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902 Well Site Preparation and Drilling Safety
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Mousehole

A mouse hole is a shallow bore hole under the rig floor, usually lined with pipe, in which joints of drill pipe are temporarily placed.

This is either done by the portable rig that drills the conductor hole or can be done by the drilling rig after rigging-up.

Potential Hazard

  • Falling or stepping into an uncovered mousehole.

Possible Solution

  • Cover the hole until it is lined with casing or other material during rigging-up.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-6. What is the best method for protecting employees from exposure to the mousehole prior to lining it with casing?