R 408.15740 Rotary tables and tongs.

Rule 5740. (1) The operator shall not engage the rotary clutch until the rotary table is clear of all employees and materials. (2) Rotary table power shall not be used to accomplish initial breakout of tool joint, but may be used for spinning out once initial breakout is effected. (3) A tong shall be: (a) Securely attached and anchored with wire rope or stiff arm. (b) Properly maintained and repaired when excessive wear occurs. All tongs and tong heads, including dies shall be inspected for size and condition, repaired, and greased before every trip. (4) A fitting used to attach a back-up line to the derrick or back-up post shall have a minimum breaking strength equal to the breaking strength of the cable attached to the fitting. (5) A power tong: (a) Shall be backed up with a device able to withstand the maximum torque of the power tool. (b) With front openings shall have the front doors in proper working order. (6) When working on a power tong head, the power input pressure line shall be disconnected as prescribed in rule 32 of Part 1. General Rules, being R 408.10032 of the Michigan Administrative Code. (7) A tong pressure line shall be equipped with a safety relief valve, and pressure shall never be set higher than the rated capacity of the tong. SPECIAL SERVICES