Materials Handling Hazards
On a drill rig, most of the materials handling equipment are unique to the oil field. This equipment is used in the working routines of raising and lowering the drill string, adding new sections of drill pipe, and tripping. The most common type of accident that occurs in materials handling operations is the "caught between" situation (e.g.; when a load is being handled and a finger or toe gets caught between two objects.)
Roughnecks at work.
The requirement for material handling creates many hazards, including:
- Overexertion Injuries - Workers directly involved in these operations are close to moving equipment components, while performing tasks that require substantial exertion and good coordination between individuals.
- Crush Injuries - Transferring drill pipe from the rack to the drilling platform may result in the stockpile rolling or in the mishandling of suspended loads, with the risk of crushing injury.
- Fall to Same Surface Injuries - Rolling stock (drill pipe and collars) can shift and/or fall from a pipe rack or truckbed. Employees must be alert to the hazards attendant to pipe handling and racking.
- Struck-by Objects - Vertical and near-vertical storage of drill pipe on the inclined ramp requires adequate slippage protection and employee procedural training for safe handling.
- Fall to Below Injuries - Improper rigging of loads can result in load shifts and objects falling on those below. Materials handling is a support activity, so safe materials handling procedures frequently are not given the necessary emphasis.
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3-3. What is the most common type of accident that occurs in materials handling operations?
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