Oil drilling is considered to be one of the riskiest jobs in the world. Each decade features about one major oil rig disaster that has taken the lives of hundreds of workers. That is the reason that standards have been put in place, along with equipment that can help ensure that drilling takes place safely.
Safety Equipment and Training
Regardless of the use, safety standards will always require having safety equipment in place as well as training on how these pieces of equipment should be used. Drilling companies and oil rig adhere to the same safety standards. Requirements for the right downhole products are typically listed down in Oklahoma or other areas to prevent the repeat of oil rig explosions, such as in the case of the Quinton Drilling Disaster of 2018. Training, on the other hand, focuses not only on how equipment should be used but also on how to ensure that everyone is aware of what the safety standards are and how they can comply. Part of this training is how they should react and what they should do during an emergency. You have to keep in mind that, in such an environment where the risk of an accident happening is exceptionally high, the focus is more on the prevention of disasters from happening.
Regular Check
Onshore rigs have a different set of standards as opposed to offshore rigs; however, both require regular checks not only of the machinery but also of the safety protocols in place. In the case of onshore rigs, this will include inspection of frame mounts, soil stability onsite, and proper cribbing. For offshore rigs, on the other hand, team members would have to check for adequate and reliable lighting, slip-resistant conditions, and memorization of emergency procedures.
Use of Cellphones
With the introduction of wireless technology, more platforms and rigs are adapting communication methods over the air. That was a big change from how things were done in the past, as safety experts were adamant about not allowing mobile phones near any source of gas. The rationale behind this is that the gas fumes can be ignited by sparks generated with the use of the mobile phone. The Petroleum Equipment Institute, however, has put the matter to rest by saying that there has been no recorded case of an oil rig explosion due to the use of mobile phones.
Bed and Rest
More organizations are now pushing for the installation of beds and rooms in each drilling area. It allows the field workers to have a place where they can take a rest when they are tired. This move was as a result of some drilling accidents were the primary cause was one of the team members falling asleep or feeling too tired to make a thorough check of the facilities.
Today, several drilling companies are becoming aware of how important adhering to standards is that it comes as no surprise if you see a rig safety advisor onsite. This advisor is the primary point of contact and is the first responder onboard the rig. They have to ensure that safety standards are adhered to by everyone on the platform and that all necessary paper works related to maintenance are kept in place.
