Key Safety Guidelines for Drilling Operations

Key Safety Guidelines for Drilling Operations

Drilling operations involve complex environments and multiple risks, including mechanical, electrical, high-altitude, and underground hazards. All personnel on site must strictly adhere to safety regulations; this is the absolute bottom line for ensuring life safety and the smooth progress of the project. The following are the key points you must master.

I. Personal Protection and Basic Discipline

This is the first line of defense for protecting yourself.

Complete protective equipment is mandatory: When entering the work area, you must correctly wear a safety helmet, non-slip work shoes, and wear-resistant gloves. Wear safety glasses and dust masks as needed.

Observe basic discipline: Drunkenness and fatigue are strictly prohibited during work. Maintain concentration during work; horseplay and roughhousing are strictly prohibited. Non-working personnel are prohibited from entering the drilling rig work area.

II. Pre-Operation Safety Inspection and Preparation

The key to preventing accidents lies in eliminating potential hazards in advance.

Site safety confirmation: Clear the site of debris and ensure that the ground is level and firm to prevent the drilling rig from tilting. Underground cables, pipelines, and overhead high-voltage lines must be identified and avoided.

Pre-startup equipment inspection:

Check that the drilling rig tower, base, steel cables, and connecting bolts of all parts are secure.

Check that the power system (diesel engine/motor) and braking system are functioning normally.

Confirm that all protective covers for rotating and moving parts are intact and properly installed.

Set up a safety warning zone: Set up clear warning signs centered around the wellhead and drilling rig to prevent unauthorized personnel from approaching.

III. Core Safety Prohibitions During Operations

These are the "high-voltage lines" that absolutely cannot be touched on site.

When the equipment is running, avoid physical contact with dangerous areas:

It is strictly prohibited to touch, wipe, or cross moving parts with your hands when the drill pipe is rotating or the drill string is suspended.

It is strictly prohibited to stand, pass, or work under the lifting drill string or casing.

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

Safety control during drilling:

Coordinated operation: When multiple people are required to cooperate, such as during pipe lowering or accident handling, one person must be designated to give unified commands, and the signals must be clear.

Pay attention to abnormalities: Always pay attention to the drilling rig load and the return of water (slurry) from the wellhead. If any abnormal noise, drill jamming, or slurry leakage is found, stop the machine immediately, ascertain the cause, and strictly prohibit forced operation. Proper Use of Tools: Use specialized tools; the use of hammers or other forceful striking methods is strictly prohibited.

IV. Electrical, Wellhead, and Adverse Weather Safety

Electrical Safety: Cables should be overhead or properly protected, and switch boxes must be waterproof and grounded. Immediately cut off the main power supply if a leakage occurs.

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

Adverse Weather Response: In case of thunderstorms or strong winds (above level 6), immediately stop working at heights and drilling operations, and reinforce equipment.

V. Emergency Response Principles

Familiarize Yourself with Emergency Procedures: Everyone should know the location of the emergency stop button and escape routes.

First Principle: Stop, Disconnect, and Rescue: In case of personal injury or equipment malfunction, the first response is to immediately stop the machine, cut off the power, and call for help and provide assistance while ensuring your own safety.

Summary: Safety is a habit, and responsibility rests with everyone.

The essence of safety regulations is to internalize "stop and check, stay away from dangerous areas, proper protection, and collaborative confirmation" as an instinctive reaction for everyone. Managers are responsible for supervision and training, but every worker is the primary person responsible for their own safety. Only by integrating safety into every operational detail can this high-risk operation be completed safely and smoothly. One moment of reckless disregard for safety can lead to lifelong regret.