Basic Safety Operating Procedures During Drilling Operations

Basic Safety Operating Procedures During Drilling Operations

The core of drilling operation safety lies in transforming standardized operating procedures into instinctive habits for every on-site personnel. These basic procedures are not cumbersome rules and regulations, but rather life-saving guidelines learned through painful lessons. Adhering to them is an absolute prerequisite for ensuring personnel and equipment safety, and the smooth progress of the project.

Article 1: Personnel and Site Safety Regulations. All operating personnel, especially operators, must undergo necessary safety training and understand the equipment's hazardous areas. During operations, safety helmets, close-fitting work clothes, non-slip safety shoes, and protective gloves must be worn correctly, and long hair must be secured inside the helmet. Before starting work, the site must be cleaned and leveled to ensure that the equipment is placed securely, and clear safety passages and warning areas are planned. When the equipment is running, especially during drill pipe rotation or lifting, it is strictly forbidden for anyone to stand under the drilling tools, cross the area, or perform any adjustments or cleaning work near moving parts. This is the first iron rule to prevent mechanical injuries.

Article 2: Equipment Inspection and Operation Procedure Regulations. Before starting work each day, a systematic inspection of the equipment must be carried out, including steel wire rope wear, brake and clutch reliability, tightening of all connecting bolts, hydraulic pipeline sealing, and whether safety protection devices are complete and effective. Starting the equipment must follow a strict "reverse flow" sequence: first start the equipment at the furthest end (such as the mud pump, slag removal system), then sequentially start the preceding equipment, and finally start the main engine, ensuring that the material flow channel is unobstructed. The shutdown sequence is the opposite. Operation must be smooth; sudden lifting and lowering of drilling tools are strictly prohibited. When dealing with downhole anomalies (such as stuck drill pipes), experienced personnel must direct operations according to the plan; blind operation is strictly prohibited.

Article 3: Electrical and Downhole Risk Prevention Regulations. All electrical lines must be installed in accordance with regulations, with proper waterproofing, insulation, and reliable grounding to prevent electric shock accidents. When working in areas where harmful gases, high-pressure water layers, or easily collapsible formations may exist, detection, ventilation, or reinforcement measures must be taken in advance. Pay attention to the wellhead situation at all times; if abnormal mud gushing or unstable wellbore walls are observed, immediate countermeasures must be taken or evacuation must be carried out. Safety belts must be used for working at heights (such as maintaining the derrick).

Article 4: Emergency Preparedness and Safety Culture Regulations. The site must be equipped with a qualified first-aid kit and fire-fighting equipment, and everyone must know their location and how to use them. Emergency contact information and escape routes must be clearly defined. In case of severe weather (such as lightning, strong winds, or heavy rain), operations should be stopped immediately and protective measures taken. Most importantly, a safety culture of mutual reminders and proactive reporting of hazards should be fostered. Safety is not someone else's requirement, but a responsibility to one's own life and the lives of colleagues. Internalizing these basic regulations into every daily action is the most solid foundation for safe drilling operations.