',S In ;esigations.Washin ,,Ir, U.-: LSDC0LiGS11A, 1983.6. U.S. Ur: tcnt of Labur, Occupational

Safety a'4:d Health Admiristration (USDOL/OSHAI Crrmzuehensive Srrmc'ries ofSerious Acc.dc!s in the 0Il/Gas Welllndvst.-y Stnndad Industrial Cla',si .catio n(SICI-1J. Washington, D.C.: USDOL/OSHA. 1981.

7. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau ofLabui S.,istics (USDOL/BLS). Work-RelatedInjuries in Oil and Gas Well Drilling andServic ng Industries, with special tables.Washington, D.C.: USDOL/BLS, 1983.

8. U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices, National Institute for OccupationalSafety and Health (USDIIIIS/NIOSH].Comprehensive Safety RecommendationsLand-Bused Oil and Gas Well Drilling.Morgantown. West Virginia: USDHHS/NIOSH, 1983.

9. Alaska Department of Labor, Division ofOccupational Safety and Health. Subchapter8, Petroleum Code-Occupational Safety andHealth Standards. Juneau, Alaska.

10. California Division of Industrial S.:fety.Petroleum Safety Orders-Drelling andProduction. San Francisco, California.

11. Michigan Department of Labor. Oil ardGas D,-illing and Servicing Operations.Lansing, Michigan.

12. New Mexico EnvironmentalImprovement Division. RecommendedPractices for Oil and Gas Well Drilling aidServicing Operations. Santa Fe, New Mexico:1982.

13. Texas State Department of Health.Draft Orupational Safety Standard for Oiland Gas Well Drilling and Servicing. Austin.Texas.

14. Utah State Industrial Commission.Rules and Regulations for Oil, Gas,Geothermal and Related Services Standards.Salt Lake City. Utah.

15. Wyoming Occupational Safety andHealth Department. Rule- and Regulationsfor Oil and Gas Well Drilling. Cheyenne,Wyoming.

16. Wyoming Occupational Safety andHealth Department. Rules and Regulationsfor Oil and Gas Well Servicing. Cheyenne.Wyoming.

17. University of Oklahoma. PetroleumDrilling Safety Research Group. Safety andProduction; Preliminary Analyses of 561Injuries in the Petroleum Drilling Industry.Norman. Oklahoma. 1982.

18. A Study of Accidents in Oil WellServicing Operations. Presented to theAssociation for Oil Well ServicingContractors by Robert W. Schultz. May 1982.

19. U.S. Department of Transportation,Coast Guard. Title 33 CFR 144.01-20 .01-25:.01-1; .01-10: .lo-i(a(2) Navigation andNavigable Waters. Washington, D.C.

20. U.S. Department of Transportation,Coast Guard. Title 46 CFR 160.002; .005; .009;.050 .055; .010. Washington, D.C.

21. True Drilling Company vs. Raymond I.Donovan, Secretary of Labor, United StatesDepartment of Labor, and OccupationalSafety and Health Review Commission, No.81-7033.

22. University of Texas, PetroleumExtension Service. A Primer of Oiln ellDrilling. Austin. Texas 78758.

23. University of Texas. PetrnleitrmExtension Service. A Primer of O,'. r,'!Service and Worko er. Austin. Texas 78758.

24. University of Tekas. PetroleumExtension Service. A Dictionary of PetroleumTerms. Austin, Texas 78758.

25. Occupational Safety and Health ReviewCommission decisions-MND DrillingCorporation, No. 7&-4149, 1977-1978 CCHOSHD li 22,289 (ALI 197); R. B. AontgomeryDrilling, Inc.,. et. al., No. 76-2131, 1977-1978CCH OSHD 11 21,755 (ALI 1977]; Fairhank"Well Service, Inc., No. 7&-4297, 1977-1978CCH OSHD R 21,740 (AL] 1977]; BomacDrilling, No. 78-450, 1977-1978 CCH OSHD I;21.667 (AL) 1977); .81-Hghes, Inc.. 1982 CCHOSHD 5 25,977 (3/31/82), re: Constructionstandards not covering drilling Snyder WellServicing, Inc., 1082 CCH OSHD f 25,943 (2/26/82), re: not covering well swabbing).

26. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau ofLabor Statistics (USDOLIBLS. Injury andIllness Incident Rates, 1978-1980.Washington. D.C. USDOL/BLS.


27. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau ofLqbor Statistics (USDOL/BLS . SelectedSupp!emental Data System Tables.Washington, D.C.: USDOL/BLS. UnpublishedReport 1980.

28. Edwards, 1. L, "Guyline Anchors forCable Logging." Proc. of Fourth N.W., SkylineSyrup. Pp 19-28. December 4-8, 1978.

29. lurgensen, 1. E., "Tower Guylines andAnchor Analysis." Proc. of Fourth N.W.,Skyline Symp. Pp 38-58.

30. Eritish Columbia Petroleum and NaturalGas Act, Drilling and ProductionRegulations. B.C., Canada, 1983.

31. Alberta Occupational Health andSafety Act. Petroleum and Natural GasSafety Regulations. Edmonton, Alberta,Canada.

V. Preliminary Regulatory ImpactAssessment and Regulatory FlexibilityAnalysis and EnvironmentalAssessment

Introduction

Executive Order 12291 (46 FR 13197,February 19, 1981) requires that aregulatory analysis be conducted forany rule having major economicconsequences on the national economy,individual industries, geographicalregions, or levels of government. TheRegulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601et seq.) similarly requires theOccupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) to consider theimpact of the proposed regulation onsmall entities.

Consistent with these requirements,OSHA has prepared a PreliminaryRegulatory Impact and RegulatoryFlexibility Analysis for the proposed oiland gas well drilling and servicingstandard. This standard wouldsupplement existing OSHA standards in29 CFR Part 1910 that either fail toaddress or inadequately address theunique hazards found in theseoperations. This analysis describes theindustries affected by the standard., thenon-regulatory environment andalternative provisions considered, thecost of compliance with the proposedstandard, the technological feasibility ofthe proposed provisions, and some ofthe potential benefits that will accrue toemployees who are subjeqt to thehazards unique to oil and gas welldrilling and servicing.

The Secretary has determined thatthis action would not be major asdefined by Section 1(b) of ExecutiveOrder 12291. The Secretary also certifiesthat this action would not have asignificant impact on a substantialnumber of small entities as defined bythe Regulatory Flexibility Act.

The proposed standard would coveran estimated 1,000 drilling, 800 wellservicing, and 750 special services

companies.* The oil and gas welldrilling, servicing, and special servicesindustries are primarily engaged inproducing and recovering oil and gas.Drilling forms own and operate rotarydrilling rigs and are contracted to drilloil and gas wells. Well servicingcontractors perform activities related tocompletion and maintenance of newwells or workover of existing wellsusing workover rigs. Well servicingincludes special services on new andold wells including cementing, acidizing,fracturing, etc.

Exposure Profile

OSHA estimates that the proposedstandard would cover approximately95,000 employees. 7,000 in drilling, and48,000 in servicing and special services.These numbers reflect the recentdeclines in drilling and servicing throughMarch/April 1983. The number ofworkers covered in servicing andspecial services by this proposalexcludes approximately 40 percent ofthe workers in this industry covered byPart 1910 General Industry Standards orby Part 1926 OSHA ConstructionStandards. These excluded employeesperform work not involved in"downhole" servicing, for example roadconstruction.

Overview of Expected Effectiveness ofProposed Standard

The current regulatory environmentfor oil and gas drilling and servicingincludes state regulation and OSHAGeneral Industry Standards.Nonregulatory alternatives to mitigatehazards in the drilling and servicingindustries include worker'scompensation and tort liability. Both theregulatory and nonregulatoryalternatives will result in an estimatedbaseline risk of 15,650-17,080 accidentsand 48-52 fatalities in drilling, and24,400-26,635 accidents and 94-103fatalities in servicing, for 1984, the firstyear the rule is anticipate to be in effect.This is based on adjusted BLS estimatesof accidents per 100 workers for 1981. In1981 oil field accidents accounted for259 fatalities. Further, the accidentsrepresented 328,100 lost workdays forthe drilling industry and 414,200 lostworkdays for the servicing industry, or198.1 lost workdays per 100 full-timeworkers for both industries.

The estimated average monetizablecost of an accident is $9,886 in thedrilling industry and $12,357 forservicing and special services industries.The average cost of an accident in thedrilling industry is estimated to be 20

1 *A few provisions will impact on oil producingfirms.

percent lower than for the servicingindustries, because accidents in drillingare generally less severe.

A major cost of these accident is theforegone production or value of goodsand services that would have beenprovided by the worker if he or she hadnot been incapacitated by the injury.This reduction in output is a costincurred by society in general. Inaddition, society incurs the cost ofmedical treatment for these accidents.Because of the severity of theseaccidents, the medical treatmentrequired is often complex andprolonged.

The total social cost of foregoneproduction and medical treatmentassociated with injuries and fatalities inthese industries is expected to bebetween $456 million and $498 million in1984 (fatalities and totally permanentdisabilities account for 18 percent oftotal accident costs). OSHA estimatesthat the proposed standard wouldsignificantly reduce the injury andfatality incidence rate and save between$150 and $164 million in 1984, whichwould be the first full year afterimplementation of the standard. Thepresent value of this reduction in socialcost for 1984-1993 is expected to bebetween $1.02 billion and $1.32 billion,using a 10-percent discount rate. Thisperiod represents the first 10 years thatthe standard will be in effect. Thereason for the range in the estimatednumber of accidents and the monetizedeconomic benefits reflects the use of twoalternative growth projections--oneassuming zero growth and one anannual growth of 4.5 percent during193-1993.

Reduction in these social costsrepresents only some of the benefits thatwould be forthcoming when theproposed standard is implemented.Many of the impacts of the accidents inthese industries such as the pain andsuffering of the affected workers andtheir families are not quantifiable. Giventhe severity of accidents, thenonquantified social costs are expectedto be substantial. Hence, the figuresabove underestimate the true socialcosts.

Overview of Compliance Costs

Industry conditions and practices inMarch/April 1983 are used as thebaseline to measure the cost ofcomplying with the proposed standard.The unit cost extimates per rig (orspecial service unit) are combined withthe number of facilities and employeesaffected by the proposed standard toyield the total compliance cost.

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The estimated annual cost of theproposed standard for the oil fieldindustries is $22.3-24.3 million.Equipment cost would represent 41.0percent of total annual costs. Workpractice modifications and trainingwould represent 47.8 percent. and 11.1percent of the total annual cost,respectively. The present value of thetotal cost stream from 1984-1993discounted at 10-percent annually wouldbe between $151 million and $195million. Again, these ranges reflect theuse of the two growth assumptionsmentioned previously.

Blowout prevention is one of themajor objectives of the proposed OSHAstandard. Blowouts cause severeoccupational injury as well as propertyand environmental damage. Therequirement for blowout preventionequipment would be the largest costcomponent of the proposal and wouldaccount for 11 percent of the totalestimated compliance costs. In anothersection of this preamble, OSHA requestsadditional information on the frequencyand severity of blowouts and hence theneed for regulatory action. In addition,OSHA seeks information on whethermarket incentives (such as reduced costof workers' compensation and insuranceas well as reduced tort liabilities)prompt employers to provide adequateprotection against the hazards ofblowouts in the abcense of regulation.The proposed OSHA standard alsowould require specific handlingprocedures for hydrogen sulfide, apoisonous gas found in some oil and gasformations. This requirement wouldaccount for 10 percent of the totalcompliance cost.

Industry Impacts

Compliance costs for the oil fieldindustries are expected to be relativelysmall on a per firm or per rig basis. Itmust also be noted that compliancecosts are overestimated becauseaccident prevention should alsoincrease productivity by reducing thecosts of downtime, administration costs,insurance premiums, and environmentaldamage.

Compliance costs on a per rig basisare $2,639 for drilling and $3,054 forservicing. Compliance costs as apercentage of total revenue forindividual firms would be 0.1 percent forthe drilling industry and 0.8 percent forthe servicing sector. For specialservices, the cost would vary from 0.03to 0.34 percent, depending on the type ofunit.

These industries, however, arecurrently in a downturn as a result ofthe decline in wellhead revenues. Smalldrilling firms are in a particularly poor

financial condition as capacity for theindustry is below 50 percent. Severalsmall firms have ceased operations andmore may likely follow.

This contraction of these industries,however, is due to the current reduceddemand for oil and gas and the resultantdecline in fuel prices. It is not expectedthat the proposed OSHA standardwould have a perceptible inpact on therate of firms leaving the oil fieldbusiness.

Technological Feasibility of theProposed Standard

OSHA is required to assess thetechnological feasibility of newregulations prior to promulgation. Thesafety equipment and work practicescontained in the proposed OSHAstandard have been demonstrated to betechnologically feasible. A significantprotion of the firms in the industry arecurrently implementing the measure orare clearly capable of doing so. Thisconclusion is based on a comparison ofcurrent industry practices comparedwith the requirements of the proposedstandard.

In summary, the high levels ofcompliance observed in site visits andconfirmed in discussions with industryexperts indicate that the vast majority ofrequirements in the proposed standardhave already been implemented by theindustry. These requirements are clearlytechnologically feasible. Even thosesubparagraphs in the proposed standardthat are generally not followed arecapable of being complied with and aretherefore technologically feasible.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Pursuant to the Regulatory FlexibilityAct of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-353, 94 Stat. 1164(U.S.C. 601 et seq.]), OSHA does notbelieve that the regulation would havean adverse impact upon a significantnumber of small entities.

As the analysis indicates, the currentdecline in demand for oil and gas incombination with declining fuel priceshas sharply cut revenues and profits ofboth drilling and servicing companies,and has an adverse impact upon thesmaller firms in these industries. Anumber of small companies are eitherbarely profitable or are incurring losses.In such a situation, any added costwould be burdensome. Yet, the problemfor these small firms is not the addedcost of the OSHA proposal, it is thestate of the oil and gas market. Thus, thefinancial problems will persistirrespective of OSHA as long as thecurrent slump in oil drilling andservicing continues. It appears thatthese industries overexpanded duringthe late 1970's and are likely to shrink

somewhat in the near future. Much ofthis shrinkage is likely to occur throughthe exit of the smaller companies. Whilecost attributable to this proposal mayhasten their decline somewhat, suchcosts will not be the source of thedecline.

OSHA is aware of the sensitivity ofthis issue, however, and requests publiccomment on the extent of small businessburdens which may result from thisproposal and other regulatoryalternatives.

Other Impacts

OSHA has reviewed the likely effectsof this proposal on productivity andmarket concentration in the drilling andservicing industries, and has concludedthat the proposal will not significantlyaffect these factors. OSHA also hasreviewed the macroeconomic impact ofthe proposal on employment andinflation and has determined that theseimpacts also will not be significant.

Environmental Impact

This proposal has been reviewed inaccordance with the requirements of theNational Environmental Policy Act(NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.),the Guidelines of the Council onEnvironmental Quality (CEQ) (40 CFRPart 1500), and OSHA's DOL NEPAProcedures (29 CFR Part 11). As a resultof this review, the Assistant Secretaryhas determined that the proposed rulewill have no significant environmentalimpact. Although safety standardsrarely impact on air, water or soilquality, plant or animal life, the use ofland or other aspects of theenvironment, it is appropriate toexamine whether the proposedprovisions of the OSHA oil and gas welldrilling and servicing standard (29 CFR1910.270) will alter the environmentexternal to the workplace.

Both oil and gas well drilling andservicing are activities that can havepotential environmental impacts, suchas those resulting from blowouts. Thesetypes of environmental accidents comeunder the jurisdiction of theEnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA)and are covered by the Clean Air Act of1977 (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.).

The requirements of the proposedstandard concern mainly work practicesand procedures, emergency planning,.education and training, fire preventionand protection, equipment use andmaintenance, and medical treatmentand first-aid.

One provision of the proposal-theuse and maintenance of blowoutprevention equipment-may have somebeneficial impact on the environment.


This equipment is required when wellsurface pressures are encountered thatpresent blowout hazards, when suchpressures are anticipated at the wellsite, or when drilling in areas wherethere is no prior knowledge of the kindsof well surface pressures to beencountered. This provision mayprevent some environmental damage,since it is intended to prevent blowouts.Most other provisions of the standard,however, appear unlikely to have anysigalficant environmental consequences,either positive or negative.

VI. Recordkeeping

The proposed standard contains a"collection of information"(recordkeeping) requirements pertainingto hydrogen sulfide monitoringprocedures (§ 1910.270(d)(8)). inaccordance with 5 CFR Part 1320(Controlling Paperwork Burdens on thePublic), OSHA has submitted theprcposed recordkeeping requirement tothe Office of Management and Budget(OMB) for review under Section 350(h)of the Paperwork Reduction Act.Comments regarding the proposedrecordkeeping requirements may bedirected to the Office of Information andRegulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention:Desk Officer for the Occupational Safetyand Health Administration.WashingtonD.C. 20503.

VII. Public Participation

Interested persons are invited tosubmit written data, views, andarguments with respect to this proposal.These comments must be postmarked onor before March 5, 1984 and submitted inquadruplicate to the Docket Officer,Docket S-360, Room S6212, U.S.Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.20210. Written submissions must clearlyidentify the specific provisions of theproposal which are addressed and theposition taken with respect to eachissue.

The data, views and arguments thatare submitted will be available forpublic inspection and copying at theabove address. All timely submissionsreceived will be made a part of therecord of this proceeding. Thepreliminary regulatory assessment andthe exhibits cited in this document willbe available for public inspection andcopying at the above address. OSHAinvites comment concerning theconclusions reached in the economicinpact assessment.

Additionally, interested persons mayfile objections to the proposal andrequest an informal hearing with respectthereto. The objections and hearingrequests should be filed in accordancewith the following conditions:

1. The objections must include thename and address of the objector;

2. The objections must be postmarkeJon or before March 5, 1984;

3. The objections must specify withparticularity the provisions of theproposed rule to which objection istaken and must state the groundstherefor,

4. Each objection mu3t be separatelysta 'ed and numbered; and

5. The objections must beaccompanied by a detailed summary ofthe evidence proposed to be adduced atthe requested hearing.

VIII. State Plan Standards

The 24 States with their own OSHA-approved occupational safety andhealth plans must adopt a comparablestandard within six months of thepublication date of the final rule. Thesestates are: Alaska, Arizona, California,Connecticut (for state and localgovernment employees only), Hawaii,Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland,Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, NewMexico, North Carolina, Oregon, PuertoRico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah,Vermont, Virginia, Virgin Islands,Washington, Wyoming. Until such timeas a State standard is promulgated,Federal OSHA will provide interimenforcement assistance, as appropriate,in these States.

IX. Authority

This document was prepared underthe direction of Thorne G. Auchter,Assistant Secretary of Labor forOccupational Safety and Health, U.S.Department of Labor, 200 ConstitutionAvenue, NW., Washington, D.C. 20210.

Accordingly, pursuant to sections 6(b)and 8(c) of the Occupational Safety andHealth Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1593, 1599;U.S.C. 655, 657, Secretary of Labor'sOrder No. 9-83 (43 FR 35736)), and 29CFR Part 1911, it is proposed to add anew § 1910.270 to 29 CFR Part 1910 asset forth below.

Singed at Washington, D.C. this 22nd dayof December 1983.Thorne G. Auchter,Assistant Secretary of Labor.

List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 1910

Occupational safety and health,Safety, Oil and gas well, Drilling, Wellservicing, Chemicals, Electric power,Explosives, Fire prevention, Flammablematerials, Footwear, Gases, Hazardousmaterials, Ladders and scaffolds,Machinery, Protective equipment,Respiratory protection, Signs andsymbols, Tools, Welding.

PART 1910--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETYAND HEALTH STANDARDS

Part 1910 of Title 29 of the Code ofFederal Regulations is proposed to beamended by adding a new § 1910.270and Appendices A, B, C, and D to readas follows:

§ 1910.270 Oil and gas well drilling andservicing.

(a) Scope and application. (1) Scope.This section contains requirements fordrilling, servicing and related operationsperformed on, or in support of, potentialand actual oil and gas wells, includinginjection wells and water supply wells.The standard addresses hazardsassociated with assembling anddisas3embing rigs, rotary drilling, wellservicing, cementing, drill stem testing.well completion, wireline services, andacidizing. In addition to the provisionsof this section, all other relevantprovisions in Part 1910 apply to oil andgas we1l drilling and servicing. Thissection does not apply to sitepreparation, which includes grading,road construction, excavating, and pitconstruction, since these operations arecovered by Part 1926, ConstructionSafety and Health Standards, of thisTitle.

(2) Application. The requirements ofthis section apply to all rigs engaged inthese operations, whether they are land-based rigs or over-the-water rigs exceptto the extent that 29 U.S.C. 653(b)(1)prohibits the application of the OSHAct. Exploratory wells, developmentwells, injection wells and water supplywells drilled in support of oil and gasrecovery operations are also covered bythis section. The requirements of thissection do not apply to cable tooldrilling, drilling for seismic tests, subsoilstructural investigations, drilling ofwells for sulfur and other minerals, norto water wells drilled for purposes otherthan to support the recovery of gas oroil.

(b) Definitions.Acidizing means to treat oil -bearing

limestone or other formations with acidunder pressure to increase production.

Air drilling means a method of rotarydrilling using compressed air as itscirculating medium.

Anchor means a device that is used tosecure, fasten, or stablize.

Annular blowout preventer means alarge valve, usually installed above theram preventers, that forms a seal in theannular space between the pipe andwellbore.

Bleed-off line means the pipe used torelease pressure from a well orpressurized equipment.

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Blind ram means that part of theblowout preventer which serves as theclosing element when no pipe is presentin the hole. Its ends do not fit around thedrill pipe, but seal against each otherand shut off the space belowcompletely.

Blooey line means the discharge pipefrom a well being drilled by air, gas ormist drilling. The blooey line is used toconduct the air, gas or mist used forcirculation away from the rig to reducethe fire hazard as well as to transportthe cuttings a suitable distance from thewell.

Blowdown line means the surface pipewhich carries oil, gas or other fluid froma well to processing equipment orstorage.

Blowout means an uncontrolled flowof gas, oil or other well fluids into theatmosphere.

Blowout preventer (BOP) means theequipment installed immediately abovethe casing/conductor to prevent theescape of pressure into the atmosphere.

Boomer (load binder) means a leveractuated device used to tighten chainson a load of pipe or other equipment tomake it secure, or to tighten backstaysor anchors on derricks and masts.

Block valve means a shut-off vale.'Borehole means the wellbore; the hole

made by drilling or boring.Brake means a device for arresting the

motion of a mechanism, usually bymeans of friction, as in the drawworksbrake.

Break out means to unscrew onesection of pipe from ancther section.

Casing means the pipe used to line awell to prevent caving in during drillingand to provide a means of extractingpetroleum if the well is productive.

Cosinghead means a steel fitting thatconnects to the first string of casing andprovides a housing for slips and packingassemblies which are used to suspendthe intermediate strings of casing.

Cathead means a spool-shapedextension of the drawworks shaft use tolift heavy equipment and to make up orbreak out drill pipe.

Catwalk means the ramp at the sideof the drilling rig where pipe is laid outto be hoisted to the derrick floor by thecatline. The term can also mean anelevated walkway.

Cellar means a pit in the ground toprovide additional height for equipmentbetween the rig floor and the wellhead.

Cementing means the application of aliquid slurry of cement and water tovarious parts inside or outside thecasing.

Change house means a small buildingused by the crew members to changeclothes.

Check valve means a valve thatpermits flow in one direction only.

Choke line means an extension ofpipe from the blowout preventer used todirect well fluid from the annulus to thechoke manifold.

Christmas tree means the controlvalves, pressure gauges, and chokesassembled at the top of a well to controlthe flow of oil, gas or other fluid afterthe well has been drilled and completed.

Come-along means a manually-operated device used to tighten guywires or move heavy loads.

Confined space means an enclosedworking space (including, but notlimfted to, tanks, vats, vessels, andboilers) with limited or restricted ingressand egress and possessing known orpotential hazards of:

(1) Insufficient oxygen to support life;(2) Flammable, highly reactive or

unstable gases, vapors, fumes or solids;(3) Toxic gases, vapors, fumes or

solids immediately dangerous to life; or(4) Presence of energy sources (e.g.,

thermal, chemical, mechanical,electrical) where the confinement factorincreases the likelihood of contactbetween the energy source andemployees.Pits, cellars and other open-toppedspaces are not considered confinedspaces whenever:

(1) Their depth is four (4) feet or less;or

(2) Their depth is less than one-halfthe smallest dimension of the topopening.

Crew member means a driller/operator, derrickman and floorhands,helpers, etc., who operate or work on arig.

Crown block means an assembly ofsheaves or pulleys mounted on beams atthe top of the derrick or mast over whicha hoisting line is reeved.

Deadline means the line from thecrown block sheave to an anchor.

Derrick means a large load-bearingstructure that supports the crown block.(Also see mast.)

Derrickman's working platform (Seemonkeyboard, stabbing board, tubingboard, rod basket.)

Detector tube means a samplingdevice used to detect atmosphericcontaminants and provide anapproximation of the concentration ofthe contaminant.

Development well means a welldrilled in a proven field to complete apattern of production.

Doghouse means a small enclosure onthe rigfloor used as an office, storehouseor changeroom.

Drawworks means the hoistingmechanism on a drilling, well servicing

or workover rig. It is essentially a largewinch that spools off or takes in thehoisting line and thus raises or lowersthe drill stem and bit, tubing or suckerrods.

Drill collar means a heavy thick-walled steel tube placed above the drillbit in order to add weight.

Drillpipe means the seamless pipeused to rotate the drill and circulatedrilling fluids.

Drill stem means all members in theassembly used for drilling by the rotarymethod from the swivel to the bit,including the kelly, drill pipe and tooljoints, drill collars, stabilizers, and drillbit.

Drill stem test means a method ofgathering data on the potentialproductivity of a formation bypermitting the flow of petroleumproducts back through the drill pipe.

Drill string means the column or stringof drill pipe including attached tooljoints.

Driller's/operator's console means acabinet on the rig floor whch containsthe controls that the driller/operatoruses to manipulate the various functionsof the rig.

Drilling means the operation of boringa hole in the earth, deepening a hole, oruse of similar processes to clean ormodify an existing well.

Drilling fluid means any fluidcirculated in a well which is beingdrilled or worked over.

Drilling rig means the derrick,drawworks and all other surfaceequipment of a drilling unit.

Drum means a cylinder around whichwire rope is wound in the drawworks.

Elevator means a set of clamps orlatches that grip a stand, or column ofcasing, tubing or drill pipe so that thestand can be raised or lowered into thehole.

Exploratory well means a well drilledin an area where no oil or gasproduction exists. It is also known as awildcat well.

Fastline means the end of the drillingline that is affixed to the drum or reel ofthe drawworks.

Fingerboard means a rack thatsupports the tops of the stands of pipebeing stacked in the derrick or mast. Ithas several steel finger-like projectionsthat form a series of slots into which thederrickman can set a stand of drill pipeor tubing as it is pulled out of the hole.

Fish means an object left in thewellbore.

Fishing means the act of retrieving afish from the wellbore.

Flow line means the surface pipewhich carries drilling fluid from surfacetanks or other storage.

Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 250 / Wedneiday, December 28, 1983 / Proposed Rules

Fracturing means a method ofstimulation in which a fluid is pumpedinto the well under high pressure tocreate or enlarge cracks in a formation.

Frozen plug means an intentionalblockage formed by the use of arefrigerant or cryogen to solidify liquidin the pipe.

Gas drilling means a method of rotarydrilling using compressed gas as itscirculating fluid.

Gin pole means hoisting equipmentand a pole or arrangement of poles forlifting heavy machinery.

Heacache post means a device usedto prevent broken or whipping linesfrom striking the driller.

Hoist means an arrangement ofpulleys and wire rope or chain used forlifting heavy objects: a winch or similardevice; the drawworks.

Hoisting equipment means anypowered arrangement of pulleys andwire rope or chain used to liftequipment.

Hot oil operations means thetreatment of a producing well withheated oil to melt accumulated paraffinin the tubing and annulus.

Immediately dangerous to life andhealth (IDLH) means conditions thatpose an immediate threat to life, orconditions which are likely to result inimmediate, permanent, adverse healtheffects.

Kelly means the hollow three-, four-,or six-sided steel members suspendedfrom the swivel which goes through therotary table and connects to the top-most joint of drill pipe.

Kelly bushing means a special devicefitted to the rotary bushing thattransmits torque to the kelly andsimultaneously permits verticalmovement of the kelly to make hole.

Kelly cock means a valve installedbelow the swivel and either above orbelow the kelly to keep pressure off theswivel and rotary hose.

Kelly hose means a reinforced,flexible tube on a rotary drilling rig thatconducts the drilling fluid from thestandpipe to the swivel; also called themud hose or rotary hose.

Kick means an entry of water, gas, oil,or other formation fluid into thewellbore, occurring because formationpressures are greater than the pressureexerted by the column of drilling fluid.

Kill means (a) In drilling-to preventa threatened blowout by taking suitablepreventive measures (e.g., to shut in thewell with the blowout preventers,circulate the kick out, and increase theweight of the drilling fluid); (b) Inproduction-to stop a well fromproducing oil and gas so thatreconditioning of the well can proceed.

Kill line means a high pressure linethat connects the mud pump and thewell annulus through which heavydrilling fluid can be pumped into thewell to control a threatened blowout.

Lubricator means a special length ofcasing or tubing placed temporarilyabove a valve on top of the casing ortubing head used to run tools orsubstances into a producing wellwithout having to kill it.

Manifold means an accessory systemof piping that divides a flow, combinesseveral flows, or reroutes a flow.

Mast means a portable derrickcapable of being erected as a unit, asdistinguished from a standard derrick.which cannot be raised to a workingposition as a unit.

Mist drilling means a drillingtechnique that uses air or gas and afoaming agent as a circulating medium.

Monkeyboard means the platform onwhich derrickmen work. (Also calledtubing board and rod basket.)

Mousehole means an opening throughthe rig floor used to temporarily store alength of drilling pipe for laterconnection to the drill string.

Mud means the liquid circulatedthrough the wellbore during rotarydrilling and workover operations.

Mud box means a device wrappedhound pipe connections to deflect fluidreleased when a joint or stand of pipecontaining liquid is unscrewed.

Mud settling tank means the mud pitinto which mud flows and in whichheavy solids are allowed to settle out.

Oil saver means a device used toprevent leakage and waste of gas, oil orwater around a wireline.

Perforate means to pierce the casingwall and cement to provide holesthrough which formation fluids mayenter or to provide holes in the casing sothat materials may be introduced intothe annulus between the casing and thewall of the borehole.

Personnel basket means a devicehaving waist high solid or mesh sidesand an opening for access used toposition personnel.

Pit means a storage container used tohold liquids that are circulated throughthe drill string.

Platform means any surface fromwhich work may be performed.

Pole mast means a portable mastconstructed of tubular members.

Power tongs mean pneumatically orhydraulically operated tools that serveto spin the pipe up tight, and in someinstances to apply the final makeuptorque.

Proppant means a granular substancecarried in suspension by the fracturingfluid that serves to keep the cracks open

when the fracturing fluid is withdrawnafter a fracture treatment.

Pull tubing means the removal oftubing from a well.

Pulling a string means removing theentire length of casing, tubing or drillpipe from the hole.

Pump means a device to increase thepressure on a fluid, or to raise a fluid toa higher level.

Racking platform means a smallplatform with fingerlike steel projectionsattached to the side of the mast on awell servicing unit.

Ram means the closing and sealingcomponent on a blowout preventer.

Rathole means a hole in the rig floor30 to 35 feet deep, lined with casing thatprojects above the floor, into which thekelly and swivel are placed when thekelly and swivel are not in the drillstring.

Reeve means to pass (as the end of arope) through a hole or opening in ablock or similar device, or over' asheave.

Rig means the derrick or mast,drawworks, and attendant surfaceequipment of a drilling, workover orwell servicing unit.

Rig up operations mean theoperations necessary to prepare a rig fordrilling, servicing, workover and relatedactivities.

Rod basket means the derrickman'swork platform on service and workoverrigs, in which rods are racked (seemonkeyboard).

Rotary drilling means a drillingmethod in which a hole is drilled by arotating bit to which a downward forceis applied.

Rotating head means a sealing deviceusually installed above the main BOPused to close off the annular spacearound the kelly when drilling withpressure at thie surface.

Round trip means the operation ofhoisting the drill stem or other tubularmaterial from the wellbore, andreturning these to the wellbore.

Shale shaker means a vibrating sieveused to remove cuttings from thecirculating fluid.

Sheave means a grooved pully.Skidding means to move a rig with a

standard derrick short distances withlittle or no dismantling of equipment.

Slips mean wedge-shaped pieces ofmetal with teeth or other grippingelements that are used to prevent pipefrom slipping down into the hole or tohold pipe in place..

Snubbing means to put pipe or toolsinto a high-pressure well that has notbeen killed (i.e., to run pipe or tools intothe well against pressure).

Snub line means the tong safety line.

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Stabbing board means a temporaryelevated platform, erected in a derrickor mast.

Standpipe means a vertical pipe risingalong the side of the derrick or mast,which joins the mud or other fluid pumpto the rotary hose and through whichmud or other drilling fluid is pumped.

Stripping means to pull rods andtubing from a well at the same time.

Stripper rubber means: (1) A rubberdisk surrounding drill pipe or tubing thatremoves mud as the pipe is brought outof the hole; (2) the pressure sealingelement of a stripper blowout preventer.

Substructure means the foundation onwhich the derrick or mast sit, containingspace for storage, well controlequipment and in some instances, theengine.

Subsurface pump means asubmersible pump placed below thelevel of fluid in a well.

Swab means a rubber-faced hollowcylinder mounted on a hollow mandrelused to remove fluids from a well whenpressure is sufficient to support flow.

Swabbing means operation of a swabon a wireline to lift fluid from thewellbore to determine if a well will flow,or to empty the hole prior to perforating.

Swivel means a rotary tool that ishung from the rotary hook and travelingblock to suspend and permit freerotation of the drill stem.

Tongs means the large wrenches usedfor turning when making up or breakingout drill pipe, casing, tubing, or otherpipe; variously called casing tongs,rotary tongs, etc., according to thespecific use.

Tooljoint means a heavy couplingelement for drill pipe made of specialalloy steel. Tool joints have coarse,tapered threads and seating shouldersdesigned to sustain the weight of thedrill stem, withstand the strain offrequent coupling and uncoupling, andprovide a leakproof seal. The malesection of the joint, or the pin, isattached to one end of a length of drillpipe, and the female section, or box, isattached to the other end. The tool jointmay be welded to the end of the pipe orscrewed on or both. A hard metal facingis often applied in a band around theoutside of the tool joint to enable it toresist abrasion from the walls of theborehole.

Tour (pronounced "tower") means thework period of a crew.

Traveling block means anarrangement of pulleys, or sheaves,through which drilling line is reeved andthat moves up and down in the derrickor mast.

Tubing means small diameter pipethat is run into a well to serve as a

conduit for the passage of oil and gas tothe surface.

Tubing board means the derrickman'swork platform during the time the crewis pulling or running tubing into the well.

Vee-door means an opening at floorlevel in a side of a derrick or mastopposite the drawworks, used to bringpipe and casing from the pipe rack.

Weight indicator means aninstrument that shows the weightsuspended from the hooks.

Well completion means the activitiesand methods necessary to prepare awell for the production of oil and gas;and method by which a flow line forhydrocarbons is established betweenthe reservoir and the surface.

Wellhead means the equipment usedto maintain surface control of a well,and includes the casinghead, tubinghead and christmas tree.

Well servicing means the remedial ormaintenance work performed on an oilor gas well to improve or maintain theproduction from a formation alreadyproducing.

We// servicing rig means a portablerig consisting of a hoist, engine and aself-erecting mast. A workover rig isbasically the same as a well servicing rigexcept it has a substructure, well rotary,mud pumps and pits and otherequipment to permit handling andworking a drill string.

Wireline means a metal cable usuallysmall in diameter that is used forlowering special tools (such as loggingdevices, perforating guns, etc.) into thewell.

Wireline services means thoseoperations which can be accomplishedby the use of tools or equipment whichcan be set, pulled, or operated on awireline.

Wire rope means a cable composed ofsteel wires twisted around a centralcore of hemp or other fiber to create arope of great strength and considerableflexibility.

(c) General requirements for alloperations. (1) Medical and first aid. Inaddition to the requirements of SubpartK of this Part, and prior tocommencement of work at the well site:

(i) At least one person who is trainedand currently certified in first aid andbasic rescue techniques shall beavailable at the well site to render firstaid any time work is in progress.

(ii) An instrument of communication(telephone, two-way radio, etc.) shall beavailable at or near the well site and inworking condition for use in establishingcontact for obtaining medical assistancewhen work is in progress.

(iii) The employer shall arrange fortransportation of persons needingprompt medical attention. The vehicle

used for such transportation shall be ofsuch size to accommodate a person on astretcher and an accompanying person;designed or equipped to protect theinjured worker and the accompanyingperson from the weather elements anddirt or dust and allow verbalcommunication between the operator ofthe vehicle and the injured worker or theaccompanying person. If helicopters areto be used, then the requirement forverbal communication does not apply.

(iv) Either of two alternative medicalcontingency plans shall be developedand communicated to affectedemployees:

(a) A plan shall be developed and allrig personnel trained in operations of theplan. No employee shall be allowed towork on or about the rig until trained inthe plan operation. The plandevelopment and preparation andtraining of the rig personnel shall becertified in writing by the employer.Employees shall be retrained at leastonce each year on the medicalcontingency plan; or

(b) The employer shall develop awritten medical contingency planprescribing the procedures for obtainingprompt medical assistance for injuredemployees who require more than firstaid treatment. This contingency planshall prescribe the procedures to beused for establishing communicationswith the source of medical assistance,including the location of the instrumentused for communication (telephone,two-way radio) and prescribeprocedures on the arrangements madefor the transportation of injuredemployees. All employees at the wellsite shall be informed of the proceduresof this contingency plan. Thecontingency plan, or that portion of thecontingency plan to be carried out byonsite employees, shall be available atthe worksite for inspection by theAssistant Secretary or his designee.

(2) Emergency planning. (i) Anemergency action plan shall bedeveloped and implemented for all rigoperations. This plan shall prescribe theemergency procedures which are to befollowed in the event of a kick, fire,hydrogen sulfide release or other wellemergencies which may be encountered.This plan shall meet the requirements of§ 1910.38(a) except that a written plan isnot required if the employer:

(a) Prepares an emergency action planand provides all rig crew members withdetails of the plan,

(b) Permits no employee to work on orabout the rig until that employee hasbeen trained in the emergency actionplan,

(c) Certifies (in writing) that steps (a)and (b) have been completed.


(ii) All employees shall be giveninstructions on the emergencyprocedures discussed in this emergencyaction plan before starting on the job,and again at no greater interval thanonce each year thereafter.

(3) Employee training and education.(i) Before new employees (or currentemployees reassigned to another job)begin work, they shall be instructed inthe recognition of hazards peculiar totheir job.

(ii) All employees who are required touse personal protective equipment shallbe instructed in the proper methods ofuse, inspection and care of suchequipment.

(iii) Employees who are required byparagraph (e)(1)(v) to use locks and tagsshall be trained in the use andapplication of lockout/tagoutprocedures. As a minimum, this trainingshall include a discussion of theprocedure, when it is to be used, and thereasons for the procedure. This trainingshall be conducted annually or morefrequently if necessary to ensure thataffected employees are aware of theprocedure.

(iv) The employer shall ensure thattraining.and education is conductedfrequently enough to assure that eachemployee is able to perform his/herassigned duties in a manner so as not toendanger himself/herself or any otheremployee. In no case shall this trainingtake place less than annually.

(v) Employees working on rigs shallbe trained in operations and proceduresto be followed in implementing all plans.No employee shall be permitted to workon rigs unless that employee has either:

(a) Received detailed training onprocedures to be followed and methodsof implementing all plans.

(b) Is made aware of locations ofwritten plans and when these plansshould be implemented.

(4) Over water operations. (i) Twoemergency means of escape fromplatforms shall be provided whenworking over water. Controlled descentdevices, which limit the employee'svelocity to 15 ft/sec (4.6 m/sec) orslower, emergency escape ladders,stairs or other accessible means may beused for emergency escape.

(ii) Each continuously-mannedplatform shall be provided with enoughlifefloats or alternatives toaccommodate all persons present at anyone time, but in no case shall there beless than two lifefloats. In addition, thelifefloats or alternatives must beapproved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Thelifefloats or alternatives shall be placedin accessible locations and mounted onthe outboard sides of the working

platform in such a manner as to bereadily launched.

(iii) A litter capable of safely hoistingan injured person shall be available andaccessible.

(iv) U.S. Coast Guard approvedpersonal flotation devices shall beavailable and accessible for eachemployee preforming operations overwater. When employees are exposed tothe potential of falling into the waterduring specific work tasks, personalflotation devices shall be worn.

(v) At least four U.S. Coast Guardapproved ring buoys or equivalentrescue flotation de ,ices, with sufficientattached and secured line to effect arescue, shall be conspicuously locatedand readily available for use in waterrescue operations. Each ring buoy shallbe equipped with an approved waterlight, or retroreflective material shall beattached to the flotation device for thepurpose of locating the flotation deviceduring other than daylight hours.

(iv) Tag lines shall be used to guideand steady equipment being loaded orunloaded from vessels.

(5) Housekeeping. (i) Work areas shallbe kept free of slipping and trippinghazards. Loose materials, equipment ortools not immediately required for thejob shall be removed from walking-working surfaces and stored,

(ii) Flammable liquids may not beused for cleaning purposes.

(iii) Hazardous leaks or spills shall bepromptly cleaned up to minimize fireand slipping hazards. Hazardous liquidsresulting from the pulling of wet stringsof pipe, tubing or rods shall be conveyedaway from the rig floor.

(iv) When employees are working in acellar, no loose equipment or materialsshall be in the cellar except thoseimmediately required for the job.

(6) Illumination. (i) The lighting on therig floor shall be at least five footcandles at all work areas.

(ii) The lighting shall be at least 5 footcandles on the derrickman's workingplatform, work areas around mudpumps, and catwalks.

(iii) The lighting shall be at least 2 footcandles at the shale shaker, stairwayand other walking areas.

(iv) Lighting of at least 5 foot candlesshall be provided when it is necessaryto perform maintenance, includinglubrication on the crown block, duringother than daylight hours.

(d) Specific requirements for alloperations. (1) Raising or loweringderrick or mast and rig-up operations. (i)Prior to commencing rig-up operationsthe employer shall plan the arrangementof all equipment and outbuildings tominimize hazardous conditions and to

ensure the operations can be safelyaccomplished;

(ii) Where change rooms andoutbuildings are provided, they may notbe located in line with the ends ofpressure vessels nor within 30 feet (9.2m) of rig fuel tanks.

(iii) A visual inspection of the raisingand lowering mechanism of the mastshall be made before operationscommence. Any problems or defectsdetected shall be corrected beforeraising or lowering the mast or derrick.

(iv) Prior to raising or lowering anymast, all tools and materials which arenot secured shall be removed from themast.

(v) Employees may not be under aderrick or mast which is being raised orlowered.

(vi) During rig-up operations, therotary table opening in the floor shall becovered and remain covered until therotary table is ready to be moved intoplace. If this procedure must be changeddue to unusual rig-up problems, then allemployees exposed to the hazard offalling into the rotary table opening shallbe instructed about the hazard and howthe new rig-up procedure is to be safelyaccomplished.

(vii) Truck-mounted masts may not bedriven ovet the ground while in a raisedposition unless specifically designed forthis. This does not apply to the skiddingof a drilling rig or pole mast wellservicing rig.

(viii) Well operations may not becommenced until the rig is rigged up in asafe manner.

(ix) All air shall be bled from thehydraulic system and the systemchecked for proper operation beforehydraulic cylinders are used to lowerderricks or masts.

(2) Emergency escape. (i) The derrickor mast on all land-based rigs shall havea means of escape available uponcompletion of rig-up operations. Trips orpulls may not be made until theemergency escape is available. Themeans of escape shall be rigged andsecured to provide a safe and readilyaccessible escape route from thederrickman's working platform(monkeyboard, rod basket, tubingboard).

(ii) A means of escape shall be riggedand secured to provide a safe andreadily accessible escape route beforeoperations commence which require acrew member to be on the stabbingboard.

(iii) The emergency escape route shallbe kept clear of obstructions andarranged to carry the crew memberaway from the welihole and the drillingfloor permitting a safe landing.

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(iv) If an emergency escape line isused, the employer shall ensure that thetension on the emergency escape linewill permit a safe landing for the user.

(v).When the emergency escapedevice does not have an automaticvelocity limiting control, then it must beequipped with an operator controlledbraking device so the operator can makea safe landing. For a manually operatedbraking emergency escape unit, a safelanding shall mean that the person canstop more than 20 feet (6.1 m) from theanchor point.

(vi) For the emergency escape unitthat is equipped with an automaticvelocity limiting device or controlleddescent device, a safe landing shallmean that the person can stop at theanchor point without injury. If used,automatic velocity limiting devices maynot permit speed above 15 ft/sec (4.6 m/sec) at the landing. Emergency escapelines shall have their own anchors,separate from rig guying anchors, unlessa method is used to permit the safe useof guy anchors.

(3) Fire prevention and protection. (i)Drilling rigs shall be equipped with atleast four fire extinguishers each havinga minimum rating of 40 B:C. The fireextinguishers shall be distributed inthose areas where Class B hazards maybe present.

(ii) Well servicing rigs shall beequipped with at least two fireextinguishers, each having a minimumrating of 40 B:C. The fire extinguishersshall be distributed in those areas whereClass B hazards may be present.

(iii) At least one fire extinguisher witha minimum rating of 2A shall beavailable on all rigs. The Class A fireprotection may be provided by a fireextinguisher with the minimum ratingsfor A:B:C in lieu of providing anadditional extinguisher.

(iv) All fire extinguishers requiredabove shall be installed, maintained andtested in accord with subpart L of thisPart.

(v) Effective January 1, 1986, on landlocations, pits and open tanks used tocirculate flammable liquids shall belocated at least 50 feet (15.3m) from thewellhead. Where this distance is notpractical, a combustible gas and vapordetection and alarm system shall beused between the wellhead and the pitsand open tanks to warn employees ofaccumulations of flammable vapors.

(vi) On land locations, portable lightplants shall be located at least 100 feet(30.5 m) from the wellhead to isolatepossible sources of ignition. Equivalentsafety and protective measures shall betaken where conditions do not permitmaintaining spacing at 100 feet (30.5 m).

(vii) Open flame heaters may not beused in doghouses or outbuildings.

(viii) While operations are in progressat land locations, motor vehicles shallnot come within the perimeter of the guylines, or within 100 feet (30.5 m) of thewellhead if guy lines are not used,except as follows:

(a) When the motor vehicle is requiredfor the operation to take place, or

(b) When an emergency requires amotor vehicle to come into the restrictedarea.

(ix) When motor vehicles must comeinto the restricted area, they shall beoperated upwind from the wellhead. Thetime spent in the restricted area shall bekept to a minimum. The area within theguy line perimeter shall be posted withsigns visible from normal vehicleapproach directions. The signs shall bein accordance with subpart J of this Part.

(x) On land locations, flammableliquids or gases may not be storedwithin 50 feet (15.3 m) of the wellbore,except for fuel in the tanks of operatingequipment. When terrain or locationconfiguration do not permit maintainingthis distance, equivalent safetymeasures shall be effected including gasdetection equipment to warn employeesof accumulations of flammable vapors.Tanks shall be labeled as to theircontents. Drainage from any fuel storageareas shall be in a direction away fromthe wellhead, change rooms,outbuildings and work areas.

(xi) Iron sulfide shall be kept wetduring its removal from tanks or otherlocations until disposed in a safemanner.

(4) Handling drilling fluids andchemicals. (i) Employees handlingdrilling fluid materials which containhazardous substances shall beinstructed in the risks involved as wellas safe handling and personnelprotection procedures.

(ii) Employees required to handlechemicals that may irritate or causeinjury to skin, eyes, or respiratorysystems shall wear personal protectiveequipment which will protect the hands,eyes, body skin or respiratory systemfrom contact with such chemicals.

(iii) Eye wash equipment, with at leasta 15 minute supply of water, shall bereadily available at work areas whenacids are being used. Where otherhazardous chemicals, such as caustics,are used, a minimum of three (3) onequart squeeze bottles of eyewashsolution or other treatment procedure,approved by a physician, shall bereadily available.

(5) Operation near overhead powerlines. (i) Clearances. Except where theelectrical distribution and transmissionlines have been deenergized and visibly

grounded at the point of work, or whereinsulating barriers not a part of, or anattachment to, the derrick or mast havebeen erected to prevent physical contactwith the lines, the derricks or mastsshall be operated proximately to powerlines only in accordance with thefollowing:

(a) For lines rated 50 kv. or below,minimum clearance between the linesand any part of the derrick or load shallbe 10 feet (3.1 m).

(b) For lines rated over 50 kv.,minimum clearance between the linesand any part of the derrick or load shallbe 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 0.4 inch (.1 m) foreach 1 kv. over 50 kv., or twice thelength of the line insulator but never lessthan 10 feet (3.1 m).

(c) In transit with no load and boomfolded and/or lowered, the clearanceshall be a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 m)vertically and 10 feet (3.1 m)horizontally.

(d) Materials stored near or under anelectrical distribution line shall maintainthe following clearance: lines rated 50kv. or less-1l feet (3.1 m) plusmaximum dimension of materials stored:lines rated 50 kv. or more-lO feet (3.1m) plus 0.4 inch (.1 m) for each kv. over50 kv. plus maximum dimension ofmaterial stored.

(ii) Notification. Before rigging up orcommencing operations under or aroundpower lines where the clearances inparagraph (d)(5)(i) are not maintained,the line owners or their authorizedrepresentative shall be notified so thepower lines can be moved, relocated ordeenergized.

(6) Handling and racking pipe, drillcollars and other tubular materials.

(i) Racking foundations foundationsand storage racks shall be designed towithstand the maximum anticipatedload of racked pipe, drill collars andother intended loads.

(ii) Storage racks shall be designed orother means taken to prevent drillcollars, pipe and other tubular materialfrom accidentally rolling off the rack.

(iii) No employee shall be permitted tostand or walk or be between the piperacks and a load of pipe during loading,unloading and transferring operations.

(iv) When pipe or similar material ismoved to another rack, the vee-door orother location, it shall be secured. Pipeand drill collars, tubing and rods, andcasing which are racked in the derrickor mast, shall be secured except whenactually being worked.

(v) Drainage of the drill stem standsshall be provided to minimize thepossibility of ice plug formation.

(7) Riding hoisting equipment. (i)Employees may not ride hoisting


equipment except as provided in thisparagraph.

(a) Employees engaged in drillingoperations may ride hoisting equipmentlunder emergency conditions. Whenriding the travelling block, the employeeshall wear a full-body harness attachedto a lanyard anchored to the hoistingequipment. The lanyard shall be of suchlength and elasticity so that the force onthe employee will not exceed 1,800 lbs(817 kilograms).

(b) Employees engaged in wellservicing operations may ride thetravelling block or elevator. When ridingthe travelling block or elevator, theemployee shall wear a full-body harnessattached to a lanyard tied off oranchored to the travelling block orelevator bales. The lanyard shall be ofsuch length and elasticity so that theforce on the employee will not exceed1,800 lbs (817 kilograms).

(c) Employees engaged in wirelineoperations shall use a personel basket toride the hoisting equipment.

(ii) When an employee rides thehoisting equipment the followingconditions shall be met.

(a) The hoisting equipment shall bepowered up and powered down, and thedriller or operator of the hoistingequipment controls shall maintain visualcontact with the employee at all timeswhile the employee is riding.

(b) The travelling block or otherapparatus must be equipped with anemergency stop device that cuts off orprevents power from being transmittedto the hoisting equipment, and appliesbrakes or other means of preventing theequipment from falling.

(c) The hoisting equipment must bebrought to a full stop at the workingplatform to permit the employee toattach his full-body harness to theavailable lanyard or an anchor point atthe working level before unhooking fromthe hoisting equipment. The reverseprocedure shall be used when theemployee is preparing to descend.

(iii) No employee shall be permit ted toride hoisting equipment when thisequipment is carrying loads.

[8) Hydrogen sulfide procedures. (i)Except as provided in (d](8)(ii) of thisparagraph, the employer shall providefor a monitoring program to ensure theLafety and health of those employeeswho may be exposed to hydrogenulfide. The monitoring program shall

include the use of detector tubes, anautomatic environmental monitoringsystem, or other equally effectivemeans. The surveillance areas to bemonitored shall include, but are notlimited to, the drilling floor around theborehole, the shale shaker and the mudsetting tanks. The monitoring program

and procedures shall include a writtenplan available at the well site for reviewby the Assistant Secretary or hisrepresentative.

(ii) Hydrogen sulfide monitoring is notrequired in the following circumstances:

(a) Drilling into or through formationsthat are known never to have producedhydrogen sulfide.

(b) Casing, cementing or completion ofa well where hydrogen sulfide has notbeen detected during drilling.

(c) Workover or other treatment of awell in a formation or zone known neverto have produced hydrogen sulfide inthe general area.

(iii) When the employee's exposure tohydrogen sulfide gas exceeds thosepermitted in Subpart Z of this Part,approved respiratory protectionequipment must be worn and theemergency action plan required in (c)(2)of this section must be activated.Respiratory protection equipment shallbe in accordance with Subpart I of thisPart. All employees working in an areaof potential exposure to hydrogensulfide shall wear or carry on theirperson an approved escape-type self-contained breathing apparatus, or theyshall wear or carry on their person arespirator which provides equal orbetter protection. Those employees whomust remain in or reenter the dangerarea in accordance with the emergencyaction plan shall have available, inaddition to the escape units, anapproved positive-pressure respirator tobe worn while they remain in or returnto the danger area.

(iv) Where an automatic hydrogensulfide environmental monitoringsystem is used, it shall be connected toan employee alarm system which willalert employees of danger and allowthem to initiate the emergency actionplan.

(a) The tesing of the automatichydrogen sulfide environmentalmonitoring system shall be done at thetime of installation to ensure properfunctioning of the system, at least daily,prior to "tripping out," and after each"kick" is under control if the monitoringsystem did not automatically activate.

(b) The automatic hydrogen sulfideenvironmental monitoring system shallbe maintained in operable conditionexcept during repairs or maintenance.When the system is out of service, amanual monitoring program shall beused if work operations continue.

(v) All rigs, except those excluded by(d](8}(ii) of this section, which are inoperation on or after July 1, 1987, shallbe equipped with an operable automatichydrogen sulfide environmentalmonitoring system.

(9) Confined spaces. (i) General. (a)All confined spaces shall have gates,covers or other barriers to preventinadvertent entrance into the space,unless the entrance is so located as topreclude inadvertent entry.

(b) All confined spaces into whichemployees may be required to entershall be posted with signs warning ofthe hazards of entry and when entry isauthorized. The sign shall include thename of the person responsible forauthorizing entry into the confinedspace. In addition, the signs shallconform with the general requirementsof Subpart J of this Part, and shall be inEnglish and in other languages incommon use by the employees.

(ii) Establishing entry procedures andtraining requirements. (a) The employershall establish procedures for entry intoany confined space before allowingemployees to enter. All persons requiredto enter confined spaces (either to workor to perform rescue operations) shall betrained in these entry procedures beforeentering the confined space.

(b) The entry procedures shall addresssteps to be taken in the evaluation ofhazards known to be present, or whichcan reasonably be predicted as beingpresent. The procedure shall alsoaddress means to eliminate or mitigatethe hazards and how to effect rescue inthe event a worker within the confinedspace is trapped or requires assistanceto escape. The procedures forcommunications between personsworking within the confined space andthose outside shall be established andmeans provided to maintain thecommunication link.

(iii) Evaluation prior to entry. (a) Priorto entry, the employer shall evaluate theknown and potential hazards of entryinto the confined space. This evaluationshall consider the reason for the entryand the feasibility of any a!t.?rrativemeans of carrying out the work withoutentry.

(b) The evaluation shall consider thetypes of hazards which may beencountered, how the hazards may bemeasured or evaluated, and how thehazards may be controlled.

(c) In evaluating the atmosphere foroxygen content and for the presence offlammable materials, direct-readinginstruments shall be used. Employeesshall be trained in the proper use ofthese instruments.

(d) When toxic materials are knownto be present, an evaluation of theirconcentration shall be made. If handoperated test methods such as detectortubes are used for this evaluation,employees shall be trained in theoperation of this equipment.

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57224 Federal Register / Vol. 48, No; 250 / Wednesday, December 28, 1983 / Proposed Rules

(e) When the evaluations performed'in(iii](c or (d) of this paragraph indicatethe presence of a hazardous condition,steps shall be taken to eliminate ormitigate the hazardous condition,including further sampling which will berepresentative of the confined spaceatmosphere.

(iv) Elimination or mitigation ofhazards within confined space. (a)Hazardous gases and vapors shall beremoved by ventilation, purging orcleaning.

(b] Volatile liquids, which can beremoved by flushing, cleaning or similarmeans, shall be removed prior to entryof employees.

(c) Confined spaces containingvolatile liquids which cannot be readilyremoved, and which have toxic vaporsthat are IDLH, shall be provided withsufficient continuous ventilation toreduce levels of vapors below IDLHlevel. A warning system shall beprovided to warn employees within theconfined space in the event of failure ofthe ventilation.

(d) Where access to the exterior of theconfined space allows, all pipes andlines that enter the confined space shallbe disconnected and blind flanges orequally effective means used to close offthe pipe or line. Where access to theexterior of the confined space is notpossible, all pipes or lines entering orconveying or capable of carryingmaterials into the confined space shallbe shut down and means taken toisolate the lines and prevent any flow.

(e) All pipes passing through confinedspaces shall be inspected upon initialentry to determine if they are leaking. Ifleaking pipes are found, the confinedspace shall be vacated immediately andprocedures instituted to stop the leaksbefore any other work is commenced.

(f) Exposed electrical circuits shalleither be shut off and visibly groundedor insulated so that employees will notbe exposed to contact.

(g) Mechanical parts within theconfined space shall be disconnectedand locked out, or otherwise renderedinoperative whenever hazards existfrom exposure to moving parts withinthe confined space.

(h) Whenever the atmosphere withinthe confined space has the potential ofcontaining or developing conditionsIDLH, the employer shall:

(1] Equip each employee entering theconfined space with safety linesattached to a belt or full-body harness topermit removal of the employee withoutrescuers entering the confined space;

(2] Provide an employee who istrained in rescue procedures as anobserver outside the confined space,

and who is in communication with thoseinside the space.

(3) Provide a lifeline system which hasa mechanical advantage in lifting of atleast two for vertical entry into aconfined space.

(4) Ensure that whenever the entryway is smaller in diameter than thewidth of the entering employee'sshoulders, the employee entering thespace wears wristlets with separatelines to permit guidance of the hands,arms and torso through the access.

(i) In the presence of any conditionknown to produce (or potentiallycapable of producing] a cessation ofbreathing or of heart action, theemployer shall have available a persontrained and certified in cardiopulmonaryresuscitation (CPR). If the person trainedin CPR is not the rescuer or backup tothe rescuer, means shall be available atthe confined space area to summonpromptly the person trained in CPR.

(v) Additional requirements forentering inerted atmospheres. When aconfined space contains flammablematerials, and has been inerted and it isdecided that employees must enter thisspace with an inert gas atmospherepresent, the employer shall, in additionto the other provisions of this paragraph:

(a) Provide sufficient flow of inertinggas into an inerted atmosphere to assurethat vented air plus leakage plusexternal circulation into the space doesnot reach the upper explosive limit.

(b) Provide for warning of anyreduction in the inert gas flow into thespace below that reqired to maintain theinert atmosphere within a confinedspace.

(c) Require all employees to leaveconfined spaces that have been inertedwhenever there is a failure of the inertgas flow or a reduction in concentrationbelow that required to maintain the inertatmosphere.

(d) Ensure that employees do notenter any inerted space unless equippedwith belts or harnesses, safety lines, andwhere vertical entry through restrictedopenings is to be made, wrist harnessesor wristlets.

(e) Ensure that no employee ispermitted to work within a confinedspace protected by inerting unless astandby person is stationed immediatelyoutside the confined space. The standbyperson may not undertake any tasksthat will prevent immediate notice ofany requirement to warn or rescue theemployee within the space.

(f) Ensure that employees workingwithin inerted spaces are given trainingand instruction on the extremelyhazardous nature of the work, on how tosafely undertake the work, on how toescape in event of difficulty, and the

need to maintain communication withthe standby person.

(g) Ensure that standby personsassigned to assist those inside theinerted confined space have beentrained to carry out their immediateduties, in the need to maintaincommunication with employees withinthe space, in the procedures to warnemployees in the event that situationsdevelop that require immediateevacuation, and in rescue procedures.

(vi) Rescue procedures.(a) In the event entry for a rescue is

necessary, only trained rescuers shall beused to affect rescue.

(b) Rescuers may not enter a confinedspace until backup persons have beennotified and their immediate availabilityassured.

(c) Any rescuer entering a confinedspace shall be equipped with safetylines (including a line rigged with amechanical advantage of two), wristletswhere necessary due to entrywayrestrictions, and either positive pressureself-contained breathing apparatus orpositive pressure air-suppliedrespirators with backup emergency self-contained air supply, prior to entry.

(e) Equipment requirements for alloperations. (1) General requirements. (i)Openings in the rotary table shall becovered when not occupied by a kellydrive bushing, pipe or other equipment.

(ii) Unless the rathole and mouseholdare occupied with pipe or equipment,they shall be covered or otherwiseguarded to prevent employees fromstepping into them.

(iii) In accordance with Subpart D ofthis Part, guardrails shall be providedalong the perimeter of the rig floor on allrigs where the fall height is 4 feet (1.2 m]or more above the ground. A chian usedacross the vee-door in lieu of guardrailsshall be considered equivalent.

(iv) A ladder or stair meeting therequirements of Subpart D of this Partshall be provided for employee accessand egress where employees work in acellar 5 feet (1.5 m) or more in depth.

(v) The employer shall implement alockout and tagout procedure to protectemployees who may be exposed tohazards which is likely to cause injurywhile they are cleaning, servicing,adjusting or maintaining equipment onrigs.

(a) The lockout shall render theequipment inoperative and ensure thatpower sources may not be energizedwhile the equipment is being cleaned,serviced, adjusted, or maintained.

(b) A tag shall be placed uponequipment controls or equipmentoperating parts indicating that they havebeen rendered inoperative; warning that


no inadvertent operation shall becarried out; and displaying the name ofthe person who placed the lock and tag.

(c) Each employee assigned to clean,rmpair, adjust, or maintain machinery orequipment shall be provided with locksand keys to be placed upon theequipment.

(d) The employee shall lockout andtagout the equipment prior to startingany or the work covered in thisparagraph.

(ol All energy shall be dissipated priorto commencing work on locked outequipment.

f) Locks shall be removed only by theemployee who placed the lock. If it isnecessary to remove a lock by otherthan the employee who placed the lock,then authorization shall be granted bythe employee's supervisor, and by oneother person authorized by theemployer.

(vi) All employees on the rig site shallwear safety-toe footwear meeting therequirements of Subpart I of this Part.

(vii) Machinery may not be operatedwithout all guards in proper positionand in safe condition except duringrepair or maintenance work, ornecessary testing of machinery.

(viii) All wire rope used for hoistingpurposes shall be of a design strength tolift safely and to handle all anticipatedloads under the conditions of serviceexcept in emergencies. The maximumworking load of the hoisting line shall bebased on a minimum design factor ofthree for all operations. All hoistinglines in use shall be usually inspecteddaily in accordance with Subpart N ofthis Part, except no written records arerequired. The rope shall be removedfrom service if found to be damaged orworn.

(ix) All pins used to secure chains,lines, clevises, etc., shall be secured.

(2) Derricks, masts and guying. (i) Allderrick and mast platforms above the rigfloor shall be constructed, maintainedand secured to the structure to preventinadvertent movement and to withstandall loads which may be placed on them.

(ii) Except for the ladder opening, nounguarded openings large enough topermit a person to fall through shallexist between the beams or mainsupports of the crown block.

(iii) All derricks and masts shall havea permanently mounted plate on themwhich displays the manufacturer'sname; load rating including static-hookload capacity with number of lines; andthe recommended guying pattern whenguying is necessary. All derricks andmasts manufactured after January 1,1986, shall display the date ofmanufacture.

(iv) Tools, parts, and other loosematerial overhead shall be in the derrickor mast only if there is occasion for theirimmediate use. Means shall be taken toprevent their falling.

(v) Employees may not work on therigh floor while repair work is inprogress directly overhead in the derrickor mast unless their assistance isnecessary for accompli3hing theoverhead job.

(vi) If a derrick or mast is damaged tothe extent its safe use cannot beensured, it shall be removed fromservice until repaired, and the adequacyof the repair shall be certified as at leastequal to original specifications by aprofessional engineer, the manufacturer,or a repair facility whose capabilities toperform the repairs are certified by theemployer in writing.

(vii) If emergency conditions make itimpossible immediately to remove fromservice a derrick or mast that has beendamaged, the derrick or mast shall beused only to the extent necessary tocontrol the well, provided no employeesare allowed to work in the derrick ormast, and all exposed employees areinformed of the hazards that are presentand the steps to be taken to avoid them.

(viii) Masts that require use ofexternal guy lines to ensure stabilityshall have the external guy lines in placeimmediately following the raising andscoping of the mast.

(ix) The guying system for derricksand masts shall be erected inaccordance with the pattern displayedon the mounted plate called for in(e)(2)(iii) of this paragraph. If thispattern cannot be followed due to theterrain or other conditions, then a guyingpattern shall be used the provides thesame degree of stability againstoverturning of the mast of derrick.

(x) Guy lines and auxiliary devicesshall be inspected prior to each rig-up.and they shall be capable ofwithstanding all loads anticipated innormal service.

(xi) Tong back-up posts, kelly pull-back posts, tong back-up lines andsafety lines may not be secured to thederrick or mast girts or legs unless thegirts and legs are so constructed, andthe lines so attached, that the stressloads imposed will not result instructural damage to the derrick or mast.

(3) Derrick or mast ladders. (i) Allfixed ladders over 20 feet (8.1 m) inlength-nounted on a derrick or mastshall be equipped with a ladder safetydevice or other device which meets therequirements of Subpart D of this Part.

(ii) Those climbing assist systemswhich do not limit the maximum descentvelocity of the employee to 15 ft/sec(4.6m/sec) or to automatically arrest the

fall of an employee are not acceptableas a ladder safety device.

(iii) Where a climbing assist device isused along with an automatic coatroldescent device, such an arrangementshall be acceptable hs a ladder safety.device.

(iv) Climbing assist devices shall beadjusted to the weight of the user priorto use, but in no case shall thecounterweight exert an upward forcegreater than 90 percent of the user'sweight.

(v) Ah'en a climbing assist device isused, provision shall be made to preventthe counterweight from falling in case ofsheave or line breakage.

(4) Foundations and anchors. {i)Foundations shall be capable of safelydistributing the gross weight of thederrick or mast under maximumanticipated hook load as well as allother loads imposed during raising andlowering of the structure.

(ii) Foundation pads shall be gradedand adequately drained.

(iii) All installed ground anchors,permanent or temporary, shall meet thepull-out resistance requirements for theconditions of service.(iv) All permanent ground anchors

installed after July 1, 1986, shall bedesigned to resist the anticipated forcesfor the conditions of service, and be ableto resist the most severe wind loadsanticipated once each 100 years.

(v) Trees, rocks, or other naturallyoccuring items may not be used asanchors.

(vi) The anchor spacing used shall be .in accordance with the guying patternspecifications on the permanentlymounted plate on the derrick or mast, orin accordance with other arrangementthat ensures the stability of the rig.

(vii) The employer shall establish ananchor pull test program for allpermanent ground anchors to ensuretheir safe use. Pull test program resultsmade available to the employer may beused to meet this requirement.

(viii) Permanent anchors shall bevisually inspected by the user prior toeach use. If damage or deterioration isapparent on inspection, and is such thatsafe use is not assured, the employer orhis designee shall perform a pull test.

(ix) Boomers or load binders may notbe used after July 1, 1986, to fasten ortension guy lines or back stays.Exception: Boomers may continue to beused until July 1, 1987, providedequipment is available and used torelieve tension prior to release of theboomer.

(5) Drawworks. (i) The drum of thedrawworks shall be guarded or located

57225


to prevent employees from falling intothe drum or lines.

(ii) The shut-down switch or switchesfor drawworks shall be readilyidentifiable and easily accessible in theevent of an emergency.

(iii) Moving parts of the drawworksmachinery may not be lubricated oradjusted while in operation, unlesslubrication or adjustment can beaccomplished with certainity withouthazard to the employee.

(iv) A visual inspection of thedrawworks shall be made on a dailybasis to ensure all guards are in placeand wire rope is spooled correctly.

(v) The brakes and brake linkage shallbe visually inspected on a daily basisfor condition and operation. Any defectsdetected shall be corrected before use.

(vi) The operator in charge of thedrawworks shall secure the brake whenhe leaves the immediate area of thecontrol panel unless the drawworks isequipped with an automatic feedcontrol.

(6) Drill pipe, casing and tubing slipsand tongs. (i) The handles on slips usedfor drill pipe, casing and tubing shall beof sufficient length to avoid pinch pointsfor the hands.

(ii) All tongs shall be securelyattached to the derrick, mast or a back-up post in accordance with paragraph(e)(2)(xi) of this section, and anchoredby a wire rope line or equivalent devicehaving a minimum breaking strengthgreater than the breaking strength of thepulling line or chain.

(iii) tong safety lines (snub lines) shallbe short enough so that the tongs cannotrotate far enough to hit employeesworking on the side opposite the safetyline, and shall have a minimum breakingstrength greater than the force of themakeup or breakout torque.

(iv) All fittings and connections shallhave a minimum breaking strengthgreater than the force of makeup orbreakout torque. Knots may not be usedto fasten line, chain or wire rope.

(v) Power tong pressure systems shallbe equipped with a safety. relief valveand the operating pressure of the safetyrelief valve shall never be higher thanthe maximum working pressure forwhich the tong pressure system isdesigned.

(vi) When working on power tongheads, the pressure inside the systemshall be completely relieved beforestarting repair or other work.

(vii) Counterweights suspended abovethe rig floor shall be fully enclosed orfitted with safety lines or devices toprevent falling in the event of line orsheave" failure.

(7) Catheads, lines, ropes and chains.(i) There shall be adequate clearance or

working area to allow a person to passwithout being struck or wedged betweenthe outer flanges of a cathead and anystructure such as a guardrail or wall.

(ii) Each cathead on which a rope ismanually operated shall have a smoothsurface and be free of projections onwhich employees' clothing may becaught. Catheads shall have a ropeguide to hold the on-running rope inalignment with its normal runningposition against the inner flange.

(iii) A headache post or guard shall beprovided to deflect cathead lines awayfrom the driller's position. Whereheadache posts are of the rotating type,the top and bottom ends shall beguarded to restrain the post if the shaftfractures.

(iv) Each cathead using a chain shallbe equipped with a manually operatedcathead clutch or similar device to keepthe rotation of the cathead undercontrol. The clutch or device shall be ofthe fail-safe or "nongrab" type, andshall release automatically when notmanually held in the engaged position.

(v) All ropes, lines and chains in useshall have a minimum breaking strengthat least three times greater than theloads or stresses occurring in regularservice. They shall be maintained insafe working condition.

(vi) When a rope or line is in use on acathead, all other ropes, lines, or hosesshall be placed so that they cannotcontact the cathead or the rope or lineused on the cathead.

(vii) No rope or line shall be left incontact with the cathead when acathead is unattended.

(viii) The drawworks controls shall beattended at all times when a manuallyoperated cathead is in use.

(8) Traveling blocks, crown blocks,hooks and elevators. (i) The hookassembly shall be equipped with asafety latch or other device to preventaccidential release of the load to behoisted or lowered.

(ii) Traveling blocks shall be equippedwith securely attached sheave guards.

(iii) Effective January 1, 10,86, anupward travel limiting device shall beinstalled on every new derrick or masthoisting system. The upward travellimiting device shall disengage thepower to the hoisting drum and applythe brakes to prevent the travellingblocks from contacting the crown blockassembly.

(iv) Elevators shall be equipped with apositive latching and locking devicedesigned to prevent drill pipe or casingfrom being accidentally or prematurelydisengaged.

(v) Traveling blocks, crown blocksand related equipment may not be

subjected to any load in excess of itsrated design capacities.

(vi) Adequate clearance shall bemaintained between the travelling blockand any platform in the derrick or mastto prevent the travelling block fromhaving contact with the platform.

(vii) Crown block assemblies shall besecured in place. This applies togudgeon caps used to prevent thesheaves from jumping out of bearingsand falling to the rig floor. Wherebumper blocks are attached to theunderside of crown beams, a wire ropesafety line or other arrangement shall befastened along their full length andattached to the derrick at both ends ofthe bumper block.

(viii) Traveling blocks may not bemoved while the crown block is beinglubricated.

(ix) The hoisting line may not beremoved from the drum until thetraveling block is laid on the derrick ormast floor, or until the travelling block issuspended by a separate line or chain.

(x) The deadline anchor for thehoisting line shall be constructed,installed and maintained so that itspullout strength shall be equal to orgreater than the working strength of thehoisting line. The anchor shall be sodesigned that it will not weaken thehoisting line.

(xi) Elevators shall be visuallyinspected prior to a trip or pull.Elevators with worn or damaged hingepins or latches which may causemalfunction or failure, shall be removedfrom service and shall be repairedbefore use. Replacement hinge pins andlatches shall be of the same or greaterstrength as the originals.

(9) Weight indicators. (i) Everydrilling and well servicing rig in useshall be equipped with a weightindicator in operating condition.

(ii) The weight indicator shall bemounted so that the display can easilybe read by the operator standing at thebrake position.

(iii) When the weight indicator isinstalled at a position 6 feet (1.8 m) ormore above the rig floor, it shall besecured to the derrick or mast, and aseparate safety line or chain shall alsobe installed to prevent the indicatorfrom falling in case of failure of mastconnections.

(10) Blowout prevention equipment. (i)Blowout prevention equipment shall beprovided and used when well surfacepressures are encountered that presentthe hazards of a blowout; when suchwell surface pressures are anticipated tobe present at the well site; or whendrilling in an area where there is no


prior knowledge of the kinds of wellsurface pressures to be encountered.

(ii) All blowout preventers, chokelines, kill lines and manifold shall beinstalled above ground level exceptwhere rig structure makes subsurfaceinstallation necessary. Casing heads andoptional spools installed below groundlevel shall be readily accessible.

(iii) All pipe fittings, valves andunions placed on or connected to theblowout prevention systems shall havea working pressure capability thatexceeds the anticipated well surfacepressures.

(iv) The choke lines and kill lines shallbe anchored, tied or otherwise securedto prevent whipping resulting frompressure surges.

(v) All ram type blowout preventersand related equipment shall becompletely tested before being placed inservice. Annular type blowoutpreventers shall be tested prior to beingplaced in service in conformance withthe manufacturer's publishedinstructions or those of a professionalengineer.

(vi) Blowout prevention equipmentshall be visually inspected daily whilein service. A test which assures properoperation shall be performed at leastdaily on all the blowout preventionequipment except the blind rams. Theblind rams shall only be tested on eachround trip with the pipe out of the hole.

(vii) At least one person who istrained in blowout prevention and wellcontrol procedures shall be on the wellsite while employees are present.

(viii) All employees on the rig shall beable to operate the blowout preventersystem properly. New employees shallbe trained in the operation of theblowout preventer system.

(ix) Blowout prevention and relatedequipment shall be maintained inserviceable condition. When repairs orother work must be performed on theblowout prevention equipment, drillingand well servicing operations must stopuntil the blowout prevention equipmentis returned to service.

(x) The kelly cock or equivalent shallbe used for all drilling operations onnew drilling rigs after July 1, 1985. Akelly cock or equivalent shall beaccessible and shall be installedbetween the kelly and the swivel, orbetween the lower end of the kelly andthe topmost section of drill pipe, or both,on all wells where blowout preventionequipment is required. The kelly cock orequivalent shall be capable ofwithstanding the same well surfacepressures as the blowout preventers thatare used.

(xi) The kelly cock or equivalent shallbe maintained in a serviceable condition

and shall be tested concurrently withthe blowout preventers.

(xii) The wrench or other tool used toclose the kelly cock or equivalent shallbe kept in an accessible place, and itspurpose and use made known to allemployees who may be expected to useit.

(xiii) The kelly hose shall have asafety line attached at each terminalfitting to prevent the hose fromwhipping, thrashing or falling to the rigfloor.

(11) Kelly bushing and rotary table. (i)Rotary equipment, including the rotarytable and the kelly bushing, shall beguarded unless the construction andinstallation prevents the catching orsnagging of employees or their clothingor ropes, lines, hoses, chains and similarmaterials.

(ii) The rotary table may not be usedto break connections except underemergency conditions. When the rotarytable is used to break a connection, thetongs must be in place on the tool joint,all employees must stand outside of theswing line of the tongs and the snub line,and a stand of pipe shall be positionedhigh enough in the mousehole to catchthe tongs in case the tongs safety line(snub line) breaks. Tongs must beplaced so that the snub'line has no slackbefore the rotary is engaged.

(iii) The operator may not engage thepower to begin rotation until rotarytable is clear of all employees andunsecured materials.

(f) Additional requirements. (1) Wellservicing. (i) The well shall be checkedfor pressure prior to initiating wellservicing operations. If any pressure isfound in the well, the pressure shall besafely relieved or procedures shall beestablished to operate safely under thedetected pressure before commencingwell servicing operations.

(ii) When well servicing operationsare to be performed on a producing well,the pumping unit power shall be turnedoff and locked out, and the brake setbefore well servicing operations begin. Ifthe counterweights are not in the downposition when the pumping unit isstopped, the counterweights shall bepositively secured against movement.

(iii) Employees shall be out of thederrick or mast and cellar when thesubsurface pump is being unseated, orwhen an initial pull on tubing is made.

(iv) Precautions shall be taken uponcompletion of well servicing operations,to assure that all personnel andequipment are clear of the pumping unit,counterweights and related equipmentbefore the pumping unit is actuated.

(2) Cementing. (i) Pump dischargelines shall be tested to a pressure noless than 1,000 psi (6.9 X 106 n/m2) over

the maximum anticipated cementingpressure prior to commencing anycementing operation.

(ii) All valves in the discharge linesshall be open before allowing pumpingoperations to begin.

(iii) Pump operators or their designeesshall remain at their operating positionwhile the pump is in operation.

(iv) Cementing pressure may notexceed the manufacturer's maximumsafe working pressure of the equipment.

(v) The lead-off connection to thecementing head shall be secured with asafety chain or other device to preventthe lead-off connection and dischargeline from falling. The sections of highpressure line from pump to well shall besecured together in case a connectionbreaks.

(vi) The valve and any sections ofcementing line left after completion ofcementing operations shall be secured toprevent whipping when pressure is bledoff.

(3) Wireline services. (i) Placementand handling of wireline services untis.(a) Land based mobile service unitsshall be chocked and/or spaded. Ifchocked, a minimum of two (2) chocksshall be used, one behind each rearwheel toward the wellhead.

(b) Portable or skid mounted wirelineservice units shall be secured to preventany unwanted movement of the unitwhen a load is taken on the lines.

(c) A wireline service unit shall belocated in such a manner that itminimizes interference with theentrance or exit of employees from thatunit or other service units.

(d) When handling a wireline whichcould recoil when released, the looseend shall be secured.

(ii) Gin poles (telescoping and singlepost). If a gin pole is used, it shall beattached to the wellhead or christmastree to prevent movement when the loadis being handled. Devices used to attachthe ginpole to the wellhead or christmastree shall be of such size and strength tosupport the anticipated load to behandled.

(iii) Rope falls (block and tacAle). (a)Blocks and nonmetallic rope shall be ofsuch size and strength to support theanticipated load to be handled with a -safety factor of three (3).

(b) Splices through the length of therope may not be used except where thedead end is tied off.

(c) Rope which has been cut, frayed orin any way weakened may not be used.

(d) Damaged or worn blocks may notbe used.

(e) Pins used in makeup of sheavewheels shall be secured to avoiddisplacement.

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(iv) Swabbing, performing, and otherwireline operations. (a) All swab lines,blowdown lines or flow lines to pits ortanks shall be securely anchored toprevent whipping and thrashing.Whenever hydrocarbons or othervolatile fluids may be expected, theselines shall extend a minimum distanceof 75 feet (22.9 m) from the well andaway from any source of ignition. If thisis not feasible, detection equipment for.flammable atmospheres or proceduresusing manual detection methods shall beimplemented to warn employees ofhazardous conditions.

(b) There shall be a lubricator or someother means of controlling well pressurein use on wells where there is apossibility of flow, that will allow theremoval of the swab or other toolswithout turning the well loose to theatmosphere.

(c) While swabbing operations arebeing conducted, all engines, motors,and any other potential source ofignition not essential to the operationshall be shut down.

(d) Swabbing operations shall berestricted to daylight hours whenpracticable where flammable gases orliquids may be present in the well orwill flow into the well. If it is necessaryto conduct swabbing operations underartificial light, then light levels shall besufficient for employees to conduct thetest safely.

(e) The swab line shall be packed offat the surface when swabbing so thatfluids are routed through a closed flowsystem to control flammable emissionsto the maximum extent possible.

(f) No employee shall be permitted inthe derrick or in the immediateproximity of the wellhead during thetime the swab line or other wireline isbeing run in the hole.

(g) All oil savers shall be of the typethat do not require an employee orperson to be near the lubricator orwellhead to control the oil saver.

(h) Radio transmitters or receiversmay not be operated where perforatingoperations are in progress, and warningsigns warning against the use of radioequipment shall be posted. Such signsshall be conspicuously placed atentrances to the worksite, and at least200 feet (61 m) from the perforatingoperation. Signs shall conform to§ 1910.145 of this Part.

(i) Devices containing explosives and/or radioactive material, such asperforating guns, logging tools, etc., shallbe handled only by qualified employees.

U1) The work area shall be inspectedupon completion of perforatingoperations, and all explosive materialand scraps shall be placed in a

container designed for this use andremoved from the site.

(A) Electrical grounding and bondingbetween the wellhead, service units, andrig structure shall be made prior tooperating tools using explosives.

(4) Stripping and snubbing. (i) Anemergency escape system shall beprovided and available for eachemployee working atop hydraulicsnubbing equipment.

(ii) The snubbing tower shall be guyedor otherwise supported prior tocommencing snubbing operations toprevent it from collapse or turnover.

(iii) Flow lines or bleed-off lines shallbe located away from areas frequentedby employees such as doghouses, toolboxes etc., or where it is not feasible toso locate these lines, they shall besecured to prevent whipping around ifthese lines should rupture.

(iv) Two-way communications shallbe provided between the snubbingoperator and the pump operator. Thismay be accomplished by hand signals,voice communication of other equallyeffective means.

(v) Well surface pressure shall bemonitored at all time during strippingand snubbing operations. '

(vi) All employees involved in thestripping or snubbing operations shall beinformed of the maximum workingpressure limit of the equipment. Theemployer shall provide blow down lineswith remote control valves to relievepressure from the wellhead equipmentwhere the working pressure may exceedthe established maximum limit of theequipment.

(vii) Gasoline engines may not beused on snubbing operations. Otherpossible sources of ignition shall belocated at least 100 feet (30.5 m) fromthe wellbore during snubbingoperations.

(5) Drill stem testing. (i) A fillup lineshall be installed exclusively to keep thecasing full of drilling fluid. The kill lineshall be installed exclusively to providecomplete well control. The kill line shallbe separate from the fillup line.

(ii) Every test plug used above the rigfloor shall be secured by a safety line orchain.

(iii) A reversing valve shall beincorporated in the test tool assemblyfor test assemplies used after July 1,1986.

(iv) The swivel and kelly hose maynot be used as any part of the test line.

(v) A safety valve of proper size andthread configuration to fit the test stringshall be readily available on the rig floorfor emergency use.

(vi) Blowout preventers, kill line andfillup line shall be inspected inaccordance with § 1910.270(e)(10) to

assure that each is in proper workingcondition before drill stem test tools arestarted in the hole. The blowoutpreventer shall be tested immediatelybefore a drill stem test.

(vii) The mud box shall be hooked upand ready for use before the drill stemtest tool is pulled out of the hole.

(viii) A mud can and test plug shall beused on every joint of pipe disconnectedwhen oil and/or gas if found during adrill stem test unless the drill stem oiland gas contents have been pumped outand replaced with drilling fluid.

(ix) Drill stem testing shall be doneduring daylight hours wheneverpractical. If it is necessary to workunder artificial light, levels shall besufficient to allow employees to conductthe test safely.

(x) All ignition sources (includingartificial lighting) within 100 feet (30.5m) of the wellbore shall be controlled toprevent ignition of any gas or liquidvapors that may be released during thetesting effort.

(xi) A person with training in thehazards of these tests and their controlshall remain at the rig and shallcontinually supervise the operationduring drill stem testing and the removalof pipe after a drill stem test.

(xii) A test line shall be laid to areserve pit or test tank and shall beeffectively anchored. The test lineconnection to the control head shall besecured.

(6) Acidizing, fracturing and hot oiloperations. (i) All lines connected fromthe pumping equipment to the christmastree or wellbore shall have a checkvalve installed as close to the wellheadas possible. A check valve shall beplaced in each discharge line when amultipump manifold is used, as near themanifold asr possible.

(ii) An inspection shall be madebefore pumping operations begin toensure that all valves in the dischargelines are open and discharge lineconnections are in proper position.

(iii) All blending equipment shall beelectrically grounded, and all equipmentunloading sand or other proppants into ahopper shall be bonded to the blendingequipment.

(iv) If charged hoses develop a leakwhile flammable or combustible liquidsare being pumped through them, theyshall be covered to prevent the liquidfrom spraying into the air. All leakinghoses shall be removed from service assoon as practicable.

(v) A pre-treatment pressure test onpump discharge lines shall be made at apressure at least equal to the maximumexpected treating pressure, plus 1,000psi.

Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 250 / Wednesday, December i8, 1983 / Proposed Rules

(vi) All ignition sources shall becontrolled while pumping flammable orcombustible liquids, to prevent ignitionof any flammable vapors that may bereleased.

(vii) All spilled oil or acid shall bedisposed promptly by persons wearingrubberized protective clothing or otherclothing with equivalent resistance to oiland/or acid penetration.

(7) Freezing, valve drilling and pipetapping operations. (i) Pipe tapping andother similar operations shall beperformed during daylight hourswhenever practicable. If it is necessaryto use artificial light, levels shall besufficient for employees to perform theirwork safely.

(ii) The test pressure of all equipmentwhich may be pressurized and used invalve drilling and pipe tappingoperations shall be at least twice theknown maximum pressure of the well onwhich the work is being performed.

(iii) After equipment has been riggedup to perform valve drilling or pipetapping, the equipment shall be pressuretested for a minimum of three (3)minutes to at least one and one-half(1- ) times the expected maximumpressure but not to exceed the ratedworking pressure of either theequipment being tapped or the tappingequipment. A reduction in test pressureshall be made to prevent the possibilityof pipe collapse provided that expectedpressure does not exceed working limitsof the equipment. Any leaks that arefound shall be controlled before startingvalve drilling or pipe tapping operations.

(iv) Pressure inside the lubricatorduring the valve drilling and pipetapping operations shall equal as nearas possible the pressure inside theequipment being penetrated.

(v) Frozen plugs shall be pressuretested for at least five minutes fromabove the plug to a pressure greaterthan the known wellhead pressure.After the pressure test, all pressureabove the plug shall be bled off the pipeand period of at least 15 minutes shallbe observed before breaking out thepipe and installing a new valve.

(vi) Frozen plugs may not be thawedusing steam or hot water.

(8) Fishing. The employer shall reviewthe history of the well and any availablegeological information (includingprediction of high pressure gas and/orhydrogen sulfide) before initiatingrecovery of fish from a wellbore. Stepsshall be taken to control flows if there isany record which indicates that the wellmay contain high pressure or may flowas a result of the swabbing coincidentalto the fish recovery.

(9) Gas, air or mist drilling. (i) Allcompressors used after July 1, 1985, shall

be equipped with pressure relief valves,discharge temperature and pressuregauges and engine shut-off valves.

(ii) The discharge line form eachcompressor shall be equipped with acheck valve and a block valve after July1, 1985.

(iii) After July 1, 1985, a rotatingblowout preventer or pipe-wiper-typedust deflector shall be used on theblowout preventer assembly on thosewells with well surface pressures lessthan 500 psi (3.5 x 106 n/M2). Wells withsurface pressures of 500 psi (3.5 x 106 n/M2 ) or higher shall use a rotatingblowout preventer on the blowoutpreventer assembly. The rotating headshall be equipped with an automaticlubricator, or a lubrication procedureand schedule shall be implemented tokeep the rotating head properlylubricated.

(iv) The blooey and bleed-off linesshall be located and securely anchoredfrom the rig so as not to endanger theemployees. The blooey line shall be thesame diameter or larger than therotating head outlet.

(v) After July 1, 1985, there shall betwo valves installed in the standpipe;one readily accessible on the rig floor,and the other at ground level below therig floor, with which to control the gas,air or mist supply to the borehole.

(vi) After July 1, 1985, in gas drillingoperations, a shut-off valve shall beinstalled on the main feeder line remotefrom the wellbore.

(vii) Natural gas fuel lines shall have amaster valve located on the main fuelline upstream and away from anycompressor.

(viii) A complete operable system forkilling the well with drilling fluid shallbe readily available before drilling isstarted.

(ix) Kill switcher shall be provided forthe drilling engines and shall beaccessible, mounted on or near thedriller's console for immediate use.

(x) Employees involved in.gas, air ormist drilling operations shall beinformed about the proper workingprocedures for the gas, air or mist supplyand circulating system and how to usethe emergency shut-off valves.

(xi) The stripper rubber in thecirculating head shall be inspected atleast once each tour. When leaks aredetected they shall be promptlyrepaired.

(xii) An effective pilot light or othercontinuous ignition device shall be keptburning at the end of the flow line at alltimes during the drilling operation,except when making trips. An effectivemeans of reignition shall be available inevent of failure of pilot light or ignitiondevice.

(xiii) The standpipe valve shall beclosed when making a connection andthe bleed-off line opened beforebreaking out the tool joint.

(xiv) Upon returning to the bottom ofthe hole at the conclusion of a trip in gasdrilling operations, all air shall bepurged out of the circulating systembefore lighting the flai'e.

(xv) Ignition sources in the areaaround the wellbore shall be controlledto prevent ignition of flammable gas orvapor that may be present.

(xvi) Valves on choke lines or relieflines below blind rams shall be openedto bleed off any pressure that may haveaccumulated before opening the blindrams.

Note.-The following appendices to§ 1910.270 serve as non-mandatory guidelinesto assist employers and employees incomplying with the requirements of thissection in Subpart R, as well as to provideother helpful information.

Appendix A to § 1910.270

Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing1. Medical and first aid. The training

programs provided by the American RedCross or the American Petroleum Institute,which provide certification upon successfulcompletiuon, are examples of acceptable firstaid and rescue training.

At well sites where employees of morethan one employer are present at the sametime, it is not necessary that each employerassure that at least one person (with acurrent first aid certification) remain on thesite. Instead, it is suggested that theemployers make arrangements with eachother to ensure that this requirement is met.For example, if three employers are workingon the same site at the same time, only one ofthe three employers need designate a personto meet the first aid requirement.

A contingency plan needs to be developedand implemented for each rig to be used inthe event of a medical emergency. This planshould be based on consultation betweenemployers and local providers of medical andemergency services to determine the mostefficient means of contacting sources ofassistance in case help is needed to providetransportation or medical care for injuredemployees. The contingency plan needs toaddress specifically what arrangements havebeen made for communications with thesource of medical assistance and fortransportation of injured employees.

An operational two-way radio or atelephone located at the well site areexamples of acceptable arrangements forcommunications. If these are not feasible,OSHA suggests that an alternate instrumentof communication be located close to the wellsite. If the choice is to use locally-providedpay telephones, then the employer mustascertain that the new telephone is inworking condition.

OSHA is not requring the employer to havean ambulance on site during operations.OSHA does intend that preplanned

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arrangements via the contingency plan bemade for the transportaton of injuredpersonnel requiring more than first aidtreatement. These requirements can be met inseveral ways. The employer can choose tomake arrangements with local providers ofemergency services to supply a vehicle, suchas an ambulance or helicopter, which meetsthe stated requirements on an "as needed"basis. If local emergency care is not availableor suitable, then another acceptable optionwould be for the employer to supply and/ordesignate an appropriate vehicle, such as apickup truck with an enclosed rearcompartment (a camper shell covering thebed) or a suitable station wagon, as thetransport vehicle. If this option is used thenthe vehicle must meet the other requirementsof this paragraph, and the employer wouldneed to designate the appropriate people tooperate the vehicle and render assistance.

Due to the high mobility of a rig involved inservicing and special services operations,OSHA does not require a specificcontingency for each well site, but rather anoutline of the procedure to be followed underthe plan, no matter where the rig is operating.In the event a rig is moved to an area wheresome of the details of the contingency planbecome invalid, the plan must be modified toreflect the circumstances at the new location.The main components of the plan in mostcases will still be valid, but other details suchas telephone number or radio call signs mayhave to be changed.

2. Emergency planning. The emergencyaction must address emergency situationswhich the employer may reasonably expectat the well site. Issues which need to bediscussed in the emergency action planinclude emergency escape procedures andescape routes; procedures to be followed byemployees who remain or return to the site;accounting for employees after evaluationassignment of rescue, medical, and othernecessary duties; reporting emergencies; andwho to contact for more information or anexplanation of the plan. Additionally, theemployer must designate in the emergencyaction plan the type of evacuation (total orpartial) to be used in each type of emergencythat is being considered.

Special attention should be given to theprocedures to be followed by employeesremaining in or returning to the danger zone.In this section of the emergency action plan,the employer needs to specify such things aswhat is to be accomplished before theemployee evacuates the area, and how longthe employee can remain in the danger zone.Additionally, if employees return to the area,the plan must specify what types of personalprotective equipment are to be used,communications requirement (e.g., check inevery 10 minumte) or if employes are to workalone or in pairs, etc.

Details of this plan need not be elaborateor complicated. For example, evacuationinstructions for a derrickman during ablowout could be as simple as "use theemergency escape (geronimo, slide, etc.) toget out of the derrick. Once on the ground,move at least 100 feet up wind and remainthere until further instructions are received."

Alarm systems which meet the provisionsfor employee alarm systems detailed in

§ 1910.165 are acceptable for use on drillingand servicing rigs.

As with the medical contingency plan, theemployer has the option of providing awritten plan available on site or ofdeveloping a plan, training employees in allaspects of the plan and certifying that thedevelopment and training required has beendone.

The employer needs to review the planwith each employee upon initial assignment,when the plan is initially implemented,whenever the employee's responsibilities ordesignated actions change, and whenever theplan is changed. The contingency plan, whichis for medical assistance, may be made partof the emergency action plan if desired.

OSHA recommends the use of writtenplans which are available at the worksite.The Agency believes these will be morebeneficial to employee safety for severalreasons. Due to the highly transient nature ofthe workforce in this industry, a written plan,available at the worksite would immediatelyenable even newly hired employees to getaccurate information concerning these plans.The same would apply to contract employeesworking on the site. Further, each shift or tourwould get the same information and have theplan available for reference should a questionor problem arise. Additionally, this wouldallow for easier implementations of anychanges in the plans. Finally, in emergencysituations it may be more advantageous tohave a written plan available to use as aguide than to attempt to implement a planfrom memory.

3. Employee training and education. OSHAis not requiring the employer to provideformal classroom instruction for rigemployees. Informal presentations by aknowledgeable person outlining hazardswhich can be encountered by the employeeare considered to be acceptable. OSHArecommends that new employees be given athorough overview of hazard recognition as itapplies to the whole rig and the entire crew.This has the potential of bringing aboutdetection and correction of hazardousconditions before an accident can occur.

It is OSHA's intent that the employees fullyunderstand the training they receive. Anemployer whose workforce has non-Englishspeaking employees will need to provideeffective training for these employees in theirown language.

The initial training an employee receivesmust not be the only training the employeereceives. OSHA's intent is that training is tobe conducted often enough to enable theemployees to perform their jobs or duties in asafe manner. A series of informalpresentations such as "tailgate sessions"delivered on a regular basis to review theprinciples of hazard recognition andavoidance are acceptable as meeting theretraining requirements of this section. Inthese types of presentations, the employermight want to initiate a discussion of recent"near misses" or "close calls" or incidentsthat happened at other sites. Using theseincidents as examples, the discussion leadercan talk about the causes and what couldhave been done to prevent the incidents.

Employee training in the proper use,inspection and care of personal protective

equipment is essential. This training alsoneeds to emphasize that the personalprotective equipment is necessary because ofthe hazards which are present, and shouldspecify the possible consequences of notusing or improperly using the equipment.Types of personal protective equipment thatmay require training include respirators,hearing protectors (muffs and plugs), eye andface protection, head protection, footprotection and safety belts and bodyharnesses. This training must emphasize thatpersonal protective equipment includingrespirators must be cleaned after each useand properly stored to preventcontamination.

As stated earlier, OSHA is not requiringformal classroom training for employees, butthis does not limit employers from using thismethod of training. Acceptable trainingmaterials designed for use in a classroomsetting are available from several sources,including the University of Texas at Austin,the American Petroleum Institute, and theInternational Association of DrillingContractors. Additionally, some sources suchas Louisiana State University maintain theirown training facilities and offer coursesdirectly related to this industry.

Throughout this standard, OSHAemphasizes specific subjects which need tobe addressed through training. Forconvenience, these are listed and include: theapplication and use of lockout and tagoutprocedures; medical contingency planprocedures; hazards related to proceduralchanges in rig-up operations; safe handlingprocedures and personal protectiveprocedures for use with hazardous materials;emergency escape procedures and emergencyaction plans; confined space entry and rescueprocedures; operation of the blowoutprevention system; and well controlprocedures.

4. Over water operations. Rigs meeting therequirements of the U.S. Coast Guard for overwater operations are considered to be incompliance with the provisions of thisstandard.

Depending on the location and height of theplatform above the water, and the depth ofthe water in the area of the rig, being able tojump safely from two different locations onthe platform could meet this requirement. Forexample, a 15 foot jump in 25 feet of waterwould be acceptable.

The employer needs to supply a sufficientnumber of lifefloats to accommodate allpersons aboard the rig at any given time. Lifevests are not considered lifefloats.

It is suggested that at least one extralifefloat be available on each continuouslymanned platform in case one of the primarylifefloats is damaged or cannot be launched.

U.S. Coast Guard approved lifefloats areequipped with painters (bow lines), waterlights and paddles in addition to otherrequired equipment.

OSHA recommends that extra personalflotation devices be available on rigsperforming operations over water in case anemergency situation precludes employeesfrom reaching their assigied flotationdevices. These extra flotation devices shouldbe located in conspicuous storage areas


which are readily accessible from "common"areas such as dining halls, recreation areas,regular work stations, etc.

OSHA recommends that more than onerescue flotation device be placed on eachside cf the rig to speed up any rescuerequired and/or to allow for multiple rescuesif needed.

A standby vessel equipped with a radioand capable of rendering immediate rescueassistance should be in attendance near off-shore installations while the installation ismanned.

Training for crews of over water rigs Is toinclude proper water entry procedures. Thisdiscussion should cover the correct way toput on personal flotation devices and properprocedures for launching lifefloats. OSHArecommends extensive hands-on training inthese areas.

OSHA recommends additional fire fightingequipment be placed on all over water rigs.These facilities are usually isolated fromcustomary response units, and equipment inexcess of the requirements of this standardmay be necessary to contain large fires.

5. Housekeeping. Each employer needs toestablish a housekeeping program designedto eliminate tripping and slipping hazards.This program must provide for removal andstorage of loose materials found in workareas, the doghouse, change rooms, and onstairs and ramps. This program must alsoensure the prompt cleanup of leaks or spillswhich pose slipping or fire hazards. Theprogram also needs to establish a schedulefor the entire drill floor to be washed andhosed down to temove any residue left fromspot cleanups. Flammable liquids, those witha flashpoint less than 100" F (such asgasoline, acetone, etc.), are not to be used forcleaning purposes.

OSHA recommends that non-slip floorcovering be used on rig floors. Additionally,the employer needs to make sure thatelevated work platforms, such as tubingboards, stabbing boards, etc., are designed,equipped, and/or maintained so as to providegood footing for employees required to workon these platforms. Slipping hazards are amajor concern, and the employer might wantto consider using metal grating or metalfloors which are corrugated, knurled,dimpled, or coated with skid-resistantmaterial, in these areas to eliminate thepossibility of slipping.

6. Illumination. The illuminationrequirements of this standard represent theminimum acceptable level of rig lighting.OSHA recommends higher levels ofillumination to minimize shadows anddarkened areas at work stations and otherareas on the rig. Since wiring and lightingfixtures are usually present, providingadditional illumination would enhanceproductivity and would provide saferconditions.

All lighting on rigs needs to be of the typeapproved for use in accordance with theNational Electrical Code and Subpart S ofPart 1910.

7. Raising or lowering derrick or most andrig-up operations. Employers need to preplanthe layout of equipment and outbuildings atthe well site. Not only will this preplanningidentify potentially hazardous conditions, but

it will facilitate meeting the spacingrequirements of other parts of this standard,help to minimize materials handlingproblems, and allow control of vehiclemovement patterns. For example, the fireprevention and protection section of thisstandard specifies spacing requirements forcertain pieces of equipment and for storage offlammable liquids. The same section alsorestricts motor vehicle access within 100 feetof the wellhead.

Proper preplanning will identify theserequirements, and the layout of the site canbe made to conform to the standard for lesscost. In some circumstances, the preplanningwill show that it is not feasible to meet thedistance requirements of the standard due toterrain or other restrictions. In these cases,the employer is alerted to the fact that othermeans, as permitted by the standard, willhave to be used to ensure the safety of theworkers. Acceptable options for theserequirements are discussed later in theappendix.

The employer must require that allemployees who are near or involved in theraising and lowering operations wear hardhats. This precaution is necessary in casesecured materials come loose or anunsecured tool or other object wasinadvertently left in the derrick or mast.

Manufacturers' specifications should beconsulted when establishing rig-upprocedures to ensure that the employers'procedures are sufficient to allow rigging upin a safe manner.

8. Emergency escape. OSHA does notspecify any particular means of emergencyescape from either the derrickman's workplatform or the stabbing board. Theserequirements can be met in a number of waysincluding a "geronimo line," a slide, acontrolled descent device, a slide sock or anyother arrangement which will quickly carrythe crew member away from the well holeand the rig. It is OSHA's intent thatemployees required to use the emergencyescape device be thoroughly familiar with itand its proper use, and be required topractice with the device on a regular basis.

The employer needs to make sure the pathof the emergency escape device does notendanger the user by crossing vehicle trafficpaths, or by coming too close to power lines,fences, pipe racks, or other machinery andequipment. This is another example of howpreplanning can prevent hazards.

The automatic velocity limiting device usedfor emergency escape may permit speedsfaster than 15 feed per second at take off andduring descent to permit as rapid asevacuation as possible, but the device mustslow the user to 15 feet per second or less atthe time of landing. This speed is equal toabout 10 mph, and OSHA believes landingsat this speed or slower can be accomplishedsafely. Landings at speeds in excess of thisrequirement could cause the crew member tobe injured and thus prevent escape.

9. Fire prevention and protection. Therequirements of this standard for fireextinguishers with a minimum rating of 40B:C can be met in several ways. For example,a typical 20 pound ABC dry chemical fireextinguisher with a charge of ammoniumphosphate will not only meet the requirement

for a 40 B:C rated fire extinguisher, but mayalso meet the additional proposedrequirements to have at least oneextinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A.Additionally, a typical 10 pound B:C drychemical fire extinguisher with a charge ofpotassium bicarbonate, or a typical 20 poundcharge of sodium bicarbonate, will usuallymeet the requirements for the minimum 40B:C rating.

It is OSHA's intent that all fireextinguishers required by this standard beinstalled, maintained, tested, recharged, etc.,in accordance with Subpart L of this Part.These operations may be performed by acontractor or by qualified employees of therig owner.

The equivalent safety and protectivemeasures required when portable light plantsare located with 100 feet of the well shouldinclude, but are not limited to, locating thelight plant upwind from the wellhead orhidden behind hills, and the use of sparkarrestors on the exhaust pipe of thegenerator's power unit.

The equivalent safety measures requiredwhen storage of flammable liquids are within50 feet of the wellbore should include, but arenot limited to, storing the flammable liquidsbehind a nearby hill, storage in a cool placeto minimize vapor production, and locatingstorage areas according to prevailing windpatterns.

10. Handling drilling fluids and chemicals.Depending on the contents and physical stateof the drilling fluid materials and/or drillingfluids additives to be handled, the employeemay be required to wear a respirator inaddition to other personal protectiveequipment. For example, additives used tocontrol the pH of the mud may includecalcium oxide (lime) and sodium hydroxide(caustic soda). Both of these chemicals arebody tissue irritants due to their alkalinity.Dermatitis can result from repeated skincontact, and pulmonary irritation may resultfrom inhalation of dust or mist. These typesof chemicals would require the use ofappropriate respiratory protection in additionto other personal protective equipmentincluding clothing.

The area with the greatest potential forexposure to toxic substances is around themud mixing hopper. In this area, bags orcontainers of mud ingredients or additivesare opened and dumped into the fluid. Thisprocess can lead to high levels of airbornedust or liquid spills. If toxic substances arepresent in the materials, this could present apotential exposure situation.

Personal protective equipment which needsto be used when handling drilling fluids andchemicals can include, but is not limited to,gloves, aprons, safety goggles, chemicalresistant boots and respirators.

It is OSHA's intent that the eye washequipment needed in work areas where acidis used be self-contained and portable. Thiswould allow the units to be transferred fromone rig to another as job requirementsdictate. OSHA believes these units are anecessary precaution when the work involvesthe use of acids. Acid splashed in the eyescould easily result in total loss of sight. Thebest treatment for this type of accident is

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immediate and continuous irrigation of theeyes with potable water, saline solution or aspecially prepared eyewash permitted by aphysician. It is essential that this treatmentbe started immediately and that the flushingcontinue for some time to insure that the acidis completely washed away. After this iscompleted, the victim should receive expertmedical assistance promptly.

Other ingredients used in drilling fluid canalso pose a hazard to the eyes. The problemscaused by these ingredients vary, but areusually not as severe as those posed by theuse of acids. Because of this, OSHA feels thatthree one-quart bottles of an approvedeyewash solution will be sufficient initially tocounteract any anticipated problems whichcould be caused by eye contact with theseingredients. The affected employee shouldthen proceed to a source of potable waterand continue to flush the eyes for at least 15minutes before being taken to receive expertmedical attention.

Additional information on emergencyeyewash equipment is available in ANSI Z-358.1-1981.

OSHA also strongly recommends that #regular washing facility be available to allowemployees to remove any contaminantswhich may have contacted exposed areas ofthe skin.

11. Handling and racking pipe and drillcollars. Securing pipe means that the pipe isretained or controlled in such a manner toprevent inadvertent or unwanted movement.For example, a length of pipe temporarilystored in the vee-door and tied off to therailing is considered secured. An acceptablemeans for securing the pipe on the rack iswhere pins are used to prevent unintentionalrolling of pipe.

12. Riding hoisting equipment. Emergencyconditions are those conditions which are lifethreatening or potentially life threatening,and which necessitate riding hoistingequipment as a means of escape, access orrescue.

Full body harness means a design of strapswhich can be secured about the user in amanner to distribute the arresting forces overat least the thighs, shoulders, and waist orchest. These harnesses also have provisionsfor attaching a lanyard or deceleration deviceor both. OSHA is requiring full bodyharnesses instead of body belts becausethese harnesses distribute arresting forces tothe entire body through the skeletal structureand, therefore, are less likely to cause injurywhen compared to a body or safety beltunder the same fall conditions.

A one-half (f%) inch nylon rope inserviceable condition is acceptable for use asa lanyard, but manila rope regardless ofdiameter is not permitted.

Under conditions where riding hoistingequipment is permitted, OSHA is requiringthe equipment to be powered up andpowered down. It is OSHA's intent to curtailthe practice of letting the equipment drop(free wheeling) and using the brake to controlthe descent. OSHA believes this is adangerous practice. This practice putsexcessive strains on the braking system,which increases the chances of a brakefailure. Brake failure under these conditionscould result in death or serious injury to the

employee riding the hoisting equipment.When the operator "powers down." theequipment is under full control of theoperator using the mechanical movingsystem, and reliance is not placed solely onthe brake. The brake can then serve as anemergency backup system.

OSHA also requires an emergency stopdevice to be used when employees arepermitted to ride hoisting equipment.

Finally, OSHA prohibits employees fromriding equipment when the equipment iscarrying a load. For example, an employeemay not ride hoisting equipment to reach themonkeyboard while that equipment is beingused to pull rods or tubing.

13. Hyd'ogen sulfide procedures. It isOSHA's recommendation that the hydrogensulfide monitoring be accomplished primarilyby the use of an automatic environmentalmonitoring system. Detector tubes andbadges should be used to supplement theautomatic system by providing concentrationdata for areas not monitored by the system. Itis not OSHA's intent to limit the use of anynew technology which can be used to meetthe monitoring requirements as long as thenew technology will provide the same orgreater protection for-the worker.

Hydrogen sulfide monitoring is required foroperations in areas where there is knownpotential for exposure to this gas, where thereis no information or inconclusive informationas to the presence of hydrogen sulfide.

The escape-type self-contained breathingapparatus required by OSHA is a compact,lightweight, NIOSH approved device whichhas at least a five minute supply of air. Theseunits can be carried on the pants belt or on astrap over the shoulder. Activation of theseunits is usually accomplished by either bitinginto the mouthpiece or by pulling a hood overthe head. These units are strictly escape unitsand are designed to be put on quickly andactivated while on the run.

The alarm system used to alert employeesof a hydrogen sulfide breakout orconcentrations above a predetermined levelmust have an audible signal or other meanswhich will promptly alert employees to thehazardous conditions.

The manual monitoring required when theautomatic system is out of service caninclude, but is not limited to, the use ofdetector tubes or the use of badges treatedwith lead acetate which change colors whenexposed to hydrogen sulfide above 5 ppm.The major drawback of these badges is thatthey give no indication of exact concentrationwhen it is above 5 ppm. By the time acondition is noticed, it could be fatal.

Practices which OSHA suggests to controlor limit hydrogen sulfide exposure includes.

-automatic igniters on flare from thedegasser, chock manifold and mud-gasseparator to burn off hydrogen sulfide.

-all internal combustion engines in knownor suspected hydrogen sulfide areasshould be fitted with spark arrestors tolessen the chances of the engine actingas a source of ignition in the event ofblowout.

-drilling mud should be checked on aregular, predetermined basis to assurethat it is of the right constituents and pHto counteract hydrogen sulfide.

-hydrogen sulfide neutralizer can beadded to the drilling mud to prevent thegas from reaching the surface. Theseneutralizers make the mud more alkalineor basic which reacts with acidichydrogen sulfide and causes thehydrogen sulfide to become a harmlesssalt.

-installation of hydrogen sulfidemonitoring systems on all rigs workingwithin 1000 feet of known or suspectedhydrogen sulfide zones.

14. Confined space entry. Although thescope of this problem is small because entryinto confined spaces is normally notpermitted by the employer in this industry,the consequences which result fromemployee entry without using properequipment and/or procedures are frequentlycatastrophic. Therefore, the employer needsto make sure that entry is addressed in theregular safety training program and to takecertain actions to protect those employeeswho may be expected to work in thesespaces. First, the employer needs to limitaccess to confined spaces and to postwarning signs. The employer also needs toestablish entry procedures to be used byemployees if the employer is going to requirethem to work in confined spaces. Theseprovisions need to include requirements forevaluating the environment before entry, andfor periodic evaluation during the timeemployees are in the confined space. Otherissues which need to be addressed in theseprocedures include what instruments are tobe used to evaluate the confined spaceenvironment; how often to sample; and whatsteps are to be taken to reduce any hazardsdetected. The employer also needs to addressrescue procedures for confined spaces. Themost appropriate place to do this is in theemergency action plan required by thisstandard.

When toxic chemicals cannot becompletely purged from a confined space,OSHA is requiring that their concentrationsbe reduced to, and maintained at, a safe levelwhile employees are working in the confinedspace. The definition of "safe level" willdepend on the contaminant involved and thespecific exposure situation. Generallyspeaking, a safe level will be one which isbelow the IDLH level and will permitexposure for the time required to completethe work to be done. For example, consider achemical that has permissible exposure limitof 200 parts per million, 8-hours timeweighted average, with no ceiling value, andan IDLH level of 5,000 parts per million. Anexposure to a concentration of 500 parts permillion for five minutes would be safe.

A short term exposure to contaminants atconcentrations at or below the published 8-hour time weighted average permissibleexposure limits is considered safe.

The employer can determine if an exposurelevel is safe in several ways. The employermay choose to conduct with a consulting firmon an as needed basis to make thisdetermination. Secondly, if the employer islocated in a state(s) which provides a safetyand health consultation service, the employermay choose to use that service. Finally, theemployer may choose to mske the


determination. To make this determination,the employer needs to consider severalfactors including the time necessary tocomplete the required work (exposure time);the characteristics of the contaminant(toxicity); and the exposure situation(characteristics of the confined space). Theemployer also needs to consult variouspublished sources of permissible exposurelevels, or recommended ceiling levels.Several of these sources are listed inAppendix C of this proposal.

Finally, the employer needs to providetraining for employees required to enterconfined spaces. This training needs toaddress the procedures required for confinedspace entry; evaluating the environment,including proper operation of samplinginstruments; steps to reduce any hazardsdetected; and proper rescue procedures foruse in confined spaces.

15. Equipment. Lining the mousehole andrathole with casing that extends two (2] feetabove the drill floor is considered anacceptable way to prevent employees fromstepping into these holes.

It is not OSHA's intent to require apermanent ladder or stairs be installed in allcellars which are five feet or more in depth. Aportable ladder meeting the requirements ofSubpart D of this Part is acceptable as ameans of ingress and exit.

The employer needs to implement a lockoutand tagout procedure which rendersequipment inoperative when maintenanceand similar work is being conducted.

16. Derricks, masts and guying. Tools, partsand other materials immediately required foruse in the derrick or mast need to be fastenedto a solid object such as a girt by a sufficientamount of rope to allow easy use, orinstallation, but which will not allow the toolor part to fall to the rig floor if dropped.

When a rig is in need of major repair, it isOSHA's intent to allow employers to usetheir own repair facilities or other local repairfacilities instead of bringing in a professionalengineer or manufacturer's representatives.The main requirement of this provision is thatthe employer must certify in writing that thefacility is capable of repairing the equipmentto a condition which will at least equaloriginal specifications.

The inspection of the guyline and auxiliarydevices prior to each rig-up are meant to bevisual inspections to detect weak or brokenwires, kinks, or other obvious trouble spots.No written records are required, but anydefects detected must be corrected beforerigging up.

OSHA recommends that periodic checks ofthe hook be made to ascertain if anydeterioration of structural integrity hasoccurred.

17. Derrick or mast ladders. These laddersneed to have a fall control system whichcould be a fall arrest system (a ladder safetydevice which stops the fall almostimmediately by a belt attached to slidemechanism on the ladder or a cable) or acontrol descent device, which limits thevelocity of the falling person. Additionally,offset platforms may be used which limit thelength of a ladder section to 20 feet or less. Aclimbing assist device may be used with anyof these systems, but it will not be acceptable

by itself as the fall control system. Byadjusting the climbing assist device to 90percent of the weight of the lightest user, itwill not have to be adjusted again for all whouse it. Counterweights need to be fullyenclosed of fitted with safety devices toprevent falling in the event of line or sheavefailure.

18. Foundations and anchors. The employerneeds to develop and establish an anchorpull test program. This program should bebased on a representative sample of thevarious sizes and types of anchors in use andthe soil types in which they are used. It isOSHA's intent to allow the employer to useresults of valid pull tests performed by thewell owner to meet the requirements of thestandard, provided the results are availableto the employer.

A "come-along" can be used to relievetension on the boomer before release and willmeet the requirements of the exceptionallowed in § 1910.270(e)(4)(viii).

19. Drowworks. It is not OSHA's intent torequire elaborate machine guarding measuresto be used to guard the drawworks. Properlocation and/or normal machine guardingtechniques, which may include guardrailsystems or other physical restraintscombined with the establishment andimplementation of work rules or workpractices to keep employees out of dangerareas, will meet these requirements.

The employer needs to make sure thatshut-down switches for the drawworks areeasily identifiable. Also, the employer needsto initiate a daily inspection program tocheck visually for such things as guards beingin place, correct spooling of wire rope, andcondition and operation of the brakes andbrake linkage.

20. Drill pipe, casing and tubing slips andgongs. The handles on the drill pipe, casingand tubing slips should not be any longerthen necessary for the work because of thepotential danger of employees being hit bythe handles if the slips swing. However, thehandles must be sufficiently long to enableemployees to use this equipment withoutcatching their hands or fingers.

OSHA recommends that all tong lines beinspected daily and replaced as needed.

21. Catheads, lines, ropes and chains.Ropes, lines, and chains inspected andmaintained in accordance with therequirements of Subpart N of this Part forderrick ropes are considered to bemaintained in safe working condition.

Preplannin 8 of rig layout will help to ensuresufficient clearance for safe movementbetween the cathead and other surroundingstructures.

The employer needs to initiate aninspection and maintenance program whichincludes periodic visual inspection of thecathead to ensure that the surface is smoothand free of objections to prevent fouling. Ifthe surface is found to be defective, thecathead should be rebuilt and turned toeliminate defects. The rope guide on the -

cathead also needs to be checkedperiodically and realigned if necessary.

All employees who use the cathead mustbe familiar with the correct operatioin. Theemployer also needs to establish effectivework practices which will eliminate the

likelihood of accidents related to catheadoperations. For example:

-prohibit line or rope to be left in contactwith an unattended cathead.

-Require drawworks control to beattended while a cathead is in use.

-require precautions to be taken toprevent entanglement of other lines,ropes or hoses with a line in use in thecathead.

22. Traveling blocks, crown blocks, hooksand elevators. A retaining device or tie,known as a mouse, is acceptable in lieu of asafety latch.

It is OSHA's intent that the traveling blocknot be operated unless it is equipped withproper guards and the guards are in place.

23. Blowout prevention equipment. Therequirement for a person to be trained inblowout prevention and well controlprocedures can be met by having thedesignated person attend the appropriatecourse(s) at recognized training institutionsas well as by on-the-job experience, ortraining conducted by another qualifiedperson. Examples of institutions which offerwell control training are Louisiana StateUniversity, Texas A and M University, theUniversity of Oklahoma, Alaska Skill Center,Cape Cod Community College, Penn StateUniversity and Ventura College.

OSHA recommends that at least oneemployee be sent to well control school, andthat employee to train his fellow employees.All personnel should receive well controltraining in addition to being trained in theoperation of the blowout prevention system.This could prove to be beneficial in case theprimary person responsible for well control isinjured or is unavailable during an emergencysituation.

It is OSHA's intent that the required visualinspection be done during normal drilling, forexample, with a few feet of kelly still to go.The inspection should include a check forsuch things as positive pressure on the valvesand accessibility to manual controls.

The operational test should be performedat the time of adding a joint of pipe, after thekelly is pulled and the slips are in place. Atthis time, for testing purposes, the drillershould actuate the annular rams, etc. Thecomplete test should only take a few minutes.

24. Kelly bushing and rotary table. It isOSHA's intent to exclude from the guardingrequirements kelly bushings whoseconstruction oi installation prevent catchingor snagging employee clothing or ropes, lines,hoses, chains or similar materials.Information concerning alternate abatementmeasures may be obtained from OSHARegional Offices.

25. Well servicing The employer needs toestablish work practices which will reducethe chances of accidents occurring during allservicing operations. For example:

-requiring that all wells be chicked forpressure before beginning operations.

-requiring that any pressure found in awell be relieved or other precautionstaken before servicing begins.

-prohibiting employees from being in thederrick, mast or cellar during theunseating of the pump or initial pull ontubing.

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-requiring all personnel to be clear of thepumping unit, etc., before the pump isrestarted.

Each of these work practices should be.incorporated into the initial training eachemployee receives and should be reinforcedat subsequent training sessions.

26. Special services operations. Employersengaged in special services operations needto establish effective work practices whichaddress hazardous conditions peculiar totheir operations. These work practices needto be brought to the employees' attentionduring initial traning and reinforced throughsubsequent training. The employer should notonly explain the safety procedures that areexpected to be followed, but should alsoexplain the hazard it is intended to reduceand the consequences of not using therequired work practices.

It is OSHA's intent to restrict swabbingoperations and drill stem testing to daylighthours whenever practical. If these operationsmust be performed in other than daylight,using artifical light, the employer needs tomake sure the lighting meets all requirementsfor Class I Division I locations of Subpart S ofthis Part.

When terrain or other limitations make itimpossible to extend swab lines, blow downlines or flow lines at least 75 feet from thewell, other acceptable safety precautionswhich could be taken include positioninglines to discharge down wind from the welland/or other sources of ignition, and flaringoff any volatiles.

Employers engaged In acidizing operationsneed to assure that the requirements forpersonal protective equipment are beingfollowed by their employees and that eyewash equipment is readily available.

During freezing operations performed inorder to drill out and replace a valve, afterthe new valve is installed, the void spacebetween the frozen plug and valve should befilled with water.

All compressors used for gas, air or mistdrilling operations need to be equipped withproperly set pressure relief valves, andpressure gauges and engine shutoff valves.Additionally, OSHA recommends dischargetemperature gauges.

27. Rig electrical systems. Rigs which meetthe requirements of the American PetroleumInstitute's RP 54, Section 9 (January 1981) willbe considered to be in compliance with therequirements of Subpart S of this Part.

Appendix B to § 1910.270

Other OSHA Regulations and GeneralIndustry Standards which may be applicableto the Oil and Gas Well Drilling andServicing Industry are:Part 1903 Inspections. Citations and

Proposed PenaltiesPart 1904 General and Reporting

Occupatioal Injuries and IllnessesPart 1910 General Industry standards

Subpart C This subpart deals withEmployee Exposure Records.

Subpart D This subpart deals withGuarding Floor and Wall Openings andHoles, Portable Wood and MetalLadders, Fixed Ladders, Scaffolding andother Walking-Working Surfaces.

Subpart E This subpart deals with Meansof Egress, Emergency Plans and FirePrevention Plans.

Subpart G This subpart deals withOccupational Health and EnvironmentalControl Issues such as Ventilation, Noise

' and Radiation.Note.-Section 1910.95 items (c) through (p)

do not apply.

Subpart H This subpart deals withHazardous Materials such asCompressed Gases, Acetylene,Flammable and Combustible Liquids.Under this subpart the following sectionsmay apply:§ 1910.101§ 1910.102(a)§ 1910.106 (a) through (e)§ 1910.109§ 1910.110

Subpart I This subpart deals with Eye andFace Protection, Respiratory Protection,Head Protection and other types ofPersonal Protective Equipment.

Subpart J This subpart deals with GeneralEnvironmental Controls such asSanitation. Under this subpart thefollowing sections may apply:§ 1910.141§ 1910.142§ 1910 145

Subpart K This subpart deals withMedical Services and First Aid.

Subpart L This subpart deals with FireProtection Issues. Under this subpart thefollowing sections may apply:

§ 1910.157§ 1910.165

Subpart M This subpart deals withCompressed Gas and Compressed AirEquipment. Under this subpart thefollowing section may apply:§ 1910.169

Subpart N This subpart deals withMaterials Handling and Storage. Underthis subpart the following sections mayapply:§ 1910.176 (a), (b), (c) and (g)§ 1910.179§ 1910.180§ 1910.183§ 1910.184

Subpart 0 This subpart deals withMachinery and Machine Guarding.Under this subpart the following sectionsmay apply:§ 1910.211§ 1910.212§ 1910.215§ 1910.219

Subpart P This subpart deals with Handand Portable Power Tools and otherHand-Held Equipment and GuardingRequirements for these Tools andEquipment.

Subpart Q This subpart deals withWelding, Cutting and Brazing.

Subpart S This subpart deals withElectrical Systems and Equipment.

Subpart T This subpart deals withCommercial Diving Operations.

Subpart Z This subpart deals with Toxicand Hazardous Substances.

Appendix C to § 1910.270Oil and Gas Well Drilling and ServicingReferences

General References. The followingreferences provide information which can behelpful in better understanding therequirements contained in § 1910.270.

1. A Primer of Oilwell Drilling; PetroleumExtension Service, The University of Texas atAustin, Texas 78758.

2. A Primer of Oilwell Service andWorkover; Petroleum Extension Service, TheUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas 78758.

3. Comprehensive SafetyRecommendations Land-Based Oil and GasWell Drilling; National Institute forOccupations Safety and Health, U.S.Department of Health and Human Services,Morgantown, West Virginia 26505.

4. Recommended Practices forOccupational Safety and Health for Oil andGas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations,API RP-54 American Petroleum Institute, 300Corrigan Tower, Dallas, Texas 75201.

5. Recommended Safe Procedures andGuidelines for Oil and Gas Well Servicing:Association of Oil Well ServicingContractors, 6060 North Central Expressway,Suite 538, Dallas, Texas 75206.

6. Drilling Manual; InternationalAssociation of Drilling Contractors, 3737Westcenter Drive, Houston, Texas 77042.

7. Blowout Prevention; Louisiana StateUniversity, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803.

8. Safety and Health for Oil and Gas WellOperations; U.S. Department of Labor,OSHA, Washington, D.C. 20210.

9. Health and Safety Guide for Oil and GasWell Drilling and Servicing; National Institutefor Occupational Safety and Health,Publication No. 78-190, Cincinnati, Ohio45226.

10. Drilling Technology Series; PetroleumExtension Service, The University of Texas atAustin, Texas 78712.

11. Lessons in Rotary Drilling; PetroleumExtension Service, The University of Texas atAustin, Texas 78712.

12. Lessons in Well Servicing andWorkover; Petroleum Extension Service, TheUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas 78712.

13. NIOSH/OSHA Pocket Guide toChemical Hazards; National Institute forOccupational Safety and Health, U.S.Department of Health and Human Services,Publication 78-210, Cincinnati, Ohio 54226.

14. Threshold Limit Values for ChemicalSubstauces and Physical Agents in theWorkroom Environment with IntendedChanges for 1982; American Conference ofGovernmental Industrial Hygienists,Cincinnati, Ohio 45201.

15. American National Standard forEmergency Eyewash and Shower. Equipment;(ANSI Z358.1-1981), 1430 Broadway, NewYork, New York 10018.

16. OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.28, CH-1,Dated February 14, 1983, Occupational Safetyand Health Administration, U.S. Departmentof Labor, Washington, D.C. 20210.

State Standards

Alaska-Subchapter 8, Petroleum CodeOccupational Safety and Health Standards,Alaska Department of Labor, Division of


Occupational Safety and Health, Juneau,Alaska 99811.

California-Petroleum Safety OrdersDrilling and Production, CaliforniaDepartment of Industrial Relations, Divisionof Occupational Safety and Health, 525Golden Gate Avenue, 3rd Floor, SanFrancisco, California 94102.

Michigan--Oil and Gas Drilling andServicing Operation, Department of Labor,309 West Washington, Box 30015, Lansing,Michigan 48909.

New Mexico-Recommended Practices forOil and Gas Well Drilling and ServicingOperations, 1982. EnvironmentalImprovement Division, P.O. Box 968, SantaFe, New Mexico, 87504.

Texas-Draft Occupational SafetyStandard for Oil and Gas Well Drilling andServicing, Texas State Department of Healthand Resources, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin,Texas 78756.

Utah-Rules and Regulations for Oil, Gas,Geothermal and Related Services Standards,Utah State Industrial Commission, 160 EastSouth, P.O. Box 5800, Salt Lake City, Utah84110-5800.

Wyoming-Rules and Regulations for Oiland Gas Well Servicing, Wyoming •Department of Occupational Safety andHealth; 200 East 8th Avenue, Cheyenne,Wyoming 82001.

Wyoming-Rules and Regulations for Oiland Gas Well Drilling, Wyoming Departmentof Occupational Safety and Health; 200 East8th Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

Appendix D to § 1910.270

Table of Contents; Oil and Gas Well Drillingand Servicing

(a) Scope and Application(1) Scope(2) Application(b) Definitions(c) General Requirements for All

Operations(1) Medical and first aid(2) Emergency planning(3) Employee training and education(4) Over water operations(5) Housekeeping(6) Illumination(d) Specific Requirements for All

Operations(1) Raising or lowering derrick or mast and

rig-up operations(2) Emergency escape(3) Fire prevention and protection(4) Handling drilling fluids and chemicals(5) Operations near power lines(6) Handling and racking pipe, drill collars

and tubular goods(7) Riding hoisting equipment(8) Hydrogen sulfide procedures

(9) Confined spaces.(e) Equipment Requirements for All

Operations(1) General requirements(2) Derricks, masts and guying(3) Derrick or mast ladders(4) Foundations and anchors(5) Drawworks(6) Drill pipe, casing, and tubing slips and

tongs(7) Catheads, lines, ropes and chains(8) Traveling blocks, crown blocks, hooks

and elevators(9) Weight indicators(10) Blowout prevention equipment(11) Kelly bushing and rotary table(f) Additional Requirements(1) Well servicing(2) Cementing(3) Wireline services(4) Stripping and snubbing(5) Drill stem testing(6) Acidizing, fracturing and hot oil,

operations(7) Freezing, valve drilling and pipe tapping

operations(8) Fishing(9) Gas, air or mist drilling

[FR Doc. 83-34328 Filed 12-27-83; 8:45 amj

BILLING CODE 4510-26-M

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