R614-2-18. Drilling Industry -- Drilling Operations

A. When maintenance or servicing is to be accomplished on power-driven equipment, the immediate source of power to the individual piece of equipment to be worked on shall be locked out. When maintenance or servicing is to be accomplished on electrical lines, air lines, gas lines, or other lines containing hazardous materials, the line being worked on shall be rendered safe by emptying, purging, disconnecting, or other means before work is begun.

B. Drillers shall never engage the rotary clutch without watching the rotary table.

C. Tools or other materials shall not be carried up or down a ladder unless properly secured to the body, leaving both hands free for climbing.

D. The hoisting line (wire rope) shall not be removed from the drum until the traveling blocks are to be laid on the derrick floor, or the traveling blocks are to be held suspended by a separate wire rope.

E. The hoisting line (wire rope) shall not be in direct contact with any derrick member, any stationary equipment, or material in the derrick except the crown block and any traveling block sheaves, a line spooler, a line stabilizer or weight indicator.

F. Every overhead sheave or pulley on which a line spooler counterweight rope runs shall be fastened securely to its support.

G. Every rig shall be equipped with a safety valve (Kelly Cock) with connections for each type of tool joint being used.

H. Blowout Prevention Equipment. While a well is being drilled, tested, completed, reconditioned, or is otherwise being worked on, blowout prevention equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with recognized standards and shall be reasonably adequate to keep the well under control at all times. The blowout prevention equipment provided shall be approved by the State of Utah Oil, Gas, and Mining Division.

I. Spinning chains shall not be handled near the rotary table while it is in motion. Workers shall not place the chain on the joint of pipe in the mouse hole while the table is rotating.

J. Chains used in connection with drilling or production operations shall be suitable for the type of service. Chains used in a spinning line, in a long line, or on a cathead must be of an approved type.

K. Every drilling rig shall be equipped with a reliable weight indicator.

L. Any weight indicator hung above the floor shall be secured to the derrick by means of a wire rope safety line or chain.

M. Every test plug used above the derrick floor shall be attached to the elevator links by safety line or chain.

N. The operator shall not leave the brake without tying the brake down or securing it with adequate counterbalance unless the drawworks is equipped with an automatic feed control.

O. The operator shall not engage the rotary clutch until the rotary table is clear of personnel and material.

P. The operator shall not leave the controls while the hoisting drum is on motion, except when drilling.

Q. Each rotary tong shall be securely attached to the derrick or a backup post with adequate wire rope safety lines.

R. A mud box or other effective means shall be provided on all rigs to convey any fluids away from the derrick floor while pulling drill stem test or breaking wet joints.

S. Hoses, lines, or chains shall not be handled or used near the rotary table while it is in motion.

T. A kelly pull-back post shall be provided for pulling the kelly back to the rat hold. The pull-back post shall be secured either to the derrick foundation, side sills, or floor sills, and shall not be attached to or in contact with the derrick legs, girts, or braces.

U. Whenever drill pipes, drill collars, or tubing are racked in the derrick provision shall be made for drainage of any fluids or gases in the stands.

V. The toolpusher (or other qualified employee) shall be in charge and present during the operation of raising or lowering a derrick.

W. The employer shall not allow employees under or in a derrick being raised or lowered.

X. No employee shall handle a traveling hoisting line unless he uses a suitable hand guard which shall be secured to the derrick.

Y. The rotary table shall not be used for the final making up or initial breaking out of a pipe connection.

Z. All pipe and drill collars racked in a derrick shall be adequately secured to prevent them from falling across the derrick.

AA. Safety clamps used on drill collars, flush joint pipe, or similar equipment for the purpose of preventing its falling in the well when not held by the elevator, shall be removed from the pipe and drill collars before racking.

BB. Racking foundations shall be designed to withstand the load of racked pipe and drill collars.