Alert 09 – 30 MTO – Struck by the Tongs
WHAT HAPPENED:
The drill crew had made up a joint of 6-5/8” drill pipe. They then attempted to torque the connection using the bottom tong to apply the torque and the top tong was used for backup. The bottom tong was placed improperly and was biting on the hard banding. At about 5,000-ft. lbs. of torque, the bottom tong broke loose from its bite and struck the employee on his left thigh. This resulted in a medical treatment case.