Drilling rig safety operating practices: basic safety guidelines that must be followed

Drilling rig safety operating practices: basic safety guidelines that must be followed

Operating a drilling rig is a high-risk job. Strict compliance with safety regulations is the primary prerequisite to ensure the safety of personnel and the integrity of equipment. The following basic guidelines are the “red lines” that no one should cross when operating or approaching a drilling rig.

1. Personal protection and safety preparation: the “armor” to protect yourself

Before working, you must wear all personal protective equipment as required. This is the last line of defense.

Must wear: safety helmet, protective glasses, strong work gloves, anti-smash and anti-puncture protective shoes.

Special Requirements: Wear earplugs in noisy environments and insulating gloves and shoes when performing electrical work.

Prohibited behavior: It is strictly forbidden to wear loose clothes and scarves. Long hair must be tucked into a hat to prevent it from being caught by rotating parts.

2. Safety settings at the work site: clearly define the “warning zone”

Establish a safety zone: With the wellhead and drilling tower as the center, clearly demarcate a sufficient operating area and set up warning signs. Non-operating personnel are strictly prohibited from entering, especially under the rotation and take-off and landing radius of the drilling tower.

Check the working environment: Make sure the ground is flat and solid, and remove oil, debris and stumbling blocks. Check whether there are any dangerous sources such as high-voltage lines and pipelines in the air and underground.

3. “Ten Strict Prohibitions” on Equipment Operation: Behavioral Safety Red Line

This is a core discipline in operation and must be remembered.

It is strictly prohibited not to perform safety inspections (especially bolts, wire ropes, and protective devices) before starting the equipment.

It is strictly prohibited to operate the equipment with disease or forcibly start it when the inspection is not in place.

It is strictly prohibited to repair, adjust, clean, step over or touch rotating or moving parts (such as turntables, drive shafts, wire ropes) while the drilling rig is running.

It is strictly forbidden to touch the rotating or lifting drill pipe or drilling tool with your hands, feet or any tools.

It is strictly prohibited to stand, walk or work under the drilling tower or suspended objects.

It is strictly prohibited to blindly pressurize or operate forcefully when the drilling pressure is abnormal or complex formations are encountered.

It is strictly prohibited to use equipment with overload, speed, or overtravel.

It is strictly prohibited to dismantle, damage or bypass any safety protection device (such as protective cover, emergency stop switch) without authorization.

It is strictly prohibited to operate the equipment after being drunk, tired or taking psychotropic drugs.

It is strictly prohibited for non-designated operators (those without training and authorization) to start and operate the equipment without authorization.

4. Safety during tripping and in-hole operations: key precautions for high-risk links

Smooth tripping: Operate steadily, obey unified commands, pay close attention to the status of wellhead tools and drilling tools, and prevent injuries from falling.

Pay attention to the situation in the hole: Always pay attention to the instrument display and the return mud situation. If any abnormality (such as sudden change in footage, mud gush) is found, drilling should be stopped immediately for analysis to prevent stuck, buried drill or blowout.

Harmful gas prevention: In areas where biogas, hydrogen sulfide and other gases may exist, ventilation must be tested in advance and emergency plans must be formulated.

5. Electrical and special weather safety

Electrical Safety: All electrical work must be done by a professional electrician. Make sure the cables are intact and the equipment is reliably grounded. The power must be cut off, locked and tagged out before maintenance.

Response to severe weather: In the event of severe weather such as thunderstorms, strong winds (level 6 or above), heavy fog, heavy snow, etc., operations must be stopped immediately and personnel must be evacuated to a safe area.

6. Emergency response and accident reporting

Familiar with emergency plans: Understand emergency response procedures for fires, electric shocks, mechanical injuries, accidents in wells, etc., and know the location and use of fire extinguishers and first aid kits.

Report immediately: If any accident, danger or near miss occurs, the operation must be stopped immediately, the person in charge must be reported, and scientific rescue must be carried out. Concealing or taking risks is strictly prohibited.

Summary and core formula:

To operate the drilling rig safely, please always remember——

Before going on stage with complete protection, the on-site vigilance must be clear.

Do not touch moving parts, and never overload while sick.

The drilling tool must be tripped out smoothly, and drilling should stop if there is any abnormality in the hole.

Evacuate quickly in bad weather, and don’t panic when calling the police in case of danger.

Safety is not a slogan, but an instinct integrated into every operation. Every strict compliance with the regulations is the most responsible behavior for yourself, your family and your colleagues.