Typical Types of Jobs on a Drilling Site
Regardless of company size, the task force employed at a well site is fairly small and is usually composed of the following positions:
- Tool Pusher: A typical drilling rig employs a tool pusher to supervise the drilling operation. Depending on well site location, he may be in charge of more than one rig.
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- Driller: The driller (shift foreman) is responsible for the immediate direction of work on the drilling rig. He operates the rig controls, supervises the changing of drill pipe and tripping operations, and directs any maintenance or repair work.
- Derrickman: The crew usually consists of one derrickman (relief driller) performing tasks from the upper portion of the derrick during tripping operations. The derrickman is normally the second man in charge of drilling operations.
- Floormen: Three rotary helpers, or floormen, perform tasks associated with the addition of pipe joints during drilling and tripping.
- Motorman: For large operations, such as deeper wells, the crew usually includes a motorman (usually the most experienced rotary helper) who is in charge of the mechanics of the equipment and also acts as a floorhand during tripping procedures, and an additional rotary helper.
- Electrician: An electrician normally is employed on electrically powered drilling rigs.
Drilling operations are continuous (24 hours/day, 7 days/week) until the well has been completed. When a well is being drilled, the rig usually is staffed for three 8-hour shifts, although in some remote areas the operation uses two 12-hour shifts.
Smaller drilling rigs normally require an average of five persons per shift (not including the tool pusher), whereas seven or eight persons per shift are needed on a larger rotary rig. Approximately seven employees per shift is a reasonable estimate of the number of persons at risk on a typical drilling operation.
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1-2. Who is responsible for the immediate direction of work on the drilling rig?
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