Special
services are operations that use specialized equipment and workers who perform support well drilling and servicing
operations.
Coordination between all personnel is critical for site safety. Therefore, all special services operations
should conduct a pre-job safety meeting to include all personnel on the job site.
|
Fig. 1. Servicing rig |
Wireline Operations |
Fig. 2. Wireline hazard zone
Fig. 3. Fishing junk basket
Fig.4. Fishing magnet
Fig. 5. Fishing overshot
|
All
wireline operations require special
precautions. Wireline operations may include slick line and electric
line operations. Operations completed through the use of wireline
include logging, perforating, setting of
downhole tools, fishing, bailing, and swabbing.
Note: The special service supervisor should hold a pre-job meeting with
the special service crew and other involved personnel to review
responsibilities and to coordinate the operations to be performed.
Potential Hazard:
- Being struck by
wireline due to line
failure.
Possible Solutions:
- Keep all non-essential workers out of the immediate work
area.
- Inspect wireline, rope
sockets, and cable heads
for defects before use.
- Operate the wireline at a safe speed.
- Use an appropriate method to determine the end of line
location.
Potential Hazards:
- Being struck by wireline, lubricator, sheaves, or other
equipment.
- Getting caught in wireline.
Possible Solutions:
- Keep all non-essential workers out of the immediate work
area.
- Inspect all slings, chains, pins or other attachment devices
before lifting or suspending tools or equipment.
Potential Hazards:
- Pinching hands and fingers.
- Getting sprains, strains or suffering from overexertion.
Possible Solution:
- Minimize manual handling of lubricators and other equipment.
- Use proper hand placement and tag lines to avoid pinch
points.
Potential Hazards:
- Falling from a height.
- Receiving burns or being exposed to a respiratory hazard due to a fire.
Possible Solutions:
- Use proper fall protection.
- Position the unit
properly with respect to
wind direction and
distance from potential
gas or vapor sources [RP 54,
Recommended Practice for
Occupational Safety for
Oil and Gas Well
Drilling and Servicing
Operations, Wireline
Service. American
Petroleum Institute
(API)].
Potential Hazard:
- Being exposed to an unexpected release of pressure.
Possible Solutions:
- Install a pressure release valve in the
lubricator sub.
- Bleed pressure from lubricator sub before breaking
connections.
- Check for an unusually tight connection that may indicate that pressure has
not been released.
Potential Hazard:
Possible Solution:
- Install foundation, outriggers, and guying according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Additional Information:
-
RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well
Drilling and Servicing Operations, Wireline Service. American Petroleum
Institute (API).
|
Well Logging |
Fig. 6. Radioactive logging tool
Fig. 7. Radiation symbol
|
Well logging is used to identify formation and other downhole properties of the well bore.
Logging tools can include radioactive, electric, mechanical, and sonic tools, among others.
Note: See also Wireline Operations and Perforating for descriptions of additional hazards.
Potential Hazards:
- Being exposed to radiation.
Possible Solutions:
- Keep non-essential workers away from the rig floor and marked-off areas where radiation hazards may be present.
- Wear appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE).
- Allow only authorized and qualified logging company personnel to handle the logging tools.
- Report any damage to radioactive logging tools.
Potential Hazard:
- Getting injured due to an unexpected release of pressure.
Possible Solutions:
- Check for the presence of trapped pressure before opening the tool housing.
Additional Information:
- Ionizing Radiation. OSHA Safety and Health
Topics Page.
- 10 CFR 39, Licenses and Radiation Safety Requirements for Well Logging.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
|
Perforating |
A specialized crew transports and operates the perforating equipment. Upon arrival to the site, the tools are assembled, then lowered into the well by a wireline
unit or conveyed by tubing. Then, a specialized gun shoots small holes into the casing of the producing zone.
The perforations allow the oil or gas to flow
into the casing or liner. If pressure is sufficient, the oil or gas will
rise to the surface.
Detailed operational procedures and trained personnel are necessary
for the safe handling of explosives. The solutions below illustrate possible solutions; for more detailed
information see Additional Information below.
Note:
The special service supervisor should hold a pre-job meeting with
the special service crew and other involved personnel to review
responsibilities and coordinate the operations to be performed.
|
Fig. 8. Perforation of casing and formation
Fig. 9. Perforating gun
|
Potential Hazards:
- Surface detonation of explosives.
Possible Solutions:
- Keep all non-essential personnel out of the immediate work area.
- Post warning signs and prohibit the use of radios, telephones, or navigational systems.
- Shut down non-essential electrical systems during
gun-arming operations.
- Perform operations involving explosives under the direct supervision of the special services supervisor.
- Report any suspected remnants of explosives to the special services supervisor.
Additional Information:
-
RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well
Drilling and Servicing Operations, Wireline Service. American Petroleum
Institute (API).
-
RP 67, Recommended Practice for Oilfield
Explosives Safety. American Petroleum Institute (API).
- Wireline Operations and Procedures. American Petroleum Institute
(API).
|
Fig. 10. Charges perforating the casing |
|
Cementing |
Fig. 11. Cementing truck
|
Cementing and pumping operations may be performed
by specialized pumping services or in conjunction with well servicing
operations (such as, casing, squeezing, and zone isolations). The hazards
involved will vary with mode of dry cement delivery and mixing as well
as the primary designed function of the pumping equipment.
Note: The special service supervisor should hold a pre-job meeting with
the special service crew and other involved personnel to review
responsibilities and coordinate the operations to be performed.
Rig Up - Spotting and assembly of equipment to perform cementing or
pumping operations.
Potential Hazards:
- Being struck by moving vehicles.
- Being exposed to potential ignition and respiratory hazards.
- Overexerting, or getting sprains and strains.
- Being exposed to pinch points (for example, hammer union wings and hammers, pump iron
and racks).
- Being hit by flying particles.
- Falling from heights.
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Being struck by falling equipment.
Possible Solutions:
- Preplan equipment locations and use a spotter(s) to position
equipment out of fall lane of the derrick and upwind of vapor
and gas sources.
- Use mechanical lifting aids, proper lifting techniques, and team
lifting where appropriate.
- Use proper hand and body positioning.
- Wear proper PPE including fall protection and respiratory
protection where appropriate.
- Conduct a pre-job inspection to identify, then eliminate or correct
hazardous work surfaces.
- Require all non-essential personnel to stand clear.
- Secure all elevated lines.
Pumping - Executing the job
Potential Hazards:
- Being struck by high pressure lines or unexpected release of
pressure (due to, mismatched or excessively worn hammer unions,
line failure).
- Being exposed to chemical hazards (such as, silica, toxic liquids, and
gases).
- Being exposed to high noise levels.
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Overexerting, or receiving sprains and strains while handling materials (such as sacks and buckets).
Possible Solutions:
- Direct all non-essential personnel to stand clear.
- Require pump operator to stay by the controls.
- Conduct adequate pressure tests on pump(s) and lines before pumping.
[RP
54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well
Drilling and Servicing Operations, Wireline Service. American Petroleum
Institute (API).]
- Hobble high-pressure lines properly.
- Use proper equipment inspection techniques to
include hammer unions (Note: This is a particular problem with 602 and
1502, as they will couple but will not hold beyond the lower
pressure rating number).
- High Pressure Lines and Hammer
Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 98-01,
(1998).
- More On
Mismatched Hammer Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 99-33,
(1999).
- Additional
Serious Incidents
With Mismatched
Hammer Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 00-15,
(2000).
- Wear proper personal protective equipment (for example, respiratory, skin, and hearing) as appropriate for the
hazards present.
- Conduct a pre-job inspection to identify, then eliminate or correct
hazardous work surfaces.
- Use mechanical lifting aids, proper lifting techniques, and team
lifting where appropriate.
Rig Down - Disassembly and demobilization of equipment
Potential Hazards:
- Being struck by moving vehicles.
- Being exposed to potential ignition and respiratory hazards.
- Overexerting or receiving sprains and strains.
- Being exposed to pinch points (such as, hammer union wings and hammers, pump iron
and racks).
- Being hit by flying particles.
- Falling from heights.
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Being struck by falling equipment.
Possible Solutions:
- Use a spotter(s) to direct equipment movement.
- Use mechanical lifting aids, proper lifting techniques, and team
lifting where appropriate.
- Use proper hand and body positioning.
- Wear proper PPE including fall protection and respiratory
protection where appropriate.
- Conduct a post-job inspection to identify, then eliminate or correct
hazardous work surfaces.
- Require all non-essential personnel to stand clear.
Additional Information:
|
Stimulation |
Fig. 12. Hobbled high-pressure line
Fig. 13. Connecting blender up to manifold
Fig. 14. Frac equipment
Fig. 15. Frac truck
|
Well
stimulation involves techniques to optimize well performance. This may include pumping of acids, energized fluids, and various other chemicals to improve formation flow
characteristics.
Note: The special service supervisor should hold a pre-job meeting with
the special service crew and other involved personnel to review
responsibilities and to coordinate the operations to be performed.
Note: When pumping energized fluids (such as, carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen) substantial increased hazards exist related to asphyxiation,
temperature extremes, and unexpected pressure releases. Use special
procedures to ensure the safety of personnel.
Rig Up - Spotting and assembly of equipment to perform stimulation operations.
Potential Hazards:
- Being struck by moving vehicles.
- Being exposed to potential ignition and respiratory hazards.
- Overexerting or receiving sprains and strains.
- Being exposed to pinch points (such as, hammer union wings and hammers, pump iron
and racks).
- Being hit by flying particles.
- Falling from heights.
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Being struck by falling equipment.
- Being injured due to potential ignition of flammable or combustible carrier or base
fluids.
Possible Solutions:
- Preplan equipment locations and use a spotter(s) to position
equipment out of fall lane of the derrick and upwind of vents, vapor
and gas sources.
- Use mechanical lifting aids, proper lifting techniques, and team
lifting where appropriate.
- Use proper hand and body positioning.
- Wear proper PPE including fall protection and respiratory
protection where appropriate.
- Conduct a pre-job inspection to identify, then eliminate or correct
hazardous work surfaces.
- Require all non-essential personnel to stand clear.
- Secure all elevated lines.
- Provide adequate bonding and grounding for blending, pumping and
sand transfer equipment.
- Use hose covers or shielding for transfer or suction lines
containing flammable liquids.
Pumping - Executing the job
Potential Hazards:
- Being struck by high-pressure lines or unexpected release of
pressure (for example, mismatched or excessively worn hammer unions,
line failure).
- Being exposed to chemical hazards (such as, silica, toxics, asphyxiants).
- Being exposed to high noise levels.
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Overexerting or receiving sprains and strains while handling materials (such as sacks and buckets).
- Being exposed to temperature extremes.
- Being exposed to radiation associated with radioactive tracer
materials.
Possible Solutions:
- Require all non-essential personnel to stand clear.
- Direct equipment operators to stay by their controls.
- Conduct adequate pressure tests on pump(s)
and lines and ensure proper
valve alignment before
pumping. Install a check
valve as close to the well
head as possible [RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well
Drilling and Servicing Operations, Wireline Service. American Petroleum
Institute (API)].
- Hobble high pressure lines properly.
- Use proper equipment inspection techniques to
include hammer unions (Note: This is a particular problem with 602 and
1502, as they will couple but will not hold beyond the lower
pressure rating number).
- High Pressure Lines and Hammer
Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 98-01,
(1998).
- More On
Mismatched Hammer Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 99-33,
(1999).
- Additional
Serious Incidents
With Mismatched
Hammer Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 00-15,
(2000).
- Wear proper personal protective equipment (such as respiratory, skin, and hearing) as appropriate for the
hazards present.
- Conduct a pre-job inspection to identify, then eliminate or correct
hazardous work surfaces.
- Use mechanical lifting aids, proper lifting techniques, and team
lifting where appropriate.
- Keep non-essential personnel away from marked-off areas where radiation hazards may be present.
- Allow only authorized and qualified company personnel to handle radioactive tracer materials or radioactive
densiometers.
- Prevent contamination and exercise proper personal hygiene when working around radioactive materials.
Rig Down - Disassembly and demobilization of equipment
Potential Hazards:
- Being struck by moving vehicles.
- Being exposed to potential ignition hazards, including flammable or combustible
liquids or gases.
- Being exposed to potential skin and respiratory hazards.
- Overexerting or receiving sprains and strains.
- Being exposed to pinch points (such as, hammer union wings and hammers, pump iron
and racks).
- Being struck by particles or fluid.
- Falling from heights.
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Being struck by falling equipment.
- Being injured due to the unexpected release of trapped pressure.
Possible Solutions:
- Use a spotter(s) to direct equipment movement.
- Use mechanical lifting aids, proper lifting techniques, and team
lifting where appropriate.
- Use proper hand and body positioning.
- Wear proper personal protective equipment (such as fall protection, respiratory, skin, and hearing protection) as appropriate for the
hazards present.
- Conduct a post-job inspection to identify, then eliminate or correct
hazardous work surfaces.
- Direct all non-essential personnel to stand clear.
- Follow procedures to release trapped pressure safely.
Additional Information:
|
Swabbing |
Fig. 16. Swabbing operation
Fig. 17. Swabbing rigs
|
Swabbing
is the act of pulling fluid from the well bore through the use of
wire rope and cup assembly.
Swabbing equipment includes a
swabbing assembly, lubricator with an oil saver,
and shut-off valve on the
well, also called a swabbing
valve.
General precautions during
all swabbing operations:
- Conduct swabbing
operations during daylight hours.
- Keep all personnel clear of the derrick or within six feet (two meters) of the wellhead
during swabbing
operations.
- Locate swab tanks at least 100 feet (30 meters) from the well, where location allows.
Potential Hazard:
Possible Solutions:
- Use appropriate equipment, rated for the expected pressures,
to shut in the well.
- Inspect lubricators,
swages, and unions for
defects such as cuts,
corrosion, and thread
damage before use.
- Adjust oil savers by
remote control with a
hydraulic pump placed
safely away from the
wellhead.
- Train all personnel in
emergency evacuation
procedures.
Potential Hazard:
- Fire, explosive, or respiratory hazard from leakage or venting
of
oil or gas from tanks,
lines or lubricator.
Possible Solutions:
- Place fire extinguishers
in accessible positions.
- Move sources of
potential ignition (such as, open fires for melting of babbitt) to
designated areas at a safe
distance from the
wellhead or
flammable liquid storage
areas such as the swab
tank before swabbing.
- Make provisions to contain spilled flammable
liquids.
- Monitor the oil saver for wear and potential leakage.
- Remove all
spillage of flammable
liquids from equipment,
cellars, rig floor, and
ground area adjacent to
the wellhead.
- Wear proper PPE, including respiratory protection, as required.
Potential Hazard:
- Being struck by a
pressurized line.
- Being exposed to a high-pressure connection failure caused by mismatched or
excessively worn hammer unions.
Possible Solutions:
- Avoid approaching, walking over or standing near pressurized
lines.
- Securely anchor
pressurized lines to
prevent whipping or
bouncing caused by
pressure surges.
- Use proper equipment inspection techniques to include
hammer unions (Note: This is a particular problem with 602 and 1502 and others, as they
will couple but will not hold beyond the lower pressure rating
number).
- High Pressure Lines and Hammer
Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 98-01,
(1998)..
- More On
Mismatched Hammer Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 99-33,
(1999).
- Additional
Serious Incidents
With Mismatched
Hammer Unions.
International
Association of
Drilling Contractors
(IADC) Alert 00-15,
(2000).
Potential Hazard:
- Being struck by
pressurized fluids or
the lubricator when
removing the lubricator
from the well.
- Getting strains and sprains from handling the lubricator.
Possible Solutions:
- Close the shut-off
valve and bleed the
pressure from the
lubricator before
removing it.
- Use a lubricator that
will allow removal of
the swab or other tools
with the well shut in
(valve closed).
- Use a dolly or other method to minimize manual
handling of the equipment.
Potential Hazard:
- Pinching fingers
between swab assembly
and lubricator when
changing swab cups or
mandrels.
Possible Solutions:
- Use a winch line, where available,
not the swab line, to
handle the lubricator.
- Use a lubricator that
will allow removal of
the swab or other tools
with the well shut in
(valve closed).
Additional
Information:
-
RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well
Drilling and Servicing Operations, Wireline Service. American Petroleum
Institute (API).
|
Hot Oiling |
Fig. 18. Hot oiling truck
|
A hot oil unit is designed to circulate heated fluid into piping, tubing,
casing, or tanks for a variety of reasons, including the removal of
paraffin and tar-based oils.
Potential Hazard:
- Fire or explosion
hazard from contact with flammable liquids, vapors, or gases.
Possible Solutions:
- Locate hot oil trucks
and tanks a safe distance (100 feet is recommended)
from the well and out of
the fall line of the
derrick, if it is
on site. Where impractical, use additional safety measures.
- Position hot oil units upwind or crosswind from potential
sources of flammable liquids, vapors, or gasses. Wind direction
indicator should be present and visible to the operator.
- Shut down hot oiling
operation immediately if
a leak occurs.
- Make fire extinguishers readily accessible to the hot oil operator.
- Avoid parking over or placing lines containing flammable
fluids under trucks or
other vehicles.
- Install check valve in the pump line as close to the well head
as possible.
- Inspect all components of the hot oil unit before each use.
- Shut the burner down if the wind dies.
- Shut
the burner down and reposition equipment if the wind changes direction so as to create a hazard.
Potential Hazard:
- Being burned by hot
oil or hot oil line or frostbite injuries from contact with
propane or propane lines.
Possible Solution:
- Wear proper personnel
protective equipment
such as heavy padded, insulated, leather gloves
Potential Hazards: Expert Review
- Unexpected release of pressure
Possible Solutions:
- Do not connect heavy
joints of pipe to the
small nipples on the
pumping T.
- Secure all hot oil and discharge lines.
- Connect the hot oil
line directly to the
flow line if pump
pressure exceeds safe
limits (500 psi).
- Remain clear of
pressurized lines.
|
Snubbing |
Fig. 19. Snubbing rig
Fig. 20. Snubbing operations
Fig. 21. Snubbing rig with blow out preventer (BOP)
|
Snubbing is the control of a tubing string while running it in
or out of a well bore under pressure.
Note: The special service supervisor should hold a pre-job meeting with
the special service crew and other involved personnel to review
responsibilities and to coordinate the operations to be performed.
Potential Hazards:
- Falling from heights.
- Being exposed to an unexpected release of pressure, and loss of well control.
- Being burned by a fire and explosion.
- Having limited ingress and egress.
- Working in an unstable basket due to lack of guy wires.
- Being caught between the rig assist pull down and crows nest.
Possible Solutions:
- Ensure proper fall protection.
- Inspect and maintain all pressure control equipment prior to
operations.
- Provide adequate means of access to and exit from the
basket.
- Provide emergency
escape method [RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well
Drilling and Servicing Operations, Wireline Service. American Petroleum
Institute (API)].
- Rig all equipment in accordance with equipment
recommendations.
- Ensure proper body and hand placement.
|
Coil
Tubing |
Fig. 22. Installing coil tubing
Fig. 23. Coil tubing unit
|
Technology allows tubing to
be manufactured in a
continuous coil without
joints. Coiled tubing is
inserted into the well down
the production casing
without the need for tongs,
slips, or elevators.
Potential Hazards:
- Pinching fingers and
hands.
- Being exposed to an unexpected release of pressure.
- Getting struck by falling or shifting objects (such as suspended
injector heads).
- Falling from heights.
Possible Solutions:
- Keep all fingers and
hands away from pinch points (such as tubing spool, rollers,
injector head).
- Inspect the tools and equipment
before use.
- Rig up boom trucks in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
- Use fall protection.
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