Page 342 - Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language

Chapter 14 – SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 333

4. Watch out for pinch points: fingers or hands getting trapped

between moving and stationary equipment, such as casing
coming up to the drill floor.

5. Keep the drill floor reasonably clean to prevent tripping and

slipping hazards.
6. No one is to use the V-door stairs when a joint of pipe is being
moved between the catwalk and the drill floor or being picked up

by the single joint elevators.
7. When you change shift, make sure you hand over your job to
your relief, and then stop and watch that person working for a few
minutes to make sure the job is being done properly.
8. Any unsafe conditions must be corrected immediately. Watch
out for ropes on the V-door and stabbing board getting worn and
change in good time. Keep an eye on lifting slings and strops.
9. Joints of casing must have clamp-on protectors in place on the pin
end before picking up the V-door. If one drops off, the rig crew
must be told straight away and the pin examined before running.
10. It must be possible to circulate the casing in case of a well control
situation or if the casing has to be washed past a tight spot. The
crossover from casing to the high-pressure pump line must be
kept on the drill floor ready to use.

11. The personnel working on the stabbing board must be rotated out
every couple of hours, and they must also get adequate rest.
12. Highlight any special procedures, hazards, etc. with the crews.

13. Invite questions or comments from the crew.

Newcomers on the Rig

When people arrive at an offshore rig, they usually sit through a
briefing about the rig (fig. 14–2). They will probably see a video about

the rig showing the rig layout, lifeboat locations, etc. The video will
demonstrate the various alarm sounds, what they mean, and what actions
are to be taken on hearing them. They will also be told when the weekly
safety meeting will be held and that they must attend if they are on the rig
at that time.

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