INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE GUIDE: HELPING TO ENSURE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY DURING RIG MOVES

 The primary goal of a rig move is to relocate a drilling rig from one spot to the next. These moves are crucial for exploration and production activities to continue at a rapid pace and align with well program objectives and milestones, while ensuring safe activities occur the entire time. While they are consistently done safely, rig moves can introduce potential for a serious injury or fatality (SIF) on a drilling rig.

There is an increased number of simultaneous tasks being completed during rig moves. Processes are increased in complexity due to coordinating tasks on two different locations, frequently occurring many miles apart, with the route serving almost as a third location, bridging the two well sites together. Before any rig move, a thorough route survey must be conducted for potential hazards that can be mitigated or eliminated. Crews are well versed in identifying common transportation-related hazards like low hanging wires, narrow or inadequate bridges and roadways, railroad crossings and even landowner issues.

All equipment used during rig moves is regularly inspected and maintained, verifying the condition of rigging equipment, cranes, and other machinery. Thorough inspection and maintenance documentation occurs, ensuring accountability and tracking any issues that need attention.

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial at all phases of the well cycle, including rig moves. Standard PPE is used like hard hats, safety glasses, impact gloves, and steel toed boots, with additional PPE like high-visibility clothing providing fine-tuned protection from rig-move specific hazards. Proper nutrition and hydration are another essential aspect of a successful and safe rig move.                   

Ensuring crane safety during rig moves is essential for protecting personnel and maintaining operational integrity. Implementing the following practices helps to mitigate risks and enhance the safety of crane operations.

 

·       Allow only certified crane operators to use a crane, and make sure certifications are ready to be presented upon request.

·       Before commencing crane operations, conduct a thorough risk assessment. Clear communication and coordination among all personnel involved are crucial.

·       Identify potential hazards and risks and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively.

·       Regularly inspect and maintain all crane components, including the boom, cables, and controls.

·       Ensure that all components are in good working condition and meet safety standards. Document inspections and maintenance activities to ensure compliance and track any issues.

·       Follow safe operating procedures while operating a crane as load capacity, stability, and proper rigging techniques are all properly considered.

·       Maintain effective communication between the crane operator and other personnel involved in the operation to ensure a safe working environment.

·       All personnel must stay out from under suspended loads. If a load is waist-high and you can touch it, you are under a suspended load.

·       Keep all hands and feet clear of pinch points.

·       Avoid turning your back to a moving load or block, designating someone to spot the block.

·       Keep the crane operator's line of sight clear and keep non-essential personnel clear of the work area.

For the crane rigger and crane operator to communicate effectively during a lift, the industry has adopted a set of universally recognized hand signals.                       

Safety is a top priority during rig moves, during all activities like crane operation and forklift usage. We can create a safer work environment that protects the well-being of all personnel involved. Let’s work together as we Actively C.A.R.E. to ensure safety remains at the forefront of our operations, reducing exposures and promoting a culture of safety.

Read out the full HSE News here: https://www.helmerichpayne.com/industrial-vehicle-guide-helping-to-ensure-safety-and-efficiency-during-rig-moves or download the article from here: https://www.helmerichpayne.com/media/images/Industrial-Vehicle-Guide_042524.pdf.

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