Page 345 - Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language

336 Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language, Second Edition

appear bigger because of the refractive index of water). It would also be
worth carrying a diving knife, which has a thick, strong blade and can be
used as a lever. However, attitudes in some places will make it hard or
impossible to carry such a “weapon” in the cabin. In the opinion of the
author, carrying something that can significantly increase one’s chances of

survival in an emergency should not be discouraged.
In most developed areas, it is also necessary to have a medical

certificate. These certificates are valid for 5 years up to age 40, and for 3
years after that.
If hydrogen sulfide (H S) might be present in the well, a one- or two-

2
day course will be organized. This will teach or remind attendees about
the characteristics of the gas, what to do in an H S emergency, how to use
2
the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and escape sets, and how
to work in an H S environment (as opposed to escaping through it). (An
2
SCBA set is comprised of a compressed air bottle on a harness, a full face
mask, and a demand valve.)

If other characteristics of the well demand it, customized training
courses may be arranged. An example would be drilling a high-pressure,
high-temperature well.

Drills

It is all very well to attend courses once in a couple of years, but any
skill gets rusty if not practiced regularly. Drills give personnel the chance
to practice what to do in various situations. Drills are held regularly on the
rig to simulate a variety of potential problems.

Fire drills

The fire alarm is sounded and the designated fire teams are sent to

an area of the rig. There, they will deploy fire hoses and perhaps rescue

one or more “victims.” Meanwhile, anybody not on duty on the drill floor
or in other areas will report to a defined muster point on the rig, where

they will be marked off against the persons on board (POB) list. (A POB
list gives the names of everyone on board, along with their company and

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