Site preparation for an oil and gas well, in most instances, looks like
any other construction site. OSHA uses Safety
and Health Regulations for Construction [29
CFR 1926]
to assess safety compliance during this phase of the
development of a drilling site.
Once the location for the site has been established, the area is prepared for
drilling, with the following steps:
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Fig. 1. Clearing the drilling site
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 Leveling
Site |
The site is leveled (if necessary) with a bulldozer and/or a grader.
Potential Hazards:
Fig. 2. Leveling uneven ground
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- Damaging buried pipelines and cables.
- Unpredictable weather changes can create unexpected hazards.
- Irritant and toxic plants, pollens, and other entrained materials.
- Uneven ground may cause bulldozers to roll over.
Possible Solutions:
- Perform a site line location survey.
- Plan for hazards due to unpredictable changing weather.
- After weather changes, conduct inspections for new hazards.
- Protect employees engaged in site clearing from hazards of irritant and
toxic plants. Teach the employees about available first aid treatments. [29
CFR 1926.604(a)(1)]
- Provide rollover guards on all equipment used in site clearing operations. [29
CFR 1926.602]
- Provide overhead and rear canopy guards on rider-operated equipment. [29
CFR 1926.604(a)(2)]
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Excavating and Trenching |
Fig. 3. Reserve pit
Fig. 4. Excavating at a drill site
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The scale and duration of excavating and trenching are very minor and
site-specific. On some drilling sites, a below-ground-level
cellar may be excavated. This is where the main borehole is to be
drilled. A
reserve pit and settling pits may be excavated and are used for water or
drilling fluid (mud) discharges.
Potential Hazards:
- Dust and other airborne contaminants can cause respiratory problems or
allergic reactions.
- Damaging buried pipelines and cables.
Possible Solutions:
- Wear appropriate respiratory protection. [29
CFR 1910.134]
- Perform a site line location survey.
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