Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003A Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition: Gonzales County, Well Name: Whyburn, Unit #7H, 29.35N, -97.44W: On or about 4 April 2012, and at times prior thereto, while casing operations were commencing at an oil and gas Apex 1500 derrick rig, the employer did not maintain fall protection safety equipment in a sanitary and reliable condition. The lanyard's start of service date could not be determined and no record of periodic inspection of the equipment was kept. The equipment was allowed to become soiled, saturated with oil based liquids, and subjected to environmental factors, including UV rays, exposing the employees utilizing such equipment to a fall hazard of approximately 50 feet. Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure safety equipment is maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition; and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or taken out of service if it cannot be maintained.