Installing the Auxiliary Equipment
Once the major rig systems are in place, all remaining drilling and auxiliary equipment must be positioned and installed in their designated locations. Auxiliary equipment supports drilling operations and material handling and includes components such as catwalks, pipe racks, pipe handling systems, and storage areas.
Proper placement and secure installation of auxiliary equipment are essential to maintaining an organized worksite, reducing material-handling hazards, and ensuring safe and efficient movement of tubulars and tools.
During this stage, the catwalk and pipe racks are positioned and secured, and drill pipe, drill collars, and other tubulars are carefully loaded onto the racks. These activities involve heavy materials and require close coordination between equipment operators and ground personnel.
Potential Accident Types
- Being struck, pinched, or caught between tubulars while loading or unloading pipe onto racks.
- Foot and lower-body injuries caused by pipe movement or by setting pipe racks and catwalks into position.
- Struck-by hazards from rolling or shifting tubulars that are not properly secured.
Possible Solutions
- Maintain a safe distance from equipment and materials that are being moved or positioned.
- Use tag lines to guide pipe racks, catwalks, and tubulars into position rather than using hands or feet.
- Ensure pipe racks are level, stable, and properly secured before loading tubulars.
- Chock, crib, or otherwise secure tubulars to prevent rolling or shifting.
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety-toe boots, gloves, hard hats, and eye protection.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-4. When installing auxiliary equipment, which of the following accident types are listed as possible while loading tubulars on racks?
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