It is the Company drilling supervisors' responsibility to ensure that all drilling and workover operations are conducted in a manner which provides safe and complete well control. In this capacity he may delegate technical and supervisory tasks (but not responsibility) to others.
The responsibilities of the Company drilling representative in no way reduce those of the Contractor with regard to well control.
·Each newly contracted drilling unit shall undergo a blowout prevention review prior to spudding its first well. The review shall be repeated every other year and shall include:
- BOP equipment;
- kick detection systems;
- BOP operating standards and procedures;
- BOP inspection, testing, and maintenance programme.
·Deviations from standard practices (which are contained in the Drilling Manual) shall be clearly highlighted in the well programme. In addition, associated "risks" with such deviations shall be clearly identified and highlighted in the programme.
·Well control related information shall be disseminated to relevant personnel and contractors, as required, and well control aspects shall be regularly discussed during the weekly safety meetings, or toolbox meeting. Safety meetings with rig and contractor personnel shall be conducted before all well control operations. The meetings should review planned operations and contingencies.
·Non-essential personnel should avoid areas containing pumping equipment, manifolds and high pressure lines during any testing or well killing operations.
·The Company Rig Superintendent at the base shall be advised on any deficiencies in BOP equipment, standards, and operating procedures.
·Gas explosion meters, a hydrogen sulphide detector, and sets of portable breathing apparatus must be readily available in case of a kick. When a kick is experienced, gas must be checked for the presence of hydrogen sulphide as soon as possible. Gas levels should be monitored continuously during all well control operations.
·Only genuine spares shall be used on BOP equipment.
·Welded flanged, or hub connections are mandatory on high pressure equipment above 13,800 kPa (2000 psi), as opposed to threaded connections.