Energy Isolation
Stored Energy
Check that equipment that contains stored energy is labeled. Some hydraulic equipment may have internal accumulators or reservoirs where pressure is stored.
Refer to manufacturer’s documentation and ensure that labeling on the equipment is complete and visible. Mechanical equipment may have some type of internal “pre-load” such as springs or tension devices that may release energy if the unit is disassembled without the proper precautions. Examples include: valve actuators, mechanical well logging equipment, retractable cable devices, and crown saver devices.
Chemical Injection Systems
Check that chemical injection systems are identified and are included in the isolation procedure for any attached equipment. Some rigs may have chemical injection systems that feed mud products or chemicals directly into the circulating system. Chemical tanks that gravity feed into the mud tanks should also be identified for isolation in the tank cleaning procedure.
Mechanical Energy
Traveling blocks, sheaves hung in the derrick, and pipe tongs are examples of energy hanging in the derrick.
Inventory overhead equipment to identify which must be restrained for maintenance or secondary fall protection. Check that cables or other hang off devices required are adequate for the load they are expected to support. Overhead sheaves must be designed by the manufacturer for overhead use. When making changes, such as adding a rental top drive, the traveling block hang-off device must be analyzed to ensure it is adequate to hold the additional weight.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. According to the text, traveling blocks, sheaves hung in the derrick, and pipe tongs are examples of equipment with which kind of hazardous energy source?
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