WorldWide Drilling Resource

58 MAY 2013 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Drill Rig Safety Tips Adapted from Information by the Government of Western Australia Department of Mines and Petroleum Drill rigs are large, heavy pieces of machinery which require a great deal of training to ensure safe operation. Proper and regular maintenance to keep the equipment in good operating condition is also a must. Some of the hazards with drill rigs include: Rig Stability - Rigs can topple on uneven or unstable surfaces. Rotating and Moving Machinery - Loose clothing or uncovered long hair can become caught in rotating or moving machinery, resulting in serious injuries. Stored Energy - Air and hydraulic hoses damaged by misuse or poor main- tenance can fail, causing uncontrolled movements of heavy components. Heights - Working platforms and walkways on drill rigs are usually ele- vated, and can become slippery. Falling or jumping from the platform or walkway can cause serious injuries. Exposure to Gases - If a drill inter- sects a pocket of gas or other contam- inants, it may become dangerous to continue operating. Moving Equipment - Contact with power lines can result in electrocution and the destruction of the rig. Restricted visibility from the cab also increases the possibility of collisions with other equip- ment. Here are some tips to ensure your drill rig operators and employees remain safe on the job: / Only authorized and competent operators should run and move rigs. / Conduct a thorough precheck of equipment to identify potential safety issues. / Ensure people working near rotat- ing machinery do not wear loose clothing and do not have loose clean- Photo courtesy of blm.gov ing rags on them. / Long hair should be tied back or netted when working near rotating machinery. / Always use the correct rod han- dling equipment. / Ensure safety hand rails and har- nesses are adequate for the job. / Provide detection equipment and go over safety procedures in the event gas is encountered. / Do not allow workers to jump on or off any part of a drill rig. A safe means of access should be provided and used at all times. / Establish a procedure for the safe removal and fitting of the drill string. / Before moving a rig, make sure no one and nothing is in the way. / Be aware of overhead hazards, especially power lines. / Never move a rig with the mast raised, except when moving between drilling positions on level, competent ground. Above all, remember drill rigs are complex machines, and safe operation requires high levels of knowledge and skill. Complacency can cause injuries and even death. %@ !! " $ % # $* 7-.4 83 3:*6 (39286.*7 &2) ,63;.2, $* 1&29+&(896* " -&11*6 '.87 +631 ? ? **) 8-&8 (97831 '.8 23 32* *07* ;.00 1&/* !*2) 97 =396 6*59*78 $* ;.00 7&= =*7 > 00 '.87 &2) (6.8.(&0 -&11*6 4&687 1&)* +631 # ! 78**0 ? ! !.<8- :* &27+.*0) "*<&7 "300 +6** "! 36 &< 1&.0 7&0*7 )6.00/.2, 2*8 ;;; )6.00/.2, 2*8 @ ! *68.+.*)