Preparing Drilling Fluid
The mud is monitored throughout the drilling process. A mud engineer and/or the derrickhand may periodically check the mud by measuring its viscosity, density, and other properties.
Drilling fluid can cause burns or physical injury when it comes in contact with skin or eyes.
Potential Hazards
- Burns, or physical injury caused by contact with skin or eyes
- Exposure to explosions or violent reactions from chemicals mixed improperly
- Exposure to inhalation hazards
- Strains and sprains
- Slips, trips and falls
- Working in confined spaces when cleaning
Possible Solutions
- Ensure workers follow the safe handling procedures found in Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including, eye and face protection.
- Wear appropriate respiratory protection when handling chemicals and/or mud additives.
- Provide an eyewash station and other appropriate flushing apparatus as recommended by the SDS.
- Provide adequate ventilation.
- Use proper mixing procedures to prevent uneven fluid properties, explosions or violent reactions.
- Use designated containers for mixing certain chemicals (for example, baffled container with lid).
- Substitute less hazardous materials or use pre-mixed mud.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-7. How do improper mixing procedures create a safety risk?
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