Alert 04 – 11 Management of Change Tong Snub-Line Removal Results in an Injury
WHAT HAPPENED:
The Drill crew was preparing to test BOP and the Driller instructed the crew that he was going to make up the TDS and would require back-up tongs on the drill pipe. The tongs were placed on the pipe and the TDS spin function engaged to make up the connection. As the connection neared complete make-up, the tongs spun around with no snub-line attached and the tong operator was caught between the breakout line and the drill pipe. The employee received minor injuries, but the potential for catastrophic injury was high.