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902 Well Site Preparation and Drilling Safety
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Tripping Out: Setting Slip

The floor crew sets slips around the drill stem to hold it securely in place while a section of drill pipe is disconnected and removed. Slips are wedge-shaped tools with gripping teeth that fit into the rotary table.

Rat Hole Connection

When engaged, they transfer the weight of the drill string to the rig floor, preventing it from falling into the well. This step is repeated each time a stand of pipe is pulled, ensuring the process is safe and controlled during tripping out operations.

Potential Hazards

  • getting fingers or other body parts pinched between slips or slip handles and rotary table
  • receiving muscle strain from improper lifting technique

Possible Solutions

  • Use proper hand placement when setting slips.
  • Use proper stance and slip lifting techniques.
  • Slips have three handles and should be lifted jointly by more than one person.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-2. What are the types of accidents that are associated with setting slips?