Safety Operating Procedures for Drilling Operations

Safety Operating Procedures for Drilling Operations

Drilling operations involve heavy machinery, high-pressure electricity, and complex underground conditions; safety is a lifeline that must be maintained throughout. Whether you are an operator or other personnel on site, you must strictly adhere to the following core safety regulations to ensure personal safety and equipment integrity.

I. Personal Safety Protection: "Fully Equipped" Before Starting Work

Before entering the work area, you must wear personal protective equipment as required. This is the first line of defense for your safety.

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

Special requirements: Earplugs should be worn near noisy equipment; insulating gloves and shoes should be worn when performing electrical operations.

Prohibited actions: Loose clothing and scarves are strictly prohibited. Long hair must be secured inside the safety helmet to prevent it from being caught in rotating parts.

II. On-Site Safety Management: Establishing Safety Zones

Establish a warning zone:  A sufficient safe working area must be marked out around the wellhead and drilling rig. Unauthorized personnel are strictly prohibited from entering this area. No one should stand within the operating radius of the drilling tower.

Inspect the site: Ensure the work area ground is level and firm enough to support the weight of the equipment. Clear the area of debris, oil spills, and tripping hazards.

Pay attention to the environment: Be aware of the weather.  Operations should be stopped immediately in adverse weather conditions such as thunderstorms and strong winds (above level 6). Check for potential hazards such as high-voltage power lines in the surrounding area.

III. Equipment Operation Safety Procedures: Strictly Adhere to Operating Discipline

Pre-operation checks (mandatory):

Check that all equipment components are securely connected (especially steel cables, drill pipes, and drilling tools).

Check for leaks in the hydraulic and lubrication systems.

Check that all safety protection devices (such as protective covers and emergency stop switches) are complete and effective.

Confirm that the power source (power supply, diesel engine) is connected safely and reliably.

Ten Strict Prohibitions During Operation:

Strictly prohibited to operate equipment that is malfunctioning or to start equipment without proper checks.

Strictly prohibited to repair, adjust, clean, or cross over rotating or transmission parts (such as turntables and drive shafts) while the drilling rig is in operation.

Strictly prohibited to walk or stand under the drilling tower or suspended objects. Strictly prohibited: Touching rotating or lifting drill pipes or drilling tools with hands, feet, or tools.

Strictly prohibited: Forcing pressure or operating blindly when drilling pressure is abnormal or encountering complex geological formations.

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

Strictly prohibited: Unauthorized removal or bypassing of safety devices.

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

Strictly prohibited: Unauthorized operation of equipment by non-professional personnel.

Strictly prohibited: Leaving the operating post while the equipment is running.

Drill string tripping operations (high-risk stage):

Movements must be smooth and follow unified commands.

Closely monitor wellhead tools and drill string conditions to prevent falling objects.

IV. Electrical and Power Safety

Professional operation: All electrical installation, wiring, and maintenance must be performed by qualified electricians.

Waterproof and moisture-proof: Ensure cables, switches, and motors are dry to prevent leakage.

Standard grounding: Equipment must have a good grounding protection device.

Power-off operation: Before performing any electrical-related inspection or maintenance, the power must be completely shut off and locked out.

V. Wellhead and Downhole Safety

Preventing blowouts and water influx: In areas where high-pressure water and gas may be present, appropriate preventive and emergency measures must be in place.

Hazardous gas prevention: In areas where hazardous gases such as methane (natural gas) and hydrogen sulfide may be present (e.g., near abandoned mines, swamps), testing and ventilation must be performed first.

Downhole safety: Operators must closely monitor instruments and return mud conditions.  If any abnormalities are detected (e.g., sudden changes in penetration rate, significant mud loss), drilling should be stopped immediately for analysis to prevent drill string sticking, burial, or wellbore collapse.

VI. Emergency and Accident Handling

Familiarize yourself with emergency plans: Understand emergency plans for fire, electric shock, mechanical injuries, and downhole accidents, and know the location and use of fire extinguishers and first-aid kits.

Immediate reporting: In case of any accident or dangerous situation, work must be stopped immediately, and the person in charge must be notified.  Scientific rescue should be carried out while ensuring personal safety; blind and reckless actions are strictly prohibited.

Summary: The core of safe drilling lies in "prevention first, strictly adhering to procedures." It requires every participant to maintain a sense of respect and caution at all times, internalizing safety regulations as instinct. Every correct operation, every meticulous inspection, and every standardized safety measure is the most responsible protection of lives and equipment. Safety is not a burden, but the most efficient form of productivity.