Blowout Prevention Safe Work Procedure

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work procedure outlines the steps to be followed to prevent blowouts during drilling, workover, and well testing operations. It includes guidelines for risk assessment, control measures, equipment inspection, and emergency response. This procedure applies to all personnel involved in well operations and is intended to minimize the risk of uncontrolled release of wellbore fluids.

2. Definitions

Blowout An uncontrolled release of wellbore fluids (oil, gas, water) from a well. BOP Blowout Preventer: A mechanical device installed on the wellhead to prevent blowouts. Kick An influx of formation fluids into the wellbore.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all personnel are properly trained and competent in blowout prevention techniques.
Conduct regular inspections of blowout prevention equipment.
Enforce adherence to this safe work procedure.

3.2 Workers

Participate in required training programs.
Follow all steps outlined in this safe work procedure.
Report any potential hazards or equipment malfunctions immediately.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Uncontrolled release of wellbore fluids	Fire, explosion, environmental damage, injury or fatality	Install and maintain a functional Blowout Preventer (BOP) system. Implement well control procedures. Monitor well conditions for signs of a kick.
Equipment failure (BOP, choke manifold)	Loss of well control	Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of all well control equipment. Ensure equipment is rated for the expected wellbore pressures.
Human error (incorrect procedures, lack of training)	Failure to recognize and respond to a kick	Provide comprehensive training to all personnel on well control procedures. Conduct regular drills to reinforce training.
Communication breakdown	Delayed response to a well control event	Establish clear communication protocols between all members of the wellsite team. Use a common language and terminology.
High wellbore pressure	Exceeding equipment pressure ratings	Monitor wellbore pressure continuously. Use appropriate drilling fluid density to control formation pressure.
Weather conditions (lightning, storms)	Damage to equipment, disruption of operations	Monitor weather forecasts and implement appropriate precautions. Have a plan for suspending operations during severe weather.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hard Hat: Provides head protection from falling objects and impacts.
Safety Glasses: Protects eyes from debris, dust, and chemical splashes.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against excessive noise levels.
Flame-Resistant Clothing (FRC): Reduces the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire or explosion.
Safety Boots: Provides foot protection from impacts, punctures, and chemical spills.

6. Equipment and Tools

Blowout Preventer (BOP): A mechanical device used to seal, control, and monitor oil and gas wells to prevent blowouts.
Choke Manifold: A system of valves and chokes used to control the flow of wellbore fluids during well control operations.
Drilling Fluid (Mud): A circulating fluid used to control wellbore pressure, cool and lubricate the drill bit, and carry cuttings to the surface.
Pressure Gauges: Instruments used to monitor wellbore pressure at various points in the system.
Communication System: Radios or other devices used to maintain communication between personnel.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All personnel involved in blowout prevention operations must have completed a recognized well control training course and be deemed competent to perform their assigned tasks.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted prior to the start of any well operation to discuss the planned activities, potential hazards, and control measures. All personnel must acknowledge their understanding of the plan.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Ensure the work area is clear of obstructions and hazards. Verify that all equipment is in good working order and properly positioned.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Pre-Job Safety Meeting: Conduct a pre-job safety meeting to discuss the planned operations, potential hazards, and control measures. Ensure all personnel understand their roles and responsibilities.
BOP Inspection and Testing: Inspect the BOP stack to ensure it is in good working order. Conduct pressure tests to verify the integrity of the BOP seals and operating mechanisms.
Well Monitoring: Continuously monitor well conditions for signs of a kick, such as changes in flow rate, pit volume, or gas levels in the drilling fluid.
Kick Detection: If a kick is suspected, immediately shut in the well using the appropriate BOP rams. Follow established well control procedures to circulate out the influx.
Well Control Operations: Use the choke manifold to control the flow of wellbore fluids while circulating out the kick. Maintain constant bottom hole pressure to prevent further influx.
Post-Job Review: After completion of the well operation, conduct a post-job review to identify any lessons learned and areas for improvement in the blowout prevention procedures.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Ensure all personnel are trained in well control and blowout prevention techniques.
Maintain a safe distance from the wellhead during operations.
Never override or bypass safety devices.
Report any unsafe conditions or practices immediately.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a blowout, immediately activate the emergency shutdown system. Evacuate all non-essential personnel from the area. Contact emergency services and provide them with accurate information about the situation.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fire at the wellhead: Activate fire suppression systems. Evacuate the area. Approach the fire from upwind.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) release: Activate alarms. Evacuate to a designated safe area upwind. Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A formal incident report must be completed within 24 hours.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]