902 Well Site Preparation and Drilling Safety

Handling Tubulars

What Are Tubulars?

Tubulars refer to cylindrical steel pipes used in the drilling, completion, and production of oil and gas wells.

The three primary types of tubulars are:

• Drill pipe – used to drill the well and deliver drilling fluids to the bit.
• Casing – inserted into the wellbore and cemented in place to prevent collapse and protect groundwater.
• Tubing – smaller-diameter pipe placed inside the casing, through which oil or gas flows to the surface.

Tubulars are long, heavy, and often slippery, posing unique risks to rig personnel.

• Struck-by hazards: Workers can be hit by rolling or falling tubulars during unloading, storage, or movement.
• Caught-between hazards: Injuries can occur when workers are caught between tubulars and other equipment, especially while tailing pipe into the rig floor.
• Slips, trips, and falls: Tubulars left unsecured or placed improperly can create tripping hazards on the rig floor and pipe racks.

Pre-Task Meeting: Prior to handling tubulars, the rig supervisor should hold a pre-job meeting with the crew to review responsibilities and to coordinate the operations to be performed. Before each shift, inspect the following items to ensure they are in good working condition:

• Wire ropes and slings: Check for wear, corrosion, or damage.
• Catline ropes and knots: Make sure they are tied securely and are not lying in water or mud.
• Chains and hooks: Look for cracks, bends, or deformation.

Procedures and Practices: When mannually handling tubulars, the following procedures and safe practices apply:

• The pipe is unloaded from trucks onto the pipe rack.
• The floor crew brings pipe up from the pipe rack and catwalk, using the catline, air hoist or hydraulic winch, up to the drilling floor and places it in the mousehole.
• This is done for every connection.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Stay alert to the movement of tubulars and drilling equipment.
• Communicate clearly with crew members during operations.
• Use lifting aids and follow ergonomic practices to reduce strain.
• Follow lockout/tagout and blowout prevention procedures.

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