1. Purpose
The common thread throughout the SOP and HWD Policies and
Procedures in general is the identification of responsibilities. This manual is intended to clearly and
concisely identify the steps required by employees to complete any given
operation in a manner that is consistent with Horizontal Well Drillers
standards. It will document progressive
steps required in sequence that are to be followed, an authorizing company
department or position, and an author that is to be consulted if there are
questions in any portion of the SOP standards.
2. Scope
ALL RIG PERSONNEL
3. Prerequisites
Personnel are required to wear proper personal protective
equipment, follow job safety rules, and have the appropriate experience and
certifications to carry out their job functions satisfactorily.
4. Responsibilities
Tool pusher will have ultimate accountability that driller
and crews are completing the procedure to standard. Driller and crews will be responsible for
implementation and actions to complete this task as described in the procedure
steps.
5. Procedure
1.
Assess the situation.
· Make sure that
only authorized personnel operate the loader.
· Perform a hazard
assessment of the challenges related to towing the specific equipment.
· Appoint an
appropriate person to give directions. The Loader Operator must work with the
signal person to determine what hand signals will be used.
· Make sure of open
communication between everyone involved—it is essential.
· If the object that
is to be towed is extremely heavy or has sunk very deep into mud or down a
slope, make a plan to make sure equipment will not be wrecked in the recovery.
· If it is
determined that the wreck cannot be recovered with the equipment available without
damage to the equipment, then do not tow
it. Other means of recovery must be arranged.
· In unusual or
challenging situations, only the Rig Manager is to make judgment calls on
whether or not to tow the equipment.
2.
Spot the loader in preparation to tow.
· Spot the loader
with the best possible traction and in a forward direction.
· Never pull the
stuck vehicle nose-to-nose.
· Do not exceed a
45° pull in any direction on any anchor point or fastening device.
· The person
assigned to give directions must control the operation. No one moves a vehicle
or hooks up a sling without being directed by the signal person.
· The signal person
must visually inspect the area between the equipment to be towed and the
loader. When the area is confirmed clear, he must signal the Loader Operator
with a hand signal and also by shouting “ALL CLEAR” to back into position while
constantly watching the area.
· Spot the loader in
position to pull as straight as possible. Try to choose an area with good
traction.
3.
Select and inspect the tow sling.
· If towing with a
front-end loader, use an approved wire rope towing sling.
NOTE: An approved tow sling is defined as a 10
meter, 9/16 inch, 6 by 19 strand, wire rope with thimble eyes and press-on
terminations.
· If towing a
pick-up truck with another pick-up truck, use an approved nylon rope tow sling.
· All tow slings
must be free of rips, tears, burns, or abrasions that expose the inner core of
the tow rope.
· ABSOLUTELY NO CHAINS ARE TO BE USED UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCE.
· Make sure that any
shackles used in a tow system have a minimum pin size of 1 inch in diameter,
are in good repair, and are fully fastened.
WARNINGS:
1. Do
not side-load hooks as they may decrease the load rating of the hooks by as
much as 80%.
2. Chains
and nylon material can stretch as much as 40% and recoil with a release of a
high amount of energy in the event of a failure.
3. Do
not jar on the equipment. Jarring on the equipment can send a shock load to the
anchor points that could exceed the anchor rating and result in equipment
failure.
4.
Select and inspect anchor points.
· If a suitable
anchor point cannot be reached, do not endanger workers or damage equipment by
attempting to recover vehicles or move equipment.
· Anchor points must
be approved by the Rig Manager and exceed the strength of the tow line being
used.
· Never use pintle
hitches, or steering and suspension components for anchor points.
5. Tow the equipment.
· Engage the towing
vehicle in first gear and take up the slack.
· If the Loader
Operator cannot see the line due to slope, he must watch the spotter and the
spotter must use hand gestures to tell the Loader Operator when the line has
become taut. Do not jar the vehicle.
· Pull slowly with
guidance from the spotter.
· Make sure the tow
line is not shock-loaded. Use only slow and steady pressure to pull the
equipment.
· If the pull is
unsuccessful, consult with field superintendent and oil company representative
about third-party towing services.
NOTE: Spotters must remain at least 1 ½ times the
length of the tow sling away from the vehicles being towed.