Wyoming Sets Hearing on FR Apparel Requirement
The Oct. 5 public hearing in Casper concerns a proposed rule change to require workers on drilling rigs to wear flame-resistant clothing and signs about it to be posted.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services' Occupational Health and Safety Commission is preparing to amend the PPE section of its rules for oil and gas drilling operations, adding a requirement that flame-resistant apparel be worn by workers on drilling rigs and also requiring an emergency shut-down device on diesel engines. The commission's statement about the proposed changes says these practices and policies already are being applied by most employers in the state's oil and gas industry, and it believes improving these standards "will help employers to better understand their obligations, follow industry best practices, and promote safety and health for their employees."
The agency has scheduled an Oct. 5 public hearing starting at 9 a.m. at the Wyoming Oil & Gas Conservation Commission Bldg, Hearing Room #129, 2211 King Boulevard in Casper. Anyone with questions about these rules is asked to call 307-777-7786 or visit the Workers' Safety OSHA website at http://www.wyomingworkforce.org.
Written comments will be accepted until Sept. 26.
This is the text that would be added:
- (f) Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC) shall be worn by all employees on the drilling site location within the radius of the rig anchors or within seventy five (75) feet of the well bore, whichever is greater, once the well has been drilled below surface casing and until the well is shut in for demobilization, with the exception of self-contained areas (such as truck cabs and field offices) and employees changing into or out of the FRC garments.
- (i) Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC) for employees shall meet the requirements and specifications of NFPA 2112 Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire, Current Edition, and NFPA 2113 Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire, Current Edition.
- (ii) A sign shall be conspicuously displayed at the beginning of all entrances to the well locations stating "Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC) is required to be worn".