R 408.15768 Procedures for air, gas, and mist drilling operations.

Rule 5768. (1) Subrules (2) to (16) of this rule apply only to air, gas, or mist drilling operations. (2) The stripper rubber in the circulating head shall be inspected by a qualified employee at least once each tour. If any leaks are found, immediate action shall be taken to change out the stripper rubber. (3) Pipe connections carrying gas or air to or from the wellbore shall be made up leak-free. Lines and connections shall be frequently inspected by a qualified employee and maintained free of leaks. (4) A blooey or bleed-off line shall be not less than 150 feet in length or equivalent safety measures shall be taken. The blooey or bleed-off line shall be located downwind of the rig for the prevailing wind direction. Equivalent safety measures shall be taken for other wind conditions. A blooey or bleed-off line shall be laid as straight and free of sags as practical from the wellbore and shall be securely anchored. (5) In gas drilling operations, a shutoff valve shall be installed on the main feeder line not less than 150 feet from the wellhead. In air drilling operations, the shutoff valve shall be installed in the main feeder line near the compressors. (6) An air compressor shall not be located closer to the wellbore than the nearest engine operating the rig. (7) The compressor shall be equipped with safety features, such as a pressure relief valve, pressure gauge, engine governor, and fuel shutoff valve. (8) When making a connection, the standpipe valve shall be closed and the bleed-off line shall be opened before breaking out the tool joint. (9) A pilot light shall be kept burning at the end of the flow line at all times, except when making trips. The pilot light shall be turned off while making trips. (10) An effective pilot light or other continuous lighting device shall be kept burning at the end of the flow line at all times during the drilling operations, except when making trips. (11) Equipment and materials for killing the well with drilling fluid shall be at the drilling site and such equipment shall be operable before a drilling operation commences. (12) One B-C fire extinguisher of not less than 150 pounds dry chemical capacity, or equivalent, shall be stationed on the job in addition to those required in R 408.15715. (13) The rig substructure shall be ventilated either by dependable natural convection or by use of mechanical fans which provide not less than 12 complete air changes per hour. (14) A rig engine shall have an adequate heat and spark-arresting system for the exhaust. (15) A gas or gasoline-fueled engine used in gas drilling operations shall be equipped with a shielded low-tension ignition system. (16) A burning stove, open fire, or other possible source of ignition, such as an electric-powered tool or 2-way radio, shall be permitted only in a designated area. Only a heater which is designed and approved as safe shall be permitted on or near the rig floor. (17) An emergency shutdown device shall be provided for each rig engine, excluding the power plant, and shall be located at the driller's console.