Oil & Gas Update
Joann Natarajan
OSHA
Recap of FY 2008
• 199 oil & gas inspections conducted in
Texas in the time period Oct 1, 2007 –
Sept. 30, 2008.
• Seventeen accident investigations
• 67 out of 199 employers were cited for
OSHA violations (33% received citations to
date)
OSHA’s Oil & Gas Emphasis
Program
Year
Total Accidents
Investigated
FY 2005
Total OSHA
Inspections In
Texas
97
FY 2006
106
25
FY 2007
285
22
FY 2008
199
17
25
What is OSHA Seeing?
• Principal hazards noted:
• Section 5(a)(1) is leading violation, cited 23
times
• A little more than half the 5(a)(1) citations
were a result of fatalities/accidents
• Rest were cited during planned inspections
Guarding Floor and Wall
Openings
•
•
•
•
Among the violations cited were:
Unguarded floors, platforms or runways
No stair railing
Unguarded chutes in walls
Electrical
• No strain relief
• Switchboards and panelboards not in dry
locations
• Covers missing from junction boxes
• Power strips used in lieu of fixed wiring or
not UL approved
• Bushings not used when cords pass
through openings
Electrical
• Equipment not listed or labeled for the
purpose for which it is being used.
• Electrical free from recognized hazards
• Sufficient working space around equipment
• Guarding of live parts
• Identification of disconnecting means
Eyewash facilities
• No eyewash facilities
• Using non-potable water for the eyewash
station
No PPE worn when
dumping caustic
Fire Extinguishers
• Fire extinguishers were not charged for
immediate use
• Not mounted, identified
• Inspection and maintenance
• Annual training
Confined Space
• Informing outside
contractors of the
hazards of the host
employer's confined
spaces
• Confined space
determination
• Posting
• Positive measure to
prevent entry
• Written program
Hazard Communication
• No written program
• Copies of all MSDS’s not available in the
workplace
Where to Get More Info:
• OSHA’s website: www.osha.gov
• [email protected]
• 512-374-0271 x 232