902 Well Site Preparation and Drilling Safety

Setting Up the Rig Floor and Mast or Derrick

Once the substructure is set in place and verified as level and secure, the process of setting up the rig floor begins. The rig floor serves as the primary work area for drilling operations and supports critical equipment, personnel movement, and the mast or derrick. Proper installation and inspection during this phase are essential to safe and efficient drilling.

Installation of the rig floor and mast or derrick involves multiple coordinated steps that may occur simultaneously. These activities require the use of cranes, winches, and drawworks and expose workers to fall hazards, struck-by hazards, and pinch points. Clear communication and adherence to established rig-up procedures are critical throughout this process.

• Install stairways, handrails, and guardrails to provide safe access to the rig floor and protect workers from falls.
• Set the drawworks in place and securely fasten it to the substructure to prevent movement during operations.
• On mechanical rigs, position and secure the engines that power the drawworks and auxiliary equipment.
• Connect the compound and associated mechanical equipment to the drawworks.
• On electric rigs, string and secure electrical cables from power sources to the drawworks, ensuring proper routing and protection from damage.
• Raise the bottom section of the mast to the rig floor and pin it securely in place.
• Raise the crown section into position on the derrick stand and secure it according to manufacturer specifications.
• Raise the “A-legs” and pin them into place to stabilize the mast structure.
• Install and pin the monkeyboard in its designated position on the mast.
• Lay out all drilling lines, cables, and hoses in an organized manner to prevent tangling or interference during mast raising.

Before raising the mast or derrick, conduct a thorough inspection of all rig floor equipment, structural connections, pins, lines, and mast components to ensure everything is properly installed and secure.

Once inspections are complete, the mast is ready to be raised.

• Start the engines and spool the drilling line onto the drawworks drum under controlled conditions.
• After the mast has been raised and pinned, install the remaining rig floor equipment as required.
• If the rig is equipped with safety guylines, attach them to designated anchors and properly tension them before continuing the rig-up process.
• Install a derrick emergency escape device on the mast to provide a safe means of egress in an emergency.

After the mast or derrick has been raised, conduct a second, comprehensive inspection of the drawworks, rig floor equipment, mast structure, guylines, anchors, and emergency escape device to verify safe and proper installation before drilling begins.

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