California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 14 - Petroleum Safety Orders-Drilling and Production
Article 37 - Oil Well Pumping Machinery and Equipment
Section 6631 - Guarding

(a) The power transmission equipment, prime movers, and machine parts shall be guarded in accordance with guard standards set forth in the General Industry Safety Orders, Group 6.

(b) If the lowest point of travel of the beam horsehead is less than six feet six inches (6' 6") above the floor or working level, it shall be guarded by a securely fastened single or standard railing placed at least forty-two inches (42") but not more than forty-five inches (45") above the floor or working level, and at least fifteen inches (15") but not more than twenty inches (20") in the clear of a vertical plane with the outermost point of travel of the horsehead. If the guardrailing is continued and attached to the samson post, it will be considered to be in compliance with this order. Other methods of guarding that will provide equivalent protection to employees may be used if they comply with General Industry Safety Orders, Group 6, requirements.

(c) Equipment shall be blocked and/or locked out of service to protect employees from injury during maintenance or repair operations.

(d) When the horsehead is to be left on the walking beam at any location during servicing or maintenance operations, it shall be secured against falling or being knocked into the area below. When the above cannot be accomplished, the horsehead shall be removed, placed out of the working area and stored in the horizontal position, or otherwise secured to prevent its falling.

(e) The work areas at the well head of the well being serviced shall be free of surface openings, level and reasonably free of fluids. Cellars of any other wells in the area which create a hazard shall be covered or otherwise guarded.