R 299.2483 Equipment; electric or mechanical fan; hydrogen sulfide detection and warning system; emergency escape self-contained breathing apparatus; rig floor ventilation.

Rule 2483. (1) A permittee of a well shall install a hydrogen sulfide detection and warning system that activates audible and visual alarms if hydrogen sulfide is detected. Visual alarms shall be activated if a hydrogen sulfide concentration of 11 ppm is detected. Audible alarms shall be activated if a hydrogen sulfide concentration of 20 ppm is detected. (2) A permittee of a well shall locate hydrogen sulfide sensors as follows: (a) For rotary rigs, at all of the following locations: (i) The shale shaker or at the point of first release of gas from the returning stream of drilling fluid. (ii) On the rig floor. (iii) In the substructure. (iv) At the mud hopper. (b) For cable tool rigs, at the point of first release of gas from the well bore and on the rig floor. (3) After the sensors are mounted, the system shall be calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The detection and warning system shall be tested before drilling into the geological stratum suspected to contain hydrogen sulfide. The permittee shall record the calibrations and tests in the driller's log. The supervisor of mineral wells or authorized representative of the supervisor of mineral wells may witness the testing and calibration. (4) A permittee of a well shall ensure that an emergency escape self-contained breathing apparatus is readily available to every member of the drilling crew at that member's work station and to other personnel required to be on the rig floor during the drilling operation. (5) A permittee of a well shall ensure that the rig floor and substructure of a well are adequately ventilated to prevent the accumulation of gas and shall utilize an electric or mechanical fan that operates constantly during the operation if natural ventilation is inadequate to keep the wellhead area free from gas. (6) A permittee of a well shall ensure that well safety equipment is the same equipment that is required under R 299.2304(a). Safety equipment shall be located at the upwind briefing areas unless otherwise stated in this rule. The supervisor of mineral wells or authorized representative of the supervisor of mineral wells may require the use of safety equipment, in addition to the equipment listed in R 299.2304(a), if necessary for the safety of the public.