Fire Safety Know How

In the winter there is a great chance of fire because stoves are lighted for warmth and to keep lines from freezing.  Field gas pressure is up and down and a downdraft causes a stove to blow out.  All employees should know where to shut off field gas lines and butane lines that are away from the rig.  When lighting a heater in any enclosure, check for a possible gas leak before striking a match.

Oil and grease near a stove can cause a fire.  Depending on the type of heater in the accommodations unit, clothes stored too close to the heater can cause clothes to catch fire.  When using a gas type heater, check all valves before starting fire and keep grease, rags and oil away from flames.

All employees should know where fire extinguishers are kept.  Always be sure that used fire extinguishers are refilled before replacing.  When using the extinguisher, point the stream directly at the base of the flame.

Lighters and matches should be kept in the designated safe smoking area.  When conducting a drill stem test or any line of work that calls for working around live oil, do not carry matches or lighters.  If you are repairing any kind of gas line, stove or anything that carries flammable liquid or vapor, do not leave the line disconnected unless all concerned are warned or a danger sign is put up.  Be sure you know these things before you light a fire, not after.

To avoid fire when making drill stem tests or swabbing, the precautions listed below should be used:

  1. Extinguish all fires.
  2. If the mufflers on the rig’s engines are not spark-suppression type, run water through engine exhausts.
  3. Shut down all unnecessary engines.
  4. Have fire extinguishers loaded and in place.
  5. Keep the cellar jetted out.
  6. Be sure all men know what to do in case of a blowout.
  7. Be sure that derrickman’s escape line is in good condition.
  8. Use mud box and keep oil washed off the floor.
  9. Drill stem test only in daytime.

Firing Boilers

Before firing the boiler with gas, make sure there is a fire in the pot.  Check all oil and fuel lines to the boiler before starting, and warm it slowly to keep from warping.  Check all steam lines for proper valves, leaks and check the condition of all steam hoses and lines.

Drilling With Oil Emulsion Mud

Keep open fires away from pits.  Floors are to be washed clean.  Keep the cellar jetted.  Do not wear clothes that are wet with oil emulsion mud any length of time (have a spare clean set of clothing available).  Smoke only in designated safe smoking areas.  Wash tools and machinery with clean or fresh water. When making a trip, rinse the inside drill pipe.  Wash eyes immediately if mud is splashed in them.  Wash the BOP after each trip.  Keep oil well mixed at all times, especially while making trips.  Machinery should be kept well lubricated to prevent overheating or sparks.  Use electrical equipment such as lights, electric cables, junction boxes, and switches that are approved for use in Class 1 Division 1 or Class 1 Division 2 areas.

Frozen Gas Lines and Valves

When thawing out frozen gas, gasoline or other liquefied gas lines, fire should not be used. An ammonia or alcohol injection should be tried. If the line must be cut in order to open it, it should be tapped so that any pressure may be released.  Employees should not stand in front or near the end of a frozen line which has been cut, and from which ice and hydrates are being blown.  Before attempting to thaw frozen valves, gas pressure should be relieved from the valve.