Module 22

Oil and Gas Industry Guidelines

What standards are

enforceable?
OSHA standards
By industry and type of operation
Take precedence over industry standards

Standards incorporated by reference

Only the parts concerning health and safety

Recognized hazards
Generally accepted industry standards
OSHA guidance documents can interpret
ambiguities
2

2006 TEEX

Elements Required to Prove

Violation of General Duty Clause
The employer failed to keep the workplace
free of a hazard to which employees of that
employer were exposed
The hazard was recognized
The hazard was causing or was likely to
cause death or serious physical harm
There was a feasible and useful method to
correct the hazard
Reference: FIRM Chapter III (C)(2)(c)

Not the lack of a particular abatement method

Not a particular accident
3

2006 TEEX

SIC 1300 Standards Cited by OSHA

Compliance Officers under 5(a)(1)
October 2005 through September 2006
API RP 54: 19 different sections, some
multiple times
API RP 4G: 5 citations
ASME/ANSI B30 series: 3 citations
API 9B: 1 citation
NEC: 1 citation
Company safety practices: 3 citations
Operating manuals: 5 citations
4

2006 TEEX

API RP 54

Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil

and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operation

1 General
1.1 Purpose: recommend practices and
procedures for promotion and
maintenance of safe working conditions
for personnel engaged in drilling
operations and well servicing
operations, including special services

2006 TEEX

1 General
1.2 Scope: rotary drilling rigs, well servicing
rigs, special services
Operations on location
Not seismic or water well drilling
Not site preparation or site abandonment

1.3 Responsibility:
Each employer trains own employees
Operator and contractor share information
Immediate supervision of authorized person with
authority to commence, modify, cease or improve
7

2006 TEEX

2 References

API standards
ACGIH TLVs
ANSI standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
NFPA standards
Incorporated for special topics

2006 TEEX

3 Definitions
3.1.88 shall: Recommended practice
has universal application to specific
activity
3.1.89 should: Recommended practice
Safe comparable alternative available
May be impractical or unnecessary under
certain circumstances

2006 TEEX

4 Injuries and First Aid

4.1 General immediate reporting and
treatment; follow-up reporting; cause
investigation and prevention
4.2 Medical services Information
available and arrangements made
4.3 First aid CPR trained individual and
first aid kit at worksite
4.4 Emergency eye or body wash stations
where exposed to injurious materials
10

2006 TEEX

5 Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
5.1 General:
Wear PPE when there is reasonable
potential for prevention of harm
PPE only used when engineering or
administrative controls impractical

11

2006 TEEX

5.2 Wearing Apparel

Hard hat: each person
Eye protection where probable injury
Safety-toe footwear
Alternative practice for extreme cold

Gloves, apron, boots, other appropriate

PPE for chemical handling
No loose or poorly fitted clothing
12

2006 TEEX

5.2 Wearing Apparel

Never work in clothing saturated with
flammable, hazardous, or irritating
substances
Never wear jewelry that could be
snagged or hung
Keep hair contained if long enough to
cause hazards
Hair/beard must not interfere with PPE
13

2006 TEEX

5 Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
5.3 Hearing protection
5.4 Respiratory protection
5.5 Fall protection for work 10 feet
above rig floor or other working surface
Guardrail, net, or PFAS
Alternative fall protection plan if infeasible

14

2006 TEEX

6.1 Operations General

Well control maintained at all times
Rig floor attended by person qualified
in well control
Horseplay and careless acts not
permitted
Training and safety program
Unsafe conditions reported to supervisor
and relayed between shifts
15

2006 TEEX

6.1 Operations General

Pipe threads cleaned with brush to
prevent finger wounds
Hazardous substances properly
labeled; users trained
Blowout prevention where necessary;
well control drills
No field welding on tongs, elevators,
bails, or heat treated rig equipment
16

2006 TEEX

6.1 Operations General

Vehicles not involved in operations: at
least 100 feet or derrick height away
from wellbore, or other safety measures
if not possible
Ground rig substructure, derrick, mast,
and other equipment as appropriate

17

2006 TEEX

6.2 Over Water Operations

Instruction in abandonment procedures,
emergency signals, water entry
2 emergency escape means to water
Personal flotation devices & ring buoys
2 life floats or alternatives
Cold water attire
Basket stretcher or litter, and instruction
18

2006 TEEX

6.2 Over Water Operations

Rules for crane transport of personnel
API RP 2D for offshore pedestal cranes
No crane operation during helicopter
takeoff or landing
Personal flotation devices for crane or
swingrope transfer to/from boats
Tag lines to steady all loads
19

2006 TEEX

6.3 Preliminary Rig-Up

Operations
Review planned arrangement to avoid
hazardous conditions
Pipelines
Utility lines

Rig up safely before commencing well

operations
Locate change rooms and outbuildings
far enough from boilers and fuel tanks
20

2006 TEEX

6.3 Preliminary Rig-Up

Operations
Check well for pressure, and remove
it or operate safely under pressure
All personnel out of derrick or mast and
cellar and stand clear when
Subsurface pump is being unseated or
Initial pull on tubing is made

21

2006 TEEX

6.4 Blowout Prevention

Equipment
Blowout prevention equipment installed
and tested where well might flow
Install, operate, maintain: API RP 53
Rig personnel must understand and be
able to operate blowout preventer
Discuss in pre-job meeting
Drills under variety of conditions

Anchor choke and kill lines prevent

whipping
22

2006 TEEX

6.5 Housekeeping
Clean work areas; remove trip hazards
Avoid / clean up wet floors (from leaks,
spills, or pulling wet pipe)
Keep cellar clear of fluids or loose
equipment/material
Keep egress routes unblocked
Store tools & equipment to avoid falling
Keep fire fighting equipment accessible
23

2006 TEEX

6.6 Hydrogen Sulfide

Environment
Safety guidelines referenced
API RP 49, 55, 68

Protect personnel and general public

24

2006 TEEX

6.7 Confined Space, Excavations,

or Hazardous Environments
Where unusually hazardous gases
present, advise employees, contractors,
and service company supervisors of
hazards
Fill the cellar if it is not needed
Definition of confined space
Testing, permit system before entry
Declassification of confined spaces
25

2006 TEEX

6.7.5 Excavations
If deeper than 4 feet and may contain a
hazardous atmosphere:
Test for oxygen, flammable gases/vapors,
toxic air contaminants

Evaluate whether excavation is a

confined space, and permit if necessary
Precautions to prevent exposures
Emergency response procedures
26

2006 TEEX

6.8 Machinery and Tools

Personnel only operate machinery on
which they are qualified
Belts, drive chains, gears, and drives
must have guards installed
Except rotary table, catheads, kelly

Guards in place and properly

maintained for operation
Maintenance: report to rig supervisor
27

2006 TEEX

6.8 Machinery and Tools

Moving parts guarded or stopped before
cleaning, lubrication, or repair
Maintain tools in safe condition
Double insulate or ground tools; Use GFCI
Electric or pneumatic tools: deadman switch
or starting switch that cannot be locked in
Secure materials to body when carrying them
up a ladder
28

2006 TEEX

6.9 Lockout/Tagout
Locks/tags identify equipment or circuits
being worked on
Critical systems: include identity of worker

Train and discipline personnel

Lock/tag removed by person who
installed it, or authorized replacement
If neither available, supervisor may remove
after ensuring no hazard created
29

2006 TEEX

6.10 Auxiliary Escape

Land rigs: derrick or mast must have
auxiliary means of escape before work
in the derrick
Securely anchored escape line attached to
derrick or mast for escape from
derrickmans platform (Geronimo line)
Wire rope with safety buggy with braking or
controlled descent device
Safety buggy releases when weight is
applied
30

2006 TEEX

6.10 Auxiliary Escape

Tension on escape line:

Periodically checked and adjusted

6-12 feet of sag in middle
Ground anchor point distance 2x height
Ground anchor point should withstand 3000
lb pull

Alternate fast escape if line is infeasible

Training on use
Never ride except in emergency
31

2006 TEEX

6.11 Personnel Lifting Systems

Never ride the elevators.
Except in extreme emergency, as
determined by supervisor, with full fall
protection and no pipe or other equipment

Bosuns chair attached to traveling

block or tugger line for inaccessible
location
Hydraulic or air winch lines allowable
under certain conditions
32

2006 TEEX

6.12 Racking Tubulars and Drill

Collars
Secure rods, tubulars, drill pipe, drill
collars when racked or hung in derrick
or mast to keep from falling
Safety clamps removed before hoisting
continues
Use stops, pins, or chocks to keep
round equipment from rolling off storage
rack
Prevent/remove ice plugs in tubulars
33

2006 TEEX

6.13 Handling Drilling Fluid

Chemicals and Additives
Never use asbestos as additive
Instruct personnel handling fluid and
additives in handling, disposal, and PPE

34

2006 TEEX

7.1 Fire Prevention

Store combustible and flammable
materials safely
Prevent rubbish accumulation
No smoking, or source of ignition, near
operations that could cause fire hazard
signs necessary
Change rooms in safe areas for
smoking
35

2006 TEEX

7.1 Fire Prevention

Potential ignition sources located at
safe distance from wellhead or
flammable storage areas
Only safety-designed heaters near rig
floor, substructure, or cellar
Do not allow oil and gas accumulations
Store oily waste in covered metal
containers
36

2006 TEEX

7.1 Fire Prevention

Never use natural gas or LPG to
operate spray guns or pneumatic tools
Cleaning solutions: flash point 100F
Conductive containers (e.g. metal) to
handle, store, or transport flammable
liquids
Ground and bond any plastic containers
NFPA 77 and API Publication 2003
37

2006 TEEX

7.2 Fire Protection

Fire fighting equipment not tampered
with or removed
Fire fighting water system may be used
for wash down if capacity is not
compromised
Equipment accessible, plainly labeled
Equipment inspected & maintained
Crew familiar with location & use
38

2006 TEEX

7.2 Fire Protection

Drilling rigs: at least 4 20-pound BC
extinguishers, depending on operation
Well servicing rigs: at least 2 20-pound
BC extinguishers, depending on
operation
Fire fighting equipment near all welding
Fire watch for welding/cutting outside
designated welding area
39

2006 TEEX

8 Flammable Liquids
Approved portable containers
Tanks and Drums properly labeled
Refueling operations:
Procedures for over water transfers
Shut down engines while refueling unless
shutdown causes greater hazard
Assign a person to monitor filling tank to
prevent spillage
Ground during refueling
40

2006 TEEX

8.3 Liquefied Petroleum Gas

(LPG)

41

Follow NFPA 58
Ignition source control
Protective caps on cylinders
Usual cylinder precautions
No temperatures >125F, no direct heat
Protective gloves for refilling or
replacing bottles: freeze burns
2006 TEEX

8.4 Flammable Liquid Storage

Storage area requirements: ventilation,
exits, housekeeping, warning,
extinguishers, classification
On land:
Not within 50 feet of wellbore, or equivalent
safety measures
LPG tanks >250 gallons at least 150 ft from
and parallel to closest side of rig; labeled

Offshore: appropriate precautions

42

2006 TEEX

9.1 Drilling and Well Servicing

Rig Equipment General
Openings in rotary table kept covered
when not occupied
Rathole and mousehole openings kept
covered when not occupied with
equipment

43

2006 TEEX

9.2 Derricks and Masts

Substantial, well designed & maintained
Permanent name plate:
Manufacturer
Model and serial number
Rating including static hook load capacity
with number of lines
Recommended guying pattern if applicable
If not noted, guy according to API 4G
44

2006 TEEX

9.2 Derricks and Masts

Raising and lowering masts:
Not moved while raised (except for skidding)
Visual inspection of raising/lowering
mechanism before use
Tools and unsecured materials removed from
mast before raising/lowering
Base level and positioned before raising,
lowering or telescoping, or tightening guylines
Qualified person in charge of raising/lowering
45

2006 TEEX

9.2 Derricks and Masts

Raising and lowering masts:
Bolts, nuts and pins secured
No extra personnel in/under mast unless
fully raised or lowered

Guylines tensioned before load applied

During unusual loading:
Only essential personnel on rig floor
No one in derrick, mast, or cellar
46

2006 TEEX

9.2 Derricks and Masts

Platforms above rig floor maintained
and secured to support stresses
Materials not kept above rig floor unless
in use and secured against falling
No one on rig floor during overhead
repair unless their help is needed
No unguarded openings big enough for
person to fall except ladder opening
between supports of crown block
47

2006 TEEX

9.2 Derricks and Masts

Bumper blocks:
Safety cable or strap along full length
Prevent wood fragment falling with screen

Counterweights:
Safety line anchored to derrick/mast if not
encased or in permanent guides
Travel of tong counterweights limited to
elevations needed for tongs

Safety devices for jacks

48

2006 TEEX

9.3 Ladders, Stairways, and

Platforms
Fixed ladder from rig floor to crown block
and to each intermediate platform
Ladders securely attached by
manufacturer specifications
Ladders must not lean back from vertical
Minimum clearances for ladders
Side rails extend 42 inches past landing
49

2006 TEEX

9.3 Ladders, Stairways, and

Platforms
Cages and platforms not required if
PFAS is used
Platforms wherever ladders are offset, if
PFAS is not used
Open stairways >4 risers:
Securely fastened
Handrails and midrails over entire length

Uniform, level stair treads

50

2006 TEEX

9.3 Ladders, Stairways, and

Platforms
At least 2 stairway exits on drilling rigs
from rig floor to ground level
Rig floor, ramps, stairways, ladders,
platforms kept free of slip/trip hazards
Derrick platforms:
Inside mast, except stabbing board, must
completely cover space from edge to legs
Secured to protect against dislodging
51

2006 TEEX

9.3 Ladders, Stairways, and

Platforms
Well servicing rigs:
Work not at ground level is on a working
platform large enough for 2 people
Safety fasteners when folded for storage

Finger board fingers bolted, welded,

hinged-and-pinned, or equivalent, to
beam
52

2006 TEEX

9.3 Ladders, Stairways, and

Platforms
Guardrails at outer edge 4 ft. above
ground or other working level
42 inch top rail, intermediate rail, posts
Except for
Personnel exits and entrances
Catwalk and V-door opening when being used
Work station used to rack tubulars
Alternate arrangements with equivalent safety

4 inch toe boards to prevent falling items

53

2006 TEEX

9.3 Ladders, Stairways, and

Platforms
Floor and deck openings not left open
Floor holes people may walk into:
securely covered with no more than 1
inch opening

54

2006 TEEX

9.4 Drawworks
Visual inspection once per day
Guard remains in place and in good
condition during operation
Do not lubricate during operation
Do not leave brake without securing,
unless equipped with automatic driller
Shut-down switches at drum control
console
55

2006 TEEX

9.4 Drawworks
Brake systems inspected and
maintained per manufacturer
recommendations
Drilling rigs:
Double (auxiliary) braking system
Safety device to keep traveling block from
striking crown block
Tested before each trip and after drill-line
slipping or cutting operation
56

2006 TEEX

9.5 Catheads and Lines Powered

by the Cathead
Shaft head covered by a thimble a rope
cannot wind around
Rope guide for manually operated rope
Check for grooves >1/4 inch; rebuild
and turn to avoid fouling
Keep lines from being entangled with
cathead line
No rope or line on unattended cathead
57

2006 TEEX

9.5 Catheads and Lines Powered

by the Cathead
Drawworks control attended while
manual cathead is in use
No rope splices on cathead friction
surface, except properly spliced endless
rope
Headache post or guard for drawworks
control personnel when line is near
operator
58

2006 TEEX

9.5 Catheads and Lines Powered

by the Cathead
Training required before operation of
cathead or lines
Maintain lines and automatic catheads
in safe working condition
When lifting tubulars, use slings that will
not slip off.

59

2006 TEEX

9.6 Hoisting lines and other wire

rope
Visually inspect at least once per day;
detailed inspection once per month
Remove when too many broken wires
Consider removal for corrosion
Remove lines with corroded, cracked,
bent, worn, improper end connections
Remove for kinking, crushing,
birdcaging, cutting, cold working
60

2006 TEEX

9.6 Hoisting lines and other wire

rope
Hoisting line: End securely fastened;
enough extra line on drum to avoid
fastener strain
Anchors at least as strong as line
Ton-mile limits; see API RP 9B
Moving hoisting line not to come in
contact with anything stationary except
crown block sheaves and traveling
block sheaves
61

2006 TEEX

9.6 Hoisting lines and other wire

rope
Hoisting line not removed from drum
until traveling block rests on rig floor or
is suspended separately
Slings should be identified by size,
grade, rated capacity, reach

62

2006 TEEX

9.7 Hoisting Tools, Hooks, Bails,

Elevators, and Related Equipment
Good engineering practice; maintained
safe. See API Spec 8A, 8B, 8C
Never exceed design load
Safety latch on hoisting hook to prevent
accidental release
Traveling blocks guarded properly
Crown blocks secured to keep sheaves
from jumping out of bearings
63

2006 TEEX

9.7 Hoisting Tools, Hooks, Bails,

Elevators, and Related Equipment
Traveling blocks not moved while crown
block is being lubricated
Fasten pump end of rotary hose to
derrick/mast by cable or chain
Fasten swivel end of rotary hose to
swivel with similar cable or chain
Inspect elevators, latches, latch locks,
pins, springs; replace if worn/damaged
64

2006 TEEX

9.8 Rotary
Only engage power when rotary table is
clear of all people and materials
Do not use rotary table for initial
breakout of tool joints only spinning
out after initial breakout
Use smooth kelly bushings to prevent
catching of people, clothes or material
65

2006 TEEX

9.9 Drill String Handling

Equipment
Manual drill pipe slip handles:
Use manufacturers original or equivalent
Short enough to not project beyond master
bushing

Lubricate tapered side of drill pipe slips

Do not kick slips into place
Attach tongs to fixed structure using
wire rope or stiff arm
66

2006 TEEX

9.9 Drill String Handling

Equipment
Maintain tongs properly
Tong safety lines: long enough to use
breakout cathead, but short enough to
prevent complete rotation of tongs
Power tongs:
Pressure systems: safety relief valve
Power input pressure line disconnected to
work on tongs
67

2006 TEEX

9.10 Weight Indicators

Used for all rigs that manipulate
tubulars
Maintained to register within 5%
Checked periodically for calibration
Gauge visible to operator
Protected from falling

68

2006 TEEX

9.11 Drilling Fluid Tanks

On land: Pits and tanks used to
circulate flammables located 100 feet
from well, or equivalent
Drilling fluid tanks treated as confined
spaces
Ventilation, ventilation alarms, gas
detectors
Blowers with appropriate electrical
classification
69

2006 TEEX

9.12 Pipe Racks and Pipe Tubs

Pipe handled at the ends while loading,
unloading, or transferring
Keep people out of the way during
transfer or loading/unloading
Prevent pipe from rolling off: Load and
unload by layers, with each layer
blocked at all 4 corners.
Temporary supports to skid or roll pipe
70

2006 TEEX

9.13 Pressure Equipment

Pressure relief valve discharges located
to prevent hazard with sudden
discharge or piping movement
Lines and hoses secured to prevent
unsafe movement
Never operate above rated pressure
Hammer unions must be the same
thread some look alike but will fail
71

2006 TEEX

9.13 Pressure Equipment

Pressure relief devices to discharge at
or below rated pressure of components
Automatic air pressure controls for
cleaning, sandblasting, etc.
Pump houses with 2 exit doors in
different directions to outside
Shear-pin relief valves enclosed to
prevent flying pins
72

2006 TEEX

9.14 Generators, Motors, and

Lighting
Generators 100 feet upwind of
wellhead or equivalent
Overload safety device to protect from
shorting and burnout
Adequate illumination, by safe portable
lights if necessary. Headlights are not
sufficient.
Extension cords insulated; plugs in
good condition
73

2006 TEEX

9.14 Generators, Motors, and

Lighting
Lighting and fixtures of appropriate electrical
classification (RP 500 & 505)
Enclosed and gasketed if not covered by 500/505

ANSI/IES RP7 1988: Industrial Lighting

Class I, Division I safeguards for shale shaker
motor and area within 5 feet
Lockout/tagout before repairing electrical
equipment
Ground motors, generators, control panels
74

2006 TEEX

9.15 Internal Combustion

Engines
Diesel engines require emergency shutdown devices to shut off air
Actuation check the rig power
emergency shut down devices 1x/week
Check all other internal combustion
engine shutdown devices 1x/30 days
Spark arrestors or equivalent within 100
feet of wellbore
75

2006 TEEX

9.16 Inspection of Critical

Equipment
Periodically inspected by manufacturer
recommendation or good engineering
practice
Certified inspectors use recognized
methods for nondestructive testing
Qualified personnel for other inspection
types
76

2006 TEEX

10.1 Work in Proximity to Exposed

Energized Power Sources
Minimum clearances to power lines:

77

Operating rig: 10 ft + 4 in/10 kV over 50 kV

Lowered mast: 4 ft + 4 in/10 kV over 50 kV
Individual designated as observer
Consider lines live unless owner report or
test by qualified person says non-energized

2006 TEEX

10.2 Rig Electrical Systems

Equipment
Designed for use in hazardous locations
if used there
Maintain: manufacturer recommendation
Flexible cord, resistant to dampness and
petroleum
Protect wiring from damage; replace or
properly repair when insulation damaged
Offshore: API RP 14F
78

2006 TEEX

10.3 Classification of Areas

See API RP 500 and 505 and NFPA 30
Adequate ventilation defined
<10% of lower explosive limit (LEL)
Enclosed areas: 1 cubic foot/minute per
square foot, but at least 6 air changes per
hour
Natural or mechanical

79

2006 TEEX

11.1 Well Pumping Units

Electric power deenergized during well
servicing and, if necessary, during rig
moves and rig-up or rig-down
For well servicing:
Pumping unit turned off
Brake set
Power source locked/tagged out

80

2006 TEEX

11.1 Well Pumping Units

Prevent unintended counterweight
movement
Use strong enough sling to handle
horsehead
Installation: bolt or latch as recommended

Maintain brake systems in safe working

order
Reinstall guards before startup
81

2006 TEEX

12 Special Services
General
Equipment
Communications
Discharge Line (Temporary Treating or
Cementing Lines)
Lubricator operations

82

2006 TEEX

13 Wireline Service

83

General
Placement and Handling of Wireline Service Units
Gin Poles (Telescoping and Single Poles)
Rope Falls (Block and Tackle)
Wellheads, Wellhead Connections, and Adapters
Lubricators and Wireline Blowout Preventer
Equipment
Wireline Operations
Perforating
Swabbing
Bailing
2006 TEEX

14 Stripping and Snubbing

General
Operations

84

2006 TEEX

15 Drill Stem Testing

General
Preliminary to Drill Stem Test
Performing the Drill Stem Test

85

2006 TEEX

16 Acidizing, Fracturing, and

Hot Oil Operations
General
Pumping Operations

86

2006 TEEX

17 Cementing Operations
General
Pumping Operations

87

2006 TEEX

18 Gas, Air, or Mist Drilling

Operations

88

General (All other requirements apply)

Training
Equipment
Procedures
Minimizing Sources of Ignition

2006 TEEX

19 Hot Tapping and Freezing

Operations
General
Hot Tapping Operations
Freezing Operations

89

2006 TEEX

20 Hotwork, Welding, and Flame

Cutting Operations
General
Written safety work permit system
Avoid being a source of ignition
Certified welders for equipment whose primary
function is to contain hydrocarbons

90

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Fire Protection
Equipment
Welding Fumes and Ventilation
2006 TEEX