Safety Operating Procedures for Drilling Operations

Safety Operating Procedures for Drilling Operations

Drilling operations involve complex environments and multiple risks related to machinery, electricity, underground hazards, and working at heights. Strict adherence to the following safety operating procedures is the absolute minimum requirement to ensure the safety of all personnel and the integrity of equipment.

I. Personal Protective Equipment and Basic Discipline

All personnel entering the work site must comply with the following:

Complete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety helmets, non-slip safety shoes, and work gloves must be worn correctly. Safety glasses and dust masks should be worn as required by the work situation. Work clothes should be properly fitted, and long hair should be secured under a hat.

Adhere to basic discipline: Working under the influence of alcohol or while fatigued is strictly prohibited. Horseplay, roughhousing, and using mobile phones are strictly prohibited during operations. Non-operating personnel are not allowed to enter the core drilling area without permission.

II. Pre-Operation Safety Checks and Preparation

Before starting operations, a systematic safety check must be completed to eliminate potential hazards.

Site and Environmental Safety:

Clear the site of debris and ensure the ground is firm and level.

The location of underground pipelines, cables, and overhead high-voltage lines must be identified and marked to ensure a safe distance. This is a strict rule.

Pre-Start Equipment Inspection:

Check that the drilling rig tower, wire ropes, and bolts on all connecting parts are intact and securely fastened.

Check that the power system (engine/motor), braking system, and clutch device are functioning correctly.

Confirm that all rotating and moving parts (such as the turntable and drive shaft) have intact and properly installed protective covers.

Establish a Safety Zone: Establish a clearly marked safety zone and signs around the wellhead and drilling rig.

III. Core Safety Prohibitions During Operations

These prohibitions must be remembered by everyone and must never be violated:

Strictly prohibit entering dangerous areas while equipment is running:

Do not touch or wipe moving parts with your hands, or stand or walk under them, while the drill pipe is rotating or the drilling tools are being lifted or lowered.

Do not perform any repairs, maintenance, adjustments, or cleaning while the equipment is running.

Standardized operation, no taking risks:

Use specialized tools (such as drill pipe tongs and slips); do not use hammers or other tools to strike parts forcefully.

When lowering casing or handling complex situations requiring multiple personnel, one person must be designated to give clear instructions. Continuously monitor drilling pressure, pump pressure, and return fluid (water) conditions.  Immediately stop drilling if any abnormalities are detected (such as stuck drill, jumping drill, or fluid loss), investigate the cause, and strictly prohibit blind or forceful operation.

IV. Electrical, Wellhead, and Adverse Weather Safety

Electrical Safety: Cables should be overhead or properly protected, and distribution boxes must be waterproof and reliably grounded. Unauthorized wiring is strictly prohibited.

Wellhead Safety Management: During and after drilling, the wellhead must be covered with a sturdy cover plate, and conspicuous warning signs must be erected 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 secure the equipment.

V. Emergency Response Principles

Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures: All personnel should know the location of the emergency stop button and escape routes.

First Principle: Stop, Disconnect, 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 even more so, a responsibility.

Safety regulations are not just rules posted on the wall, but should be integrated into every operation, becoming an instinctive reaction. Managers are responsible for training and supervision, while every operator is the primary person responsible for their own safety. Only when all personnel internalize and practice the "four no-harm" principles (do not harm yourself, do not harm others, do not be harmed by others, and protect others from harm) can the strongest life safety defense line be built in high-risk drilling operations. Please always remember: one moment of reckless disregard for safety can lead to irreparable lifelong regrets.