Comprehensive safety protocols and best practices for oil and gas drilling operations
1 The Shell Petroleum Development Company, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2 Senior Petrophysicist, Shell Deep water, Gulf of Mexico. USA.
3 SHEVAL Engineering Services Limited, Nigeria.
4 Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria.
Review
International Journal of Frontline Research in Engineering and Technology, 2024, 02(01), 010–020.
Article DOI: 10.56355/ijfret.2024.2.1.0018
Publication history:
Received on 17 July 2024; revised on 26 August 2024; accepted on 29 August 2024
Abstract:
This paper outlines comprehensive safety measures critical for mitigating hazards associated with drilling operations. Key areas covered include site preparation and risk assessment, equipment management, personnel training, emergency response, environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation. Site preparation involves thorough geological surveys, environmental impact assessments, and safety audits to identify potential risks. Proper site layout and infrastructure, including well pad design and access roads, are essential for safe operations. Equipment management focuses on regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and the use of certified tools to prevent malfunctions. Personnel training is vital, encompassing onboarding, ongoing education, and certification programs, all aimed at fostering a robust safety culture. Emergency response plans, including the Incident Command System (ICS) and regular emergency drills, ensure preparedness for any incidents. Environmental protection measures, such as spill prevention and waste management, minimize the ecological impact of drilling activities. Compliance with regulatory requirements through regular audits and proactive engagement with regulatory bodies is emphasized. Additionally, the adoption of technological innovations like automated systems, real-time data analysis, and remote monitoring enhances operational safety and efficiency. By analyzing past incidents and highlighting success stories, the paper underscores the importance of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Implementing these comprehensive safety protocols and best practices is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring the sustainable development of oil and gas resources. Robust emergency response plans, including the implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) and regular emergency drills, are fundamental to ensuring preparedness for any unforeseen incidents that may arise during drilling activities. Environmental protection measures play a pivotal role in minimizing the ecological impact of drilling operations, encompassing spill prevention strategies, waste management protocols, and adherence to stringent environmental regulations. Furthermore, the adoption of technological innovations such as automated systems, real-time data analysis, and remote monitoring technologies enhances operational safety and efficiency.
Keywords:
Safety Protocols; Best Practices; Equipment Management; Technological Innovation; Incident Analysis; Knowledge Sharing
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0