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903 Well Site Completion and Servicing Safety
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Hot Oiling Operations

Possible Solutions

  • Locate hot oil trucks and tanks a safe distance (100 feet is recommended) from the well and out of the fall line of the derrick, if it is on site. Where impractical, use additional safety measures.
  • Position hot oil units upwind or crosswind from potential sources of flammable liquids, vapors, or gases. Wind direction indicator should be present and visible to the operator.
  • Shut down hot oiling operation immediately if a leak occurs.
  • Make fire extinguishers readily accessible to the hot oil operator.
  • Avoid parking over or placing lines containing flammable fluids under trucks or other vehicles.
  • Install check valve in the pump line as close to the well head as possible.
  • Inspect all components of the hot oil unit before each use.
  • Shut the burner down if the wind dies.
  • Shut the burner down and reposition equipment if the wind changes direction so as to create a hazard.
  • Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as heavy padded, insulated, leather gloves.
  • Do not connect heavy joints of pipe to the small nipples on the pumping.
  • Secure all hot oil and discharge lines.
  • Connect the hot oil line directly to the flow line if pump pressure exceeds safe limits (500 psi).
  • Remain clear of pressurized lines.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-9. Where should hot oil trucks and tanks be located during hot oiling operations?