- Have a good prejob meeting with the whole crew, inform the crane driver and check with him the correct signs for crane movements. Run together through the program, shortly explain the purpose.
- Make sure all necessary surface equipment is available, check the last pressure certificates of BOP’s, lubricator and other pressure vessels (not older than one year).
- As long as safety valve is closed and before opening a well to the lubricator visually inspect the Xmas tree, pay attention to the control line system, including outlet, lines and pump. Inform the crew for emergency access.
- Set up good access to the Xmas tree and pressure control equipment. Check and secure installation of ladders and scaffolds.
- Check availability of communication means and devices. Show and explain the use of the system.
- Check pressure setting of the safety valve pump.
- All thermal engines (i.e. diesels) must to be installed in non-hazardous areas (10 meters from the well centre-line)around the wellhead), unless fitted with the following safety equipment, in which case they may be located within 3 to 7 meters from the well centre-line:
- exhaust with anti-spark device and cooling
- automatic shutdown by over speed detector system
– auto-closing of air intake and auto-shut-down in the event gas is detected
- conspicuous and easily accessible shut-down control
- Ensure that effective fire fighting capabilities are in place throughout the wireline operations and that all personnel are aware of the procedures.
- Locate portable foam extinguishers near the wellhead and ensure that they are full and operational.
- Ensure that all personnel are familiar with the operation of firefighting equipment; ensure that everybody in your crew knows what his duties are going to be.
- Ensure that your working stations are clean and tidy.
- Should night work be expected, take appropriate steps to ensure proper lighting.
- Remember that a tired operator is a potential danger to rest of the crew.
- Before lifting a piece of equipment with slings, make sure the cables are in good shape and the clamps and shackles well tightened and secured.
- Always open a well slowly using the swab valve.
- Each crew working on isolated locations should take along a first aid kit.
- When designing a wireline set-up make sure the equipment planned can safely withstand and handle the maximum wellhead pressure.
- Every member of the wireline crew must know how to shut in a well in case of emergency.
- Always make sure that the pressure has been bled down to zero before attempting to unscrew a quick union.
- Never run-in a well with the winch engine stopped.
- Do not climb or let somebody climb the lubricator whenever it is under pressure.
- Never attempt to pull a plug before the pressure across it has been equalised.
- When rigging up or down a lubricator, never stay below it.
- Blow out preventers should always be tested before each job.
- When running in for the first time, check the weight frequently.
- Perform torsion test on the wire prior to each job.
- It is recommended to run a gauge cutter (or sinker bars only) prior to running anything else in the hole.
- When working in H2S wells, inhibit the wire.
- When coming out of hole, use the winch relief valve.
- Always write down the length, OD’s and size of fishing necks of the different components you are running in the hole.
- When cutting wire at surface (rig down) make sure that neither end can “fly”.
- Always work in sight of each other.
- Use demarcation cones on route of the wire.
- When running a wireline job, always have a clear view of the stuffing box.
- Keep track of the number of hours the wire has worked. Change it before it is too late. Check frequently for defects or corrosion. Between each job, cut and remove at least 10’ of wire.