909 Offshore Oil and Gas Safety II

Machine and Equipment Best Practices

Hoisting and Lifting

Hoisting and lifting equipment includes hoisting lines, traveling blocks, elevators, slings, weight indicators. Hazards associated with hoisting and lifting include wire rope failure due to broken wires, corrosion, or overload; falling objects from heights; and block collisions.

Safety measures include:

• Monthly inspections and removal from service based on broken wire criteria (e.g., six randomly distributed breaks in one lay length for six-strand rope)
• Use safety latches on hooks
• Function-test crown block safety devices during each shift
• Secure tools at heights

Pressure and Pumping Systems

Equipment associated with pressure and pumping systems include pumps, piping, blowout preventers (BOPs), air receivers, and hammer unions. Hazards include explosions from overpressure, whipping lines, and electric shocks from faulty insulation.

Safety measures include:

• Pressure-test lines below rated limits
• Install relief valves and check valves
• Secure discharge lines
• Ground equipment
• Use confined space entry protocols for tanks

Electrical and Power Systems

Electrical and power systems equipment includes generators, motors, lighting fixtures, and power tools. Hazards include shocks from ungrounded tools; overloads; fires from sparks in hazardous areas.

Safety measures include:

• Use double-insulated or grounded tools with ground fault interrupters
• Install overload protection on generators
• Classify and enclose lighting per hazardous locations
• Bond/ground motors

Specialized Operations (e.g., Acidizing, Cementing, Wireline)

Specialized operations equipment includes wireline units, swab lines, test heads, fracturing pumps. Hazards include chemical releases; tool failures; uncontrolled flows during snubbing or testing.

Safety measures include:

• Bleed pressure before disconnecting lines
• Use rated lubricators and back-pressure valves
• Emergency shutdown devices on engines
• Risk assessments before operations

General Infrastructure

General infrastructure equipment includes derricks/masts, catwalks, drilling fluid tanks, red zones. Hazards from work on infrastructure equipment includes falls from platforms; slips on surfaces; inadequate visibility; weather impacts on equipment stability.

Safety measures include:

• Install fall protection (e.g., harnesses)
• Ensure slip-proof surfaces and reliable lighting
• Perform routine maintenance
• Establish buffer zones around high-risk areas

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.