Core Safety Regulations and Precautions for Drilling Rig Operation

Core Safety Regulations and Precautions for Drilling Rig Operation

Operating a drilling rig is a high-risk operation, and any negligence can lead to serious consequences. Strictly adhering to the following core regulations and precautions is fundamental to ensuring personnel safety, equipment integrity, and the smooth progress of the project.

I. Personal Safety Protection: The "First Line of Defense" on Site

Personal protective equipment must be worn correctly before starting work, without exception.

Required: Safety helmet, safety glasses, sturdy work gloves, and safety shoes with anti-smash and anti-puncture features.

Special requirements: Wear earplugs in high-noise environments, and wear insulated gloves and insulated shoes during electrical work.

Prohibited actions: Loose clothing and scarves are strictly prohibited. Long hair must be tied up and tucked into a hat to prevent it from being caught in rotating parts.

II. Safety Preparations at the Work Site: Drawing the "Warning Line"

Establish a restricted area: Set up a clearly marked safe working area centered around the wellhead and drilling rig.  Non-working personnel are strictly prohibited from entering, especially from standing within the operating radius of the drilling rig.

Check the environment: Ensure the ground is level and firm, and clear away oil spills and debris. Check for high-voltage lines, pipelines, and other hazards above and below ground.

III. Ten Strict Prohibitions for Equipment Operation: Uncrossable Red Lines

Strictly prohibited: Operating the equipment without a comprehensive safety check beforehand (including bolts, wire ropes, and protective devices).

Strictly prohibited: Operating equipment that is malfunctioning or forcing it to start when checks are incomplete.

Strictly prohibited: Repairing, adjusting, cleaning, or crossing over rotating or moving parts (such as turntables, drive shafts, and wire ropes) while the drilling rig is in operation.

Strictly prohibited: Touching rotating or lifting drill pipes and drill tools with hands, feet, or any tools.

Strictly prohibited: Walking, standing, or working under the drilling rig or suspended objects.

Strictly prohibited: Blindly increasing pressure or forcing operation when drilling pressure is abnormal or encountering complex geological formations.

Strictly prohibited: Using the equipment beyond its load capacity, speed limits, or travel limits.

Strictly prohibited: Unauthorized removal, damage, or bypassing of any safety protection devices (such as protective covers and emergency stop switches).

Strictly prohibited: Operating the equipment while under the influence of alcohol, fatigue, or medications that affect mental faculties.

Strictly prohibited: Unauthorized personnel (those without training and authorization) from operating the equipment. IV. Safety during Drilling and Downhole Operations: Key Control of High-Risk Stages

Smooth Drilling and Tripping: Operations must be stable, follow unified commands, and pay close attention to the condition of wellhead tools and drill string to prevent falls and injuries.

Monitor Downhole Conditions: Constantly observe instruments and returning drilling fluid.  If any abnormalities are detected (such as sudden changes in penetration rate, significant loss or surge of drilling fluid), stop drilling immediately for analysis to prevent stuck pipe, buried pipe, or blowouts.

Hazardous Gas Prevention: In areas where methane, hydrogen sulfide, or other gases may be present, ventilation must be checked in advance, and emergency plans must be in place.

V. Electrical and Special Weather Safety

Electrical Safety: All electrical work must be performed by qualified electricians. Ensure cables are intact and equipment is reliably grounded. Before maintenance, the "power off, lock out, tag out" procedure must be followed.

Adverse Weather Response: In case of thunderstorms, strong winds (above level 6), heavy fog, heavy snow, or other adverse weather conditions, operations must be stopped immediately, and personnel must evacuate to a safe area.

VI. Emergency Response and Reporting

Familiarize Yourself with Emergency Plans: Understand emergency procedures for fire, electric shock, mechanical injuries, etc., and know the location and use of fire extinguishers and first-aid kits.

Immediate Reporting: In case of any accident, incident, or near-miss, operations must be stopped immediately, and the person in charge must be notified.  Scientific rescue efforts should be undertaken while ensuring safety; concealment is strictly prohibited.

Summary and Key Safety Slogans:

Complete protective gear before starting work, clear demarcation of the work area.

Do not touch moving parts, never operate with faulty equipment or overload.

Drilling and tripping must be smooth, stop drilling immediately if downhole abnormalities occur.

Evacuate quickly in adverse weather, report emergencies without panic.

Safe operation of the drilling rig is essentially a respect for regulations and proactive risk management. Internalizing these norms into instinct is the most responsible way to protect your own life and the lives of others.