Key points of safety management at drilling operation site

Key points of safety management at drilling operation site

Drilling operations are a complex environment involving mechanical, electrical, high-altitude and underground risks. Strict and systematic on-site safety management is the fundamental guarantee to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of personnel and the integrity of equipment. The following are core management points that must be followed on the jobsite.

1. Personnel safety regulations: implemented upon entry

All persons entering the site must comply unconditionally.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be complete:

Safety helmet and non-slip protective shoes: wear them at all times.

Work clothes: Tight-fitting, loose clothing is strictly prohibited, and long hair should be tied into a hat.

Protective gloves and goggles: wear when operating equipment and handling pipes.

Clarify safety disciplines:

It is strictly prohibited to work under the influence of alcohol or fatigue.

Playing and chasing in the work area is strictly prohibited.

Non-operators are not allowed to enter the core operating area of the drilling rig without permission.

2. Safety inspection before operation: eliminate hidden dangers

System inspection must be completed before starting work to confirm that there are no hidden dangers.

Site and environmental safety:

Survey: Remove debris from the site and ensure the ground is solid and flat. The location of underground pipelines, cables and overhead high-voltage lines must be identified and a safe distance must be ensured.

Warning: Set up obvious safety warning areas and signs.

Check before starting the equipment:

Structural parts: Check whether the drilling rig tower, base, crane, wire ropes and connecting bolts are intact and fastened.

Power and braking system: Check whether the engine/motor, gearbox, and main winch brake are sensitive and reliable.

Protective devices: Make sure that the protective covers of all rotating and moving parts (such as turntables and drive shafts) are complete and secure.

Trial operation: Start the equipment without load and check whether the operation, braking and instruments are normal.

3. Core prohibitions and monitoring during operation

This is the stage where risks are most concentrated and must be strictly controlled.

Absolute prohibitions when operating the equipment:

It is strictly prohibited to touch or wipe the moving parts with your hands or stand or pass underneath when the drill pipe is rotating or the drilling tool is being lifted or lowered.

Repairs, maintenance or adjustments are strictly prohibited while the equipment is in operation.

It is strictly forbidden to touch or pull the running wire rope with your hands or tools.

Drilling process safety control:

Dedicated command: When multiple people are required to cooperate, such as placing casing or handling complex situations, one person must be designated to provide unified command with clear passwords.

Pay attention to well conditions: closely monitor drilling pressure, pump pressure, and return mud (water) conditions. If any abnormalities (such as poor drilling, skipping drilling, and lost circulation) are found, immediately stop drilling for analysis. Blind operations are strictly prohibited.

Standard operation: Use special tools (such as drill pipe pliers, slips), and it is strictly forbidden to use hammers or other rough knocks.

Electrical and Fire Safety:

Cables should be overhead or properly protected, and distribution boxes must be rainproof and well grounded.

Fireworks are strictly prohibited in diesel engine and oil tank areas and sufficient fire extinguishing equipment is provided.

4. Special working conditions and emergency management

Tripping and hole operations: Wellhead operators should be in a safe position, with tools neatly placed to prevent falling objects.

Bad weather: In the event of thunderstorms or strong winds (level 6 or above), high altitude and drilling operations should be stopped immediately, and equipment should be reinforced.

Emergency Preparedness:

All personnel are familiar with the emergency stop button location and escape routes.

A basic first aid kit is provided on site.

When personal injury or equipment danger occurs, the first principle is to immediately stop the machine, cut off the power, report, and provide rescue while ensuring safety.

Summary: Safety is culture and the responsibility lies with all employees

On-site safety management is by no means an empty slogan, it must be implemented through continuous education, strict supervision, and clear rewards and punishments. Managers are the first person responsible for safety and must lead by example; every operator is directly responsible for their own safety and needs to internalize the "four no harms" (do not harm yourself, do not harm others, do not be harmed by others, and protect others from harm) into instinct. Only by incorporating safety procedures into every operational detail can drilling operations be ensured to proceed efficiently and smoothly with risks under control.