TAILGATE/TOOLBOX SAFETY TRAINING

Safety Services Company-Safety Meeting Division,

PO Box 6408 Yuma, AZ 85366-6408 Toll Free (866) 204-4786

Job Name: _____________________________________________ Job Site Location: ________________________________________

Date: _______________ Start Time: _______ Finish Time: _______ Foreman/Supervisor: _____________________________________
Topic 294: Mobile Drilling Rig Safety
Introduction: Mobile drilling rigs are used for a variety of drilling techniques and operators should be trained and competent with any drilling technique
before drilling. There are numerous hazards to personnel operating or working around drilling rigs. Following are guidelines to assist in the safe
operation of mobile drilling rigs:
 Operators and all assisting personnel must be adequately trained in the safe and proper operations of the drilling rig and all auxiliary equipment
prior to operating equipment.
 Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when working around equipment; this includes but is not limited to:
✱ Safety glasses or suitable eye protection ✱ Steel toe boots with non-slip oil resistant soles
✱ Hard hat ✱ Hearing protection may be required
✱ Gloves (Gloves must be tight fitting) ✱ Do not wear loose fitting clothing or long hair
✱ Long sleeve shirt because of the danger of entanglement.
✱ Sturdy long pants
 Perform a visual inspection of the rig before setting up for operation. Your inspection should include:
✱ Objects in front of the compressor fan. ✱ Damage to drill tools.
✱ Damage or cracking of structural parts or welds. ✱ Water or oil leaks.
✱ Damage to jack mechanisms and missing or loose bolts. ✱ Check fluid levels and ensure equipment
✱ Mud, rocks, or debris in tires or trams. is properly lubricated.
 All safety placards, decals, and signs must be posted in a prominent location and legible to operators and assisting personnel.
 General repairs must not be made to powered equipment until workers are protected from movement of equipment or its parts.
 Before repairs are made, workers must comply with Lockout/Blockout requirements when applicable.
 Do not adjust the governor setting for engine RPM without consulting the manufacturer.
 Make sure service vehicles are parked in an appropriate area clear of drilling operations.
 Ensure that all machine guards are in place and secure. Be aware of hot surfaces on machinery. Always stay clear of rotating tool parts.
 Check for hydraulic leaks with a piece of wood or cardboard (hydraulic fluid is hot and under extreme pressure and may be forced under your skin).
 Never use an auger connecting device which is not approved by the manufacturer.
 Test the emergency shut down systems before operating the machine, and at the beginning of each shift.
 All machine controls must be in neutral before starting.
 Ensure that jacks are positioned on solid, stable ground, or securely blocked, and that the entire weight of
the drill is supported on the jacks before raising the mast, or beginning rotary drilling operations.
 Ensure that the winch line and hydraulic or air hoses are clear and that there are no loose objects hanging in/on the mast before raising.
 Do not raise the mast near overhead power lines. Do not move the rig with the mast raised. The mast alarm is a warning device to remind
 you to check for overhead lines or obstructions (it is not protection against overhead power sources).
 Ensure that mast locking pins are in place and secure before starting drilling operations.
 Do not allow any personnel on deck when the compressor is running; a hose may burst causing injury. Inspect all compressor
hoses and fittings prior to the start of each working shift. Always be aware of the air pressure from the discharge hoses.
 Test water swivel for free rotation before use. Stay clear of the water swivel supply hose when it is rotating.
 Do not stand behind, in front of, or under casings when loading. Load from the end.
 Do not place your hands under casings at any time when guiding them into position.
 Remove or secure any loose items on the rig before moving or taking the rig on the road.
 Fire prevention on drilling rigs: Keep the carrier cab and deck clean at all times. Clean up oil spills and leaks immediately. Keep electrical wiring
and oil lines in good repair. Check for adequate lubrication of all running gear. Ensure that fire extinguishers are easily accessible and fully charged.
Conclusion: Do not make assumptions about working conditions when operating drill rigs; know what to expect before drilling. Do not experiment with
new drilling methods in the field. If possible, contact the rig manufacturer before trying new techniques. They are a great source of information and have
the engineering expertise to advise you and make additional suggestions for safe operations.
Work Site Review
Work-Site Hazards and Safety Suggestions: ___________________________________________________________________________
Personnel Safety Violations: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Employee Signatures: (My signature attests and verifies my understanding of and agreement to comply with, all company safety policies
and regulations, and that I have not suffered, experienced, or sustained any recent job-related injury or illness.)
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These guidelines do not supercede local, state, or federal regulations and must not be construed as a substitute for, or legal interpretation of, any OSHA regulations.
294  Safety Services Company