Essential Safety Points for Well Drilling Operations

Essential Safety Points for Well Drilling Operations

Well drilling operations involve complex environments, including mechanical, electrical, underground, and high-altitude risks. Adhering to safety regulations is the primary prerequisite for ensuring personnel safety and equipment integrity. The following are core safety points that operators must master:

I. Personal Protection and Basic Discipline

**Complete Protective Equipment:** When entering the work area, safety helmets, non-slip safety shoes, and abrasion-resistant gloves must be worn correctly. Wear goggles and dust masks as needed during operation.

**Strict Adherence to Operating Discipline:** Working under the influence of alcohol or while fatigued is strictly prohibited. Maintain concentration during operations and refrain from horseplay. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted to enter the drilling rig's operating area.

II. Key Points for Pre-Operation Safety Inspection

**Site Survey and Preparation:** Clear debris from the site, ensuring the ground is firm and level to prevent the drilling rig from tilting. Identify and avoid underground cables, pipes, and overhead high-voltage lines.

**Pre-Start Equipment Inspection:**

**Structural Components:** Check the drilling rig tower, base, wire ropes, and all connecting bolts for secure installation.

Power and Braking: Check the diesel engine/motor, gearbox, clutch, and main winch brakes for proper functioning.

Safety Devices: Confirm that all protective covers for rotating parts are intact and properly installed.

Establish a Safety Zone: Clearly mark a safety warning zone centered on the wellhead to prevent unauthorized personnel from approaching.

III. Core Safety Prohibitions and Operations During Operation

Prohibitions During Equipment Operation:

It is strictly forbidden to touch, wipe, or step over moving parts while the drill pipe is rotating, the drill string is suspended, or the equipment is under pressure.

It is strictly forbidden to stand, walk, or work under suspended drill strings or casing.

It is strictly forbidden to perform maintenance, lubrication, or adjustments while the equipment is running.

Key Safety Points During Drilling:

Collaborative Operations: When multiple people are required to cooperate, such as lowering the well casing or handling accidents, one person must be designated to give unified command, and signals must be clear.

Monitoring the Borehole: Constantly monitor the drilling rig load and wellhead backflow (slurry). If any abnormalities are detected (such as stuck drill bit, slurry leakage, or unusual noises), immediately stop the machine, investigate the cause, and then take appropriate action. Forced operation is strictly prohibited.

Tool Usage: Use compliant tools (such as dedicated wrenches). Never use hammers or other forceful striking methods for dangerous operations.

IV. Special Working Conditions and Emergency Handling Principles

Electrical Safety: All cables should be overhead or properly protected to prevent crushing or damage. Electrical switch boxes should be rainproof and properly grounded. Immediately disconnect the main power supply in case of leakage.

Wellhead Safety Management: During and after drilling, the wellhead must be promptly covered with a secure cover and clearly marked with warning signs to prevent people and animals from falling in.

Emergency Principles: Familiarize yourself with the location of the emergency stop button. In the event of any personal injury, equipment smoke or fire, serious oil leak, or other emergency, the first principle is to immediately stop the machine and disconnect the power before calling for help and initial treatment.

Summary: Safety is a habit, and everyone is responsible. Safety regulations are not constraints, but guarantees. Its essence lies in internalizing requirements such as "stopping for inspection, staying away from danger zones, proper protection, and collaborative confirmation" into everyone's instinctive reactions and operating habits. Managers have a responsibility to supervise training, while every operator should be primarily responsible for their own safety. Only by integrating safety awareness into every operational detail can we ensure that this high-risk operation of well drilling can be completed safely and smoothly.