Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BURNS

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: a)Spencer Well #5, Crossville IL 62827- A flow of natural gas was permitted to be vented to the atmosphere which posed a fire/explosion hazard and employees were exposed to severe burns due to fire and/or explosion hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to install pressure control and/or a safety device as set forth in the American Petroleum Institute Practice 54 (RP54), Third Edition, dated March, 2007. b)Internal combustion engines were allowed to operate within 100 feet of the wellbore where a flow of natural gas was permitted to be vented to the atmosphere without spark arrestors or equivalent equipment. This condition exposed workers to severe burns due to fire and explosion hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to install spark arresters or equivalent equipment that is within 100 feet of the wellbore as set forth in the American Petroleum Institute Practice 54 (RP54), Second Edition, dated May 1, 1992. c)Preliminary planning was not initiated and implemented to assure all equipment was functionally safe for the operation and employees were aware of their duties in that employees were exposed to severe burns due to fire and/or explosion hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to plan prior to commencement of plugging operations and train and inspect equipment as set forth in the American Petroleum Institute Practice 59 (RP59), Second Edition, dated May, 2006. ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ITEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF 29 CFR 1903.19(d).S