Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1399633 - Gillaspy Drilling Co

Inspection Information - Office: Oklahoma City Area Office

Investigation Summary

THE DRILLING CREW HAD REPLACED THE HEAD LINERS AND WAS CHECKING THE MUD PUMPS. ONE EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING THE ENGINE SUPPLYING POWER TO THE MUD PUMP. ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WAS STANDING FACING THE MUD PUMP PRESSURE GUAGE. EMPLOYEE #1 WALKED OVER TO THE SUPPLY VALVE AND REMOVED THE VALVE WHEEL, WALKED AROUND TO THE FRONT END OF THE MUD PUMP, PLACED THE WHEEL ON THE DISCHARGE VALVE AND STARTED CLOSING IT. A FEW SECONDS PASSED. THE SAFETY DISCHARGE VALVE OPENED WITH EMPLOYEE #1 STANDING IN FRONT OF IT. THE DRILLING MUD DISCHARGED THROUGH THE RELIEF PIPE, STRICKING EMPLOYEE #1 IN THE FACE WITH APPROXIMATELY 1,000 POUND PSI DRILLING MUD.

Keywords: HEAD, MUD PUMP, SAFETY RELIEF VALVE, DRILLING MUD, OIL WELL DRILLING, HIGH PRESSURE, FACE