Casing Running Precautions

Running casing can be a hazardous operation for a number of reasons. First, there most likely will be workers present who are not part of the normal makeup of the rig crew. Second, it is an activity that is not part of the everyday drilling operations. Third, heavy equipment is added to the rig floor that is not normally located on the rig floor. Fourth, this equipment has to be rigged up. And fifth, there are simultaneous operations going on: picking up and running casing while other casing is being brought to the rig floor.

Hazards:

1. Being struck by the equipment that is being rigged up.
2. Possible dropped items from the derrick while rigging up stabbing basket or positioning it if the derrick has a permanently installed basket.
3. Being struck by casing that is being brought to the rig floor or being picked up.
4. Falls while rigging up and locating the stabbing basket.
5. Falls while running casing (raised floor, stabbing basket, slips or trips).
6. Pinch points (casing tongs, spider, casing elevators, swinging casing).

The best way to avoid these hazards is to be aware of them and take appropriate precautions when rigging up and running casing. A Pre-Job Safety meeting should be held that includes everyone involved in running the casing. In addition the crews need to perform the following actions:

1. Inspect equipment:

a. Always check the condition of the equipment to be used before work begins and replace if necessary.
b. Make sure the casing equipment delivered to the rig meets the specifications required for the casing string to be run.
c. Inspect the:

• Casing tongs
• Pick up cable
• Casing elevators (all sets that are expected to be used)
• Crane and slings
• Tail rope
• Mud fill up line (ensure it is hooked up to proper supply system).

2. Utilize proper rigging procedures to pick up the equipment.
3. Take care when removing and returning the casing thread protectors to the catwalk area.
4. Keep feet from below swinging casing as it is being picked up.
5. Utilize 100% tie off when rigging up the stabbing board and working in the derrick.
6. Rig floor workers must be alert at all times for casing being brought into the V-door and casing being picked up and added to the string.
7. Casing stabber must be alert to swinging blocks/elevators as casing is being picked up from V-door.
8. Casing stabber must watch for pinch points when removing sling and latching elevators on casing.
9. Casing stabber must stabilize top end of casing as floormen stab casing.
10. Take care when filling casing not to overfill and get mud on rig floor.
11. Casing rollers do not walk on casing or attempt to roll casing from on top. Walk beside the ends. Keep hands away from pinch points.
12. Wear eye protection to protect eyes from mud being added to the casing string.
13. When the casing job is complete, pick up all tools and clean up the rig floor.