Page 349 - Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language

340 Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language, Second Edition

an explosive atmosphere in normal daily operations. A zone 2 area may
experience an explosive atmosphere if abnormal events take place, and a
zone 3 area is unlikely to be exposed to an explosive atmosphere. Outside
of the accommodation, most areas of the rig will be rated zone 2, and
so the electrical equipment used (including switches, motors, and power

tools) must be appropriately certified.

Safety Equipment

Safety equipment can be divided into two groups—personal protective
equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment.

Personal protective equipment

On most rigs, everybody working outside of the accommodation or
workshops must wear safety boots (with steel toes), a hard hat, and safety
glasses. Some companies also demand that approved flame-resistant

overalls be worn.
For specialist tasks such as those performed by welders, floormen, and

derrickmen, other items of PPE will be issued that relate to the task at
hand. Such items would include welding gloves and goggles, work gloves,
and safety harnesses (fig. 14–4).

For personnel who must be exposed to chemicals while mixing mud
or cement, PPE may include rubber gloves, rubber safety boots, rubber
aprons, goggles, and breathing masks.

Other safety equipment

Also available at various places around the rig will be equipment that is
available to be used if a problem occurs. In areas where toxic or corrosive
chemicals are stored or mixed, eyewash stations must be placed where
they can be easily reached. These must be regularly checked to ensure that
the water containers are full, rubbish is not piled up on top of or around
the stations, and they are in good condition overall. Showers might also be
placed in chemical storage areas.
Fire extinguishers, hoses, and axes will be placed at strategic positions.

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