§ 6568. Construction and Maintenance.

(a) Every derrick and mast and their component parts shall be constructed and maintained to conform to good engineering practice.

(b) Supporting structures of operating derricks and masts shall be constructed and maintained to conform to good engineering practice. The derrick or mast and supporting structure shall not be loaded beyond its designed capacity.

(c) Auxiliary parts of derricks and masts shall be constructed and maintained to conform to good engineering practice.

(d) Derrick and mast floors shall cover the area within the perimeter of the derrick or mast, except for such portions of the area and openings in the floor that are necessary for operating equipment and operating procedures.

(e) (G-2, G-3) The derrick or mast floor, if more than two feet (2 ') above ground level at the approach to the derrick or mast ladder shall extend to at least two feet (2 ') beyond the climbing side of the ladder. This extended portion of the floor shall be not less than four feet (4 ') in width.

(f) Employees shall be protected from the hazards of falling tong counterweights by one of the following:

(1) The counterweight shall be enclosed with a guard which extends from the working level to at least the midpoint of the counterweight when it is at its highest position;

(2) The counterweight shall be secured by chain or cable to prevent the counterweight from coming within seven feet above the floor or working level; or,

(3) Work or pedestrian traffic shall be prohibited in the area below the counterweight. The area below the counterweight shall be enclosed or barricaded.

(a) Each end of every finger board shall be secured to the derrick girts or other supports upon which it is placed, with machine bolts, “U” bolts, “J” bolts, or other equivalent means. Nails shall not be considered a fastening.

(b) Every metal finger and finger brace shall be fastened to the finger board with bolts or by welding or other equivalent means.

(c) All fingers shall be provided with a wire rope, chain or other equivalent means to prevent them from falling if dislodged.

(d) A metal finger exposed to contact with the traveling block shall be secured in place with a bolt or other fastening that will release or deflect the finger if it is caught on the traveling block, thus preventing material damage to the structure to which it is attached. The finger shall be secured with a wire rope, chain, or other equivalent means, to prevent it from falling if dislodged.

(e) Every wooden finger and finger brace shall be fastened to the finger board with bolts or other equivalent means. Lag screws, spikes or nails are not considered a fastening.

(f) All wooden fingers and wooden finger braces which project beyond the edge of the finger board adjacent to the traveling block shall be secured by one of the following methods to prevent them from falling if broken in two or if the securing bolts fail:

(1) By wrapping a guy strand or wire at least one complete turn around and through the entire length of the finger and finger brace, nailing or otherwise fastening the guy strand or wire to them at intervals of not more than one foot (1'), and fastening one end of the guy strand or wire to the derrick or mast.

(2) By zigzagging a guy strand or wire along one or more sides and through the entire length of the finger and finger brace, nailing or otherwise fastening the guy strand or wire to them at intervals of not more than one foot (1'), and fastening one end of the guy strand or wire to the derrick or mast.

(3) By other methods providing a secure fastening equivalent to those described in paragraph (1) and (2) of this subsection.

Exception: When a mast base is used in conjunction with a standard steel derrick (such as necessitated by soundproofing or other requirements), the regular mast base flooring and guarding will be permissible if approaches to pipe walkway, stairway, or runway are extended.

HISTORY

1. Amendment filed 7-20-59; effective thirtieth day thereafter. (Register 59, No. 12).

2. Amendment of article 19 heading, section and Note filed 5-8-95; operative 6-7-95 (Register 95, No. 19).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.