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Adding and removing drill rods

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Toolbox Talk: Safe Handling of Drill Rods

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all workers understand the safe procedures for adding and removing drill rods, minimizing the risk of injury and equipment damage.

Introduction

Handling drill rods is a common task in drilling operations, but it poses significant safety risks if not done correctly. Proper procedures and safety measures are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to handling drill rods.

Key Points

  • Understand the Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the drill rig and its components, including the drawworks and rotary table, to ensure safe operation [1].
  • Inspect Before Use: A competent person should inspect all drilling equipment before use to identify and correct any defects [2].
  • Secure Drill Rods: Ensure drill rods are secured to prevent them from falling when racked in a derrick [1].
  • Control Movement: Use mechanical means to control the movement of heavy materials and ensure they are securely anchored [3].
  • Avoid Unattended Controls: Never leave controls unattended while the hoist drum is in motion, except during drilling [1].

Hazard Identification

  • Falling Objects: Drill rods can fall if not properly secured, leading to serious injuries.
  • Equipment Failure: Defective equipment can lead to accidents during operation.
  • Uncontrolled Movement: Improper handling can cause drill rods to move unexpectedly, posing a risk to workers.

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

  • Elimination: Remove unnecessary equipment from the work area to reduce clutter and potential hazards.
  • Engineering Controls: Use automatic feed controls and safety devices on rotary tongs to prevent uncontrolled movement [1].
  • Administrative Controls: Implement regular inspections and maintenance schedules for all equipment [2].
  • PPE: Ensure all workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hard hats and gloves.

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Inspect the drill rig and equipment before starting work.
  2. Secure all drill rods in the derrick to prevent them from falling.
  3. Use mechanical aids to handle heavy drill rods safely.
  4. Ensure all controls are attended when the hoist drum is in motion.
  5. Follow proper procedures for adding and removing drill rods.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Hard Hats: Wear at all times to protect against falling objects.
  • Gloves: Use to protect hands when handling drill rods.
  • Safety Boots: Ensure proper footwear to prevent foot injuries.

Real-World Example or Case Study

Discuss a recent incident where improper handling of drill rods led to an accident. Highlight what went wrong and the lessons learned.

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the most common hazards you've encountered when handling drill rods?
  2. How can we improve our current procedures to enhance safety?
  3. What additional training or resources would help you perform your job more safely?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Stop all operations immediately if an accident occurs.
  2. Secure the area to prevent further incidents.
  3. Provide first aid to any injured workers.
  4. Report the incident to a supervisor and follow company protocols.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to the topic.

  • Q: What should I do if I notice a defect in the equipment?

A: Report it immediately and do not use the equipment until it is repaired.

  • Q: How often should equipment be inspected?

A: Equipment should be inspected before each use and regularly maintained.

Summary

  • Always inspect equipment before use.
  • Secure drill rods to prevent them from falling.
  • Use mechanical aids for handling heavy materials.
  • Wear appropriate PPE at all times.

Action Items

  1. Review and update current safety procedures for handling drill rods.
  2. Schedule regular training sessions on equipment inspection and maintenance.
  3. Ensure all workers have access to the necessary PPE.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Always follow procedures and report any hazards immediately.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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3 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 878

Open source document

Source excerpt

Division 3 AO 3-2019 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division - (7) Drills on columns shall be anchored firmly before starting drilling, and shall be retightened as necessary thereafter. (8) - (i) The employer shall provide mechanical means on the top deck of a jumbo for lifting unwieldy or heavy material. - (ii) When jumbo jacks are over 10 feet (3.05 m) in height, the employer shall install stairs wide enough for two persons. - (iii) Jumbo decks more than 10 feet (3.05 m) in height shall be equipped with guardrails on all open sides, excluding access openings of platforms, unless an adjacent surface provides equivalent fall protection. (iv) - (A) Only employees assisting the operator shall be allowed to ride on jumbos, unless the jumbo meets the requirements of paragraph (r)(6)(ii) of this section. - (B) Jumbos shall be chocked to prevent movement while employees are working on them. (v) - (A) Walking and working surfaces of jumbos shall be maintained to prevent the hazards of slipping, tripping and falling. - (B) Jumbo decks and stair treads shall be designed to be slip-resistant and secured to prevent accidental displacement. - (9) Scaling bars shall be available at scaling operations and shall be maintained in good condition at all times. Blunted or severely worn bars shall not be used. (10) - (i) Blasting holes shall not be drilled through blasted rock (muck) or water. - (ii) Employees in a shaft shall be protected either by location or by suitable barrier(s) if powered mechanical loading equipment is used to remove muck containing unfired explosives. - (11) A caution sign reading 'Buried Line,' or similar wording shall be posted where air lines are buried or otherwise hidden by water or debris. ## (r) Haulage. (1)

[2] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 877

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 3-2019 Division 3 - (B) The casing or bracing shall extend 42 inches (1.07 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above ground level, except that the minimum casing height may be reduced to 12 inches (0.3 m), provided that a standard railing is installed; that the ground adjacent to the top of the shaft is sloped away from the shaft collar to prevent entry of liquids; and that effective barriers are used to prevent mobile equipment operating near the shaft from jumping over the 12 inch (0.3 m) barrier. - (iii) After blasting operations in shafts, a competent person shall determine if the walls, ladders, timbers, blocking, or wedges have loosened. If so, necessary repairs shall be made before employees other than those assigned to make the repairs are allowed in or below the affected areas. - (p) Blasting. This paragraph applies in addition to the requirements for blasting and explosives operations, including handling of misfires, which are found in Subpart U of this part. - (1) Blasting wires shall be kept clear of electrical lines, pipes, rails, and other conductive material, excluding earth, to prevent explosives initiation or employee exposure to electric current. - (2) Following blasting, an employee shall not enter a work area until the air quality meets the requirements of paragraph (j) of this section. ## (q) Drilling. - (1) A competent person shall inspect all drilling and associated equipment prior to each use. Equipment defects affecting safety shall be corrected before the equipment is used. - (2) The drilling area shall be inspected for hazards before the drilling operation is started. - (3) Employees shall not be allowed on a drill mast while the drill bit is in operation or the drill machine is being moved. - (4) When a drill machine is being moved from one drilling area to another, drill steel, tools, and other equipment shall be secured and the mast shall be placed in a saf…

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 222

Open source document

Source excerpt

## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Drawworks - 29-23 (1) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that the drawworks on every drilling rig is equipped with an automatic feed control. - (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure, with respect to the drawworks on a rig, that: - (a) the mechanism installed or used to hold down the brakes in the engaged position is designed to prevent accidental disengagement; - (b) a competent person tests the brakes at the beginning of each shift and inspects the brakes at least weekly to ensure that they are in good working order; and - (c) controls are not left unattended while the hoist drum is in motion except during drilling. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s29-23. ## Drill pipes, tubing, etc. 29-24 (1) If a drill pipe, drill collar or tubing is racked in a derrick, an employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that provision is made for the complete drainage of fluids or gases from the drill pipe, drill collar or tubing. - (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that a drill pipe, drill collar, tubing, casing or rod that is racked in a derrick is secured to prevent it from falling. - (3) Before running a drill pipe, drill collar, tubing or casing in a wellbore, an employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that the drill pipe, drill collar, tubing or casing is free from ice plugs or other obstructions. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s29-24. ## Material racks 29-25 (1) An employer, contractor, owner or supplier shall ensure that material racks are designed and constructed to prevent material from rolling off the rack. - (2) An employer, contractor, owner or supplier shall ensure that workers: - (a) transfer to and from storage, move and handle material in a controlled and safe manner; and - (b) hoist material into and out of a derrick in a controlled and safe manner. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s29-25. ## Rotary tongs 29-26 An employer, contractor, owner or supplier sha…

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