GEAX
s.r.l.
Chapter 3
DRILLING RIG JOBSITE OPERATIONS
8
3.5 Risk management in case of unexpected obstacles inside borehole
3.5.1
Damaging buried installations
In case the bucket hits and damages a buried
installation, due to wrong information received,
proceed as follows.
1. If the buried object is a power cable, pull the bucket out of the hole to
eliminate the contact. While the contact lasts, the cab operator should
not get off the rig and the ground operator should not touch it. If it is not
possible to move the bucket there is the risk that the buried cable is
touching it, meaning that the rig may be electrified (the voltage depends
on the nature of the soil). The operator should remain on board
because if he tries to get off the rig he might touch the ground and the
rig at the same time and receive a powerful electric shock. Immediately
inform the power company and wait for their personnel to cut the power
and remedy the problem.
2. If the buried object is a gas pipe (natural gas or other fuel), stop the rig
immediately, turn off the engine and inform the gas company (or other
authority). While waiting for the maintenance crew to arrive, isolate the
area and remove any source of flames or sparks. Move the rig only
after the maintenance personnel ensures that the flow of fuel has been
stopped. If a fire erupts try to extinguish it using the on-board fire
extinguisher, but only if the fire is a small one.
3. If the buried object is a telephone cable, pull the bucket out (very slowly
in order not to increase the damage) to eliminate the contact and verify
the extent of the damage. As a rule, the voltage circulating through
telephone cables is not high enough to represent a hazard for
operators. As a precaution, however, avoid touching the conductors in
the cable or the rig while the contact lasts. Inform the telephone
company and move the rig to make room for repairs to be carried out.
Isolate the area.
4. If the buried object is a water or sewage pipe, pull the bucket out (very
slowly in order not to increase the damage) to verify the extent of the
damage and inform the relevant authority to organize repairs. Move the
drilling rig away from the spilling water and isolate the area. Be aware
that wet ground can be slippery and lose bearing capacity.
5. If the buried object is a pipe carrying an unknown fluid (whether
gaseous or liquid) proceed as in point 2.
