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