903 Well Site Completion and Servicing Safety

Rig Down

The Rig Down phase takes place after the cementing or pumping operations are complete. During this phase, the crew disconnects and removes all equipment that was used in the job. This includes pumps, hoses, valves, tanks, and mixers. All tools and machinery must be cleaned, inspected, and safely loaded for transport or storage.

Rigging down must be done with care to avoid injury and prevent equipment damage. Just like in the rig up phase, workers must follow safe practices to ensure that equipment is properly shut down, pressure is released, and lines are drained before disconnecting any parts.

Potential Hazards

• being struck by moving vehicles
• being exposed to potential ignition and respiratory hazards
• overexerting or receiving sprains and strains
• being exposed to pinch points (such as, hammer union wings and hammers, pump iron and racks)
• being hit by flying particles
• slips, trips, and falls
• being struck by falling equipment

Possible Solutions

• Use a spotters when moving equipment.
• Use mechanical lifting aids, proper lifting techniques, and team lifting where appropriate.
• Use proper hand and body positioning.
• Wear proper PPE including fall protection and respiratory protection where appropriate.
• Conduct a post-job inspection to identify, then eliminate or correct hazardous work surfaces.
• Require all non-essential personnel to stand clear.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.