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904 Oil and Gas Well Inspection
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Machine Guarding

It’s critical to inspect all machine guards to ensure that mechanical installations around the rig are properly guarded and maintained to eliminate injuries to employees.

The ultimate goal of machine guarding is to protect workers from hazardous moving parts.

For more information see: 29CFR1910.212- 219, and American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice 54.

This inspection should be visual only. An approved electrician is the only person who should modify or repair electrical equipment. Always de-energize electrical equipment before performing maintenance work.

Location

List each area of the rig inspected.

Centrifugal Pumps

Check the electric motor for broken or missing fan guards.

Inspect the coupling area for potential exposure to rotating parts. Coupling guards should be secure and not move when operating. The stuffing box area and shaft should be smooth and free of burrs that could entangle gloves or other clothing.

Agitators and Mud Mixers

Inspect for potential contact. Pay close attention to the area above tank gratings and walkways where hoses or electrical cords could become tangled in couplings. Check chemical mixers or other rotating equipment that may be used for adding chemicals to the mud system for potential contact.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-9. How is an inspector supposed to inspect for proper machine guarding?

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