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Subchapter 14. Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production
Article 19. All Derricks, Masts and Supporting Structures

§6569. Fingers, Finger Boards and Finger Braces.

(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.

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

HISTORY

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

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