Americans suck up more than 11 million barrels of crude oil every day, but their drilling methods aren’t always efficient. Traditional drilling is famous for wasting hours and destroying the environment. Worst of all, you might end up with less oil than you hoped for.
Directional drilling is a cost-effective method that helps resolve many of these common issues. This approach solves space, turning, and drop-off problems with ease and cost-effectiveness.
The perks of directional drilling are clear, but it’s not without its safety hazards. And it’s up to you to handle all concerns before starting your project. Not only will your workers feel secure, but they’ll be more productive if they don’t have to worry about getting hurt.
Read on to learn more about the precautions you should take when beginning a directional drilling project.
Understanding the Hazards of Directional Drilling
Horizontal directional drilling comes with its own set of dangers. The potential to get splashed with high-pressure fluids is a major concern. Getting entangled in rotating equipment and damaging underground wires are just a few of the other possible hazards.
You can’t avoid these risks without first identifying them. Bring in a seasoned pro to examine the land with a subsite locator. They’ll find all sorts of surprises during the survey, from hidden pipelines to sneaky underground wiring.
Now that you know what safety risks to avoid, you can protect people by setting barriers and warning signs.
Directional Drilling Safety Training and Certification
The importance of safety training and certification cannot be understated. They keep your team from getting hurt on the job and help protect you from lawsuits.
How can you get certified? There are two main ways to take classes: through an accredited program or online.
For the most comprehensive learning experience, consider taking an in-person course through an accredited program.
OSHA
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the federal agency that governs workplace safety. It has clear regulations for construction sites, which you can find on the OSHA website.
OSHA enforces its safety standards through fines and penalties. The penalties depend on how serious your violation was. The maximum fine for violations will increase to over $156,000 in 2023.
IADC
The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) is an organization that provides safety, environmental, and health services to the drilling industry. It also offers training resources for drill operators to learn workplace protection.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The protective gear required for directional drilling operations depends on the type of work being performed.
Safety glasses are needed for most projects. They protect your vision from flying debris. Everyone on the team should wear a pair, and replacements should be readily available.
Some operators also wear ear protection. This equipment helps prevent hearing loss from noise exposure during drilling. Employers are required by law to provide hearing protection for their employees, but workers can choose not to wear it.
Respirators are another requirement. They’re especially important for anyone working around lots of dust and toxic fumes.
Safe Drilling Practices
Before starting any job, make sure everyone knows what needs to happen next. Have pre-job planning meetings with the rest of your crew members to assign tasks and work zones.
During the job, keep an ear out for screams and use hand signals to alert managers to any problems. If something is wrong, stop what you’re doing immediately and help out.
Don’t let anyone work alone; at least one other person should be nearby at all times.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
Design an emergency response plan with designated exits and assembly points. You and your team should memorize the site’s layout. Having the safe zones in mind makes it easier to direct people during evacuations.
Regular drills help maintain this knowledge. Without routine training, discreet paths can easily be forgotten.
Finally, make sure each employee knows whom they should contact if there’s an accident.
Environmental Protection and Compliance
Directional drilling can result in spills and leaks that could damage the soil or groundwater. Please follow environmental regulations when planning your directional drilling project. Use non-toxic drilling fluids where possible, and plan for waste disposal.
Check with local authorities about any permits that may be required. If you need help finding out what is legal and what isn’t, call the local zoning board.
Continuous Improvement and Safety Culture
Everyone in the company must understand that they have a part to play in keeping themselves, their coworkers, and the public safe at all times.
The management team needs to lead by example. They’re responsible for developing policies that will help guide everyone safely through their workday. As such, they should be the first ones to follow those policies.
Supervisors should provide regular training sessions for new hires as well as ongoing refresher courses. This can help them understand their roles in the safety culture.
Implement Safe Business Practices
In conclusion, directional drilling is a dangerous job. Have the right training and equipment to protect your team from injury. The best way to do this is through certification programs like OSHA or IADC.
Make sure that all your employees are trained in the proper use of their equipment and how to avoid hazards in their work environment.
While certification is a great way to start, it’s not the end of your training. You can find even more safety tips in our business section. Review some of our posts so you can create a secure workplace for your entire team.
