Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
Drilling operations involve a lot of potential hazards. That’s why ensuring safety in such a high-risk environment is not a legal obligation or a moral responsibility. But how do you identify and assess the risks of drilling operations to put a safety management system in place?
This article will provide a comprehensive explanation of drilling safety, focusing on identifying and assessing risks associated with drilling operations. We will delve into practical ways to establish a safety management system, effectively reducing these risks, safeguarding workers, and promoting a safety culture. Understanding and mitigating risks is not just beneficial—it’s integral to the long-term success of any drilling operation.
What is Drilling Safety?
Drilling safety refers to the practices and protocols to safeguard the health and well-being of workers involved in drilling operations. It encompasses many elements, from the use and maintenance of drilling equipment and the handling of hazardous materials to the implementation of emergency response plans.
Drilling safety is a proactive process that constantly evolves with new technologies and procedures. It involves continuously evaluating risks and hazards associated with drilling operations and implementing relevant measures to mitigate these risks. Ultimately, drilling safety aims to create a secure and healthy working environment, prioritizing protecting human life above all else.
Safety Risks Involved in Drilling Operations
In drilling operations, several safety risks are prevalent, posing significant threats to workers’ well-being and the operations’ integrity. This section provides an in-depth discussion of these safety risks: Harsh Weather Conditions, Fire and Explosions, and Electric Shock.
Harsh Weather Conditions
Extreme weather conditions pose one of the most common and significant safety risks in drilling operations. Workers exposed to extreme heat, cold, heavy rain, or high winds may suffer from heat stroke, frostbite, hypothermia, or other weather-related injuries. Additionally, severe weather can make operating equipment more difficult and dangerous, leading to accidents and equipment damage. It is thus crucial to regularly monitor weather conditions and adjust operations accordingly to ensure worker safety.
Fire and Explosions
Due to the nature of drilling operations, the risk of fire and explosions is high. Highly flammable gasses and liquids are often present in and around drilling sites, which, if not managed correctly, can lead to catastrophic accidents. There is also a risk of sparks from equipment igniting these substances. Implementing rigorous fire safety protocols, including regular equipment inspections and a well-trained emergency response team, can significantly mitigate these risks.
Electric Shock
Electric shocks are another significant safety risk in drilling operations. Given the extensive use of electrical equipment and machinery in such settings, there’s an inherent risk of electrocution or electrical burns. Risks are especially high in damp or wet conditions, where water can provide a path for electricity to reach the ground or a person. Regular equipment maintenance and safety checks and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce the risk of electric shocks.
The 7-Step Safety Drilling Process
It’s crucial to follow a comprehensive safety drilling process to ensure drilling safety. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the safety drilling process:
Step 1: Prepare the Rig Site
Preparation of the rig site is the first step in the process. This includes setting up safety equipment, installing necessary drilling machinery, and ensuring the site is free of potential hazards. It’s also important to ensure that all workers have undergone safety training and are aware of emergency procedures.
Step 2: Drilling Proper
During the drilling phase, monitoring operations closely to identify potential safety risks early is crucial. Regular checks on equipment should be carried out, and safety protocols, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), must be strictly observed.
Step 3: Cementing and Testing
Once drilling is complete, cementing and testing comes next. This involves securing the well with cement and testing the site to ensure it’s functioning correctly and safely. Rigorous checks should be conducted to identify potential leaks or malfunctions that pose a safety risk.
Step 4: Well Completion
Well, completion involves preparing the well for production. Ensuring that all equipment functions properly and the well is safe for operations is essential. Regular safety checks should continue, and any issues identified should be addressed promptly to prevent potential accidents.
Step 5: Fracking
Fracking involves injecting high-pressure fluid into the well to extract oil or gas. Given the high pressures involved, it’s crucial to maintain strict safety protocols, including regular equipment checks and PPE, to mitigate the risk of accidents.
Step 6: Production and Fracking Fluid Recycling
The extracted oil or gas is processed and prepared for sale during the production phase. Recycling of fracking fluid is also carried out to reduce environmental impact. As with all stages of the drilling process, safety checks and the observance of safety protocols are vital.
Step 7: Well Abandonment and Land Restoration
Once extraction is complete, the well is abandoned, and the land is restored. This involves ensuring the well is safely sealed, and all equipment is removed from the site. The site should be restored as closely as possible to its original state, with any potential hazards identified and addressed.
By following these steps, drilling operations can be conducted safely, effectively minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the well-being of workers.
Precautions To Prevent Accidents in Drilling Operations
Implementing a robust safety culture in drilling operations is paramount for accident prevention. The following precautions are pivotal in maintaining a safe work environment:
- Fall Protection: Installing guardrails, safety nets, and fall arrest systems can prevent accidents resulting from falls. Workers should be trained in using these safety measures correctly.
- Worker Identification Products: Identification products such as RFID tags can help facilitate worker tracking and accountability, ensuring that all personnel are accounted for at all times.
- Adequate Productivity and Safety Tool Boxes: These should be available on-site to provide workers easy access to safety equipment and tools necessary to carry out their tasks safely and efficiently.
- Emergency Response Plans: An effective emergency response plan should be in place, detailing protocols for every possible disaster scenario. This includes evacuation plans, first aid procedures, and communication strategies.
- Detection Sensors: Sensors can detect harmful gases, radiation, or other environmental hazards and help prevent exposure-related incidents.
- Safety Lighting: Adequate lighting should be provided, especially during night-time operations, to ensure visibility and prevent accidents.
- Visible Signages: Clear signage indicating safety procedures, potential hazards, and emergency exits can guide workers and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Machinery Maintenance and Protection: Regular maintenance and inspection of all machinery and equipment is essential to prevent malfunctions and accidents.
- Regular Safety Training: Safety training sessions should be conducted periodically to update workers on safety protocols and procedures.
- Non-stop Supervision: Continuous supervision can help identify potential risks, enforce safety protocols, and take immediate action in case of accidents.
- Adequate PPE in Good Condition: Workers should be equipped with the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and trained to use and maintain them properly.
- Housekeeping Common Sense: Keeping the work area clean and free from obstructions can reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
By implementing these safety precautions, drilling operations can substantially reduce the risk of accidents, ensuring the safety and well-being of all personnel.
Ensure Drilling Safety Compliance Using a Low-code Platform
Safety and compliance are crucial elements in drilling operations. With the help of a low-code platform, organizations can ensure that their safety protocols and procedures are followed closely. This includes creating an automated workflow system with real-time tracking, assigning tasks to personnel, monitoring progress, and generating reports on violations and corrective actions taken.
By utilizing a low-code platform, organizations can gain better visibility into their safety performance and ensure that all personnel are compliant with safety regulations. This helps reduce the risk of accidents and keeps production costs low in the long term.
A low-code platform is essential for drilling operations to ensure compliance and safety in today’s increasingly complex working environment. At the same time, this platform can help organizations save time and money while ensuring that their safety protocols are being followed closely.
Why Use DATAMYTE?
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard, in particular, is a low-code workflow automation software that features a checklist and smart form builder. This tool lets you create a comprehensive safety procedure for your drilling operations, including creating custom forms and checklists for each activity.
To create a checklist or form template using DATAMYTE, follow these steps:
- Log in to the DATAMYTE software and navigate to the ‘Checklist’ module.
- Click “Create Checklist.”
- Add a title to your checklist or template; select the category where it belongs.
- Start adding items to the checklist or template by clicking “Add Item.”
- Define the description of each item, what type of answer it requires, and other relevant specifications (e.g., reference documents, acceptance criteria, limits).
- Assign a team member responsible for inspecting using the checklist or template.
- Add signature fields for approvals (e.g., supervisors, quality assurance personnel).
- Save the checklist or template—you can now access it anywhere, and it will be available on any device.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, a high-frequency evaluation of critical process steps, focusing on areas with the highest failure risk or non-compliance. Conducting LPA with DATAMYTE lets you effectively identify and correct potential defects before they become major quality issues.
With DATAMYTE, you have an all-in-one solution for creating and implementing a comprehensive safety procedure for drilling operations. DATAMYTE lets you track your team’s progress, generate reports on violations and corrective actions taken, and ensure that all personnel are compliant with safety regulations. Book a demo to learn how DATAMYTE can help keep your drilling operations safe and compliant.
Conclusion
Ensuring safety in drilling operations is a multi-faceted task that demands comprehensive planning and rigorous compliance. By utilizing modern technological tools like DATAMYTE, organizations can effectively manage safety procedures, enforce compliance, and monitor their real-time safety performance.
This not only helps reduce the risk of accidents but also contributes to keeping production costs low in the long run. Remember, a safe workplace is a productive workplace. Embrace these safety measures to safeguard your operations and personnel. Get started today!
