OSHA specifically exempted “Oil or gas well drilling or servicing operations” (1910.119(a)(2)(ii)), which it is trying to rectify with a revision to the standard. However, the IFC and many states have had requirements specific to “well drilling and operating” as it relates to managing the hazards associated with flammable liquids.
5706.3 Well drilling and operating. Wells for oil and natural gas shall be drilled and operated in accordance with Sections 5706.3.1 through 5706.3.8.
5706.3.1 Location
The location of wells shall comply with Sections 5706.3.1.1 through 5706.3.1.3.2.
5706.3.1.1 Storage tanks and sources of ignition
Storage tanks or boilers, fired heaters, open-flame devices or other sources of ignition shall not be located
within 25 feet (7620 mm) of well heads. Smoking is prohibited at wells or tank locations except as designated and in approved posted areas.
Exception: Engines used in the drilling, production and serving of wells.
5706.3.1.2 Streets and railways
Wells shall not be drilled within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of any dedicated public street, highway or nearest rail of an operating railway.
5706.3.1.3 Buildings
Wells shall not be drilled within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of buildings not necessary to the operation of the well.
5706.3.1.3.1 Group A, E or I buildings. Wells shall not be drilled within 300 feet (91 440 mm) of buildings with an occupancy in Group A, E or I.
5706.3.1.3.2 Existing wells. Where wells are existing, buildings shall not be constructed within the distances set forth in Section 5706.3.1 for separation of
wells or buildings.
5706.3.2 Waste control.
Control of waste materials associated with wells shall comply with Sections 5706.3.2.1 and 5706.3.2.2.
5706.3.2.1 Discharge on a street or water channel
Liquids containing crude petroleum or its products shall not be discharged into or on streets, highways, drainage canals or ditches, storm drains or flood control channels.
5706.3.2.2 Discharge and combustible materials on ground
The surface of the ground under, around or near wells, pumps, boilers, oil storage tanks or buildings shall be kept free from oil, waste oil, refuse or waste material.
5706.3.3 Sumps
Sumps associated with wells shall comply with Sections 5706.3.3.1 through 5706.3.3.3.
5706.3.3.1 Maximum width
Sumps or other basins for the retention of oil or petroleum products shall not exceed 12 feet (3658 mm) in width.
5706.3.3.2 Backfilling
Sumps or other basins for the retention of oil or petroleum products larger than 6 feet by 6 feet by 6 feet (1829 mm by 1829 mm by 1829 mm) shall not be maintained longer than 60 days after the cessation of drilling operations.
5706.3.3.3 Security
Sumps, diversion ditches and depressions used as sumps shall be securely fenced or covered.
5706.3.4 Prevention of blowouts
Protection shall be provided to control and prevent the blowout of a well. Protection equipment shall meet federal, state and other applicable jurisdiction requirements.
5706.3.5 Storage tanks
Storage of flammable or combustible liquids in tanks shall be in accordance with Section 5704. Oil storage tanks or groups of tanks shall have posted in a conspicuous place, on or near such tank or tanks, an approved sign with the name of the owner or operator, or the lease number and the telephone number where a responsible person can be reached at any time.
5706.3.6 Soundproofing
Where soundproofing material is required during oil field operations, such material shall be noncombustible.
5706.3.7 Signs
Well locations shall have posted in a conspicuous place on or near such tank or tanks an approved sign with the name of the owner or operator, name of the leasee or the lease number, the well number and the telephone number where a responsible person can be reached at any time. Such signs shall be maintained on
the premises from the time materials are delivered for drilling purposes until the well is abandoned.
5706.3.8 Field-loading racks
Field-loading racks shall be in accordance with Section 5706.5.