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903 Well Site Completion and Servicing Safety
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Servicing Operations Safety

Well servicing operations begin after the well has been completed and production of oil or gas has started. These operations are done to maintain or improve production from the well and may be repeated many times during the life of the well.

Servicing includes activities like cleaning out the well, replacing parts, and making repairs. Because the well is already under pressure and producing, extra safety steps must be taken to protect workers and equipment during these tasks.

A well servicing unit loaded onto a truck
A well servicing rig consists of a hoist and engine mounted on a wheeled chassis with a self-erecting mast.

Specialized equipment is required for well servicing. One example is a workover rig, which is brought to the site using trucks. Once at the well site, the equipment must be rigged up properly before any servicing work begins. This includes setting up the mast, securing the rig, and preparing the work area for safe operation.

Transporting and Rigging Up

Transporting and rigging up the equipment is the first step in well servicing operations. This step is critical to ensure the safety of all workers and the stability of the equipment. Servicing work can only begin after the equipment is set up and all safety checks are complete. Hazards during this phase may be related to the following:

  • Transporting the service rig and equipment to the well site
  • Rigging up the service rig, including raising the mast and connecting support systems
  • Setting up a safe and organized work area, including placing barriers and signs if needed

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-1. What is the first step in well servicing operations?