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903 Well Site Completion and Servicing Safety
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Wireline Operations

The special service supervisor should hold a pre-job meeting with the special service crew and other involved personnel to review responsibilities and to coordinate the operations to be performed.

Potential Hazards

  • being struck by wireline due to line failure
  • being struck by wireline, lubricator, sheaves, or other equipment
  • getting caught in wireline
  • pinching hands and fingers
  • getting sprains, strains or suffering from overexertion
  • falling from a height
  • receiving burns or being exposed to a respiratory hazard due to a fire
  • being exposed to an unexpected release of pressure
  • toppling mast or boom

Possible Solutions

  • Keep all non-essential workers out of the immediate work area.
  • Inspect wireline, rope sockets, and cable heads for defects before use.
  • Operate the wireline at a safe speed.
  • Use an appropriate method to determine the end of line location.
  • Inspect all slings, chains, pins or other attachment devices before lifting or suspending tools or equipment.
  • Minimize manual handling of lubricators and other equipment.
  • Use proper hand placement and tag lines to avoid pinch points.
  • Use proper fall protection.
  • Position the servicing unit properly with respect to wind direction and distance from potential gas or vapor sources.
  • Install a pressure release valve in the lubricator sub.
  • Bleed pressure from lubricator sub before breaking connections.
  • Check for an unusually tight connection that may indicate that pressure has not been released.
  • Install foundation, outriggers, and guying according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

5-2. What should be done to help protect workers from potential hazardous gas or vapor sources?