Pre-job planning should be done to determine the safest and most efficient means to do the job. Once the rig move planning has been carried out, a pre-job meeting with all involved should be held. The following safety tips should be observed when rigging up/down a drilling rig.

🔹When determining the direction of setting up the rig, the prevailing wind direction should be considered so that substructure and engines can be set such that engine exhaust is carried away from the rig floor.

🔹Inspect all equipment that is to be used in the rig up operation. Especially inspect all rigging equipment (hoisting line, slings, chains, hooks and cables) before using. If the equipment appears worn or frayed, inform the driller/toolpusher (or truck pusher).

🔹While complete guarding is not possible at all times during rigging up/down, keep floor openings covered when not in use.

🔹Handrails around the rig floor should be put up first and taken down last when rigging up/down the rig floor.

🔹Stairs should be placed as soon as possible and taken down as late as possible. Once placed the stairs should be secured against movement.

🔹Be aware of the movement of trucks and other equipment around the rig location. All personnel should be instructed to be aware of the driver’s visual area so that they do not walk into a blind spot when the truck is moving.

🔹When placing a load that is close to another structure, do not get between the load being placed and the set in structure.

🔹Be sure walkways are free of skids and other items that may cause a slip/fall exposure.

🔹Fall protection should be used when workers are over 6 feet from the ground/deck such as while rigging up the derrick or substructure.

🔹Make sure that the lighting is adequate around the rig floor, derrick and work areas around the location (catwalk area, pipe racks, etc.)

🔹When rigging up the derrick, personnel should utilize fall protection and practice 100% tie off.

🔹Tong hanger line sheaves and other sheaves that are in the derrick should be inspected and replaced if necessary while the derrick sections are on the ground.

🔹Inspect the tong hanger cables, mud box and other cables that are located in the derrick before raising the derrick.

🔹Take care when rigging up tongs, etc., on the rig floor.

🔹Once the derrick is raised and pinned, the drawworks cover should be installed on the front of the drawworks.

🔹Organize and clean up the rig floor as soon as possible once it is rigged up.