Administrative Rule Review Report #AR11-072
Legislative Service Office
3-Jan-2012
AGENCY: Department of Workforce Services-Occ Health & Safety
DATE SUBMITTED: 12/20/2011
SUBJECT: Chapter 1, General; Chapter 3, General Health and Safety Provisions; Chapter 4, Personal Protective Equipment; Chapter 5, Safeguards; Chapter 6, Facilities; Chapter 7, Operations; Chapter 8, Special Services and Operations; Chapter 9, Hydrogen Sulfide (h2S) Gas; Chapter 10, Safety Procedures for Boilers and Pressure Vessels; Chapter 11, Acquisition of Referenced Standards
NATURE OF RULES: Legislative and procedural.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: W.S. 27-11-105(b).
DETERMINATION OF PROCEDURAL COMPLIANCE BASED UPON INFORMATION
SUBMITTED BY THE AGENCY TO LSO: Apparently complete to date.
SUMMARY OF RULES: These amendments to OSHA rules generally update oil and gas well drilling employee protection standards and add specific provisions related to coal bed methane drilling practices. Significant changes include:
· Addition of new definitions and renumber existing definitions;
· Requirement for documentation of employee training;
· Updated references for acceptable safety clothing and equipment;
· Pre-arrangement for emergency services before commencement of drilling;
· Permit requirement for any hot work within 75 feet of a well bore;
· Requirement for an emergency descent device instead of a safety buggy;
· Prohibition of smoking within 75 feet of a well bore.
FINDINGS: The rules appear to be within the scope of statutory authority and legislative intent.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the rules be placed on the Consent List and be approved by the Council as submitted by the Agency.
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Gerald W. Laska
Staff Attorney
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David K. Gruver
Assistant Director
GWL/cj