DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
GENERAL INDUSTRY SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory  
affairs by sections 16 and 21 of the Michigan occupational safety and health act, 1974 PA  
154, MCL 408.1016 and 408.1021, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-2,  
2003-1, 2008-4, and 2011-4, MCL 445.2001, 445.2011, 445.2025, and 445.2030)  
PART 57. OIL AND GAS DRILLING AND SERVICING OPERATIONS  
R 408.15701 Scope.  
Rule 5701. This part pertains to the construction, operation, and maintenance  
of land-based equipment and related practices for the safety of employees as such  
equipment and practices pertain to the drilling and servicing of all of the following:  
(a) Oil and gas.  
(b) Brine.  
(c) Minerals.  
(d) Liquid disposal.  
(e) Gas storage.  
(f) Liquefied natural gas storage wells.  
(g) Auxiliary operations.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15703 Definitions; A to C.  
Rule 5703. (1) "Acidizing" means the act of pumping an acidic solution into a  
wellbore to remove any materials from the perforations, pipe, and walls of the  
producing formation and includes the act of pumping the substance into formations  
to improve permeability.  
(2) "Air, gas, or mist drilling" means a method of rotary drilling using compressed  
air or gas as its primary circulating medium.  
(3) "Anchor" means a device that is used to secure, fasten, or stabilize.  
(4) "Bleed-off line" or "blooey line" means a pipe used to discharge materials or  
release pressure away from a well or pressurized equipment.  
(5) "Blocks, crown, and traveling" means the fixed upper and movable lower  
blocks, respectively, of the block and tackle assembly on a rig that raises and lowers the  
drill string or tubing.  
(6) "Blowout" means an uncontrolled flow of gas, oil, or other well fluids.  
(7) "Blowout preventer" means a device attached to the wellhead that allows the  
well to be sealed to confine the well fluids in the wellbore.  
(8) "Casing" means the pipe installed in the wellbore.  
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(9) "Cathead" means a rotating device mounted on the end of a shaft of the draw  
works.  
(10) "Catwalk" means an elongated platform to the side of a rig where pipe is  
laid out and lifted into the derrick. A catwalk is connected to the rig floor by a pipe  
ramp.  
(11) "Cellar" means an excavation around the wellhead to provide space for items  
of equipment at the top of the wellbore.  
(12) "Cementing" means the act of pumping a slurry into a wellbore to perform  
functions such as supporting and sealing casing, isolating formations behind  
casing, protecting freshwater formations, and sealing perforations in casing.  
(13) "Choke line" means an extension of pipe from the blowout preventer which  
is used to direct well fluid from the annulus to the choke manifold.  
(14) "Christmas tree" means the valves and fittings assembled at the top of a  
completed well to control the flow of hydrocarbons and other fluids.  
(15) "Crown block" means an assembly of sheaves or pulleys mounted on beams  
at the top of the derrick or mast over which a hoisting line is reeved.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15704 Definitions; D to F.  
Rule 5704. (1) "Derrick," sometimes called a mast, means a large load-  
bearing structure that supports the crown block.  
(2) "Derrick board" means the platform on which derrickmen work.  
(3) "Draw works" means the hoisting mechanism on a drilling, well servicing,  
or workover rig. It is essentially a large winch that spools off or takes in the hoisting  
line.  
(4) "Drill pipe" means a length of steel tube to which special threaded connections  
called tool joints are attached. Several lengths joined together are called a drill  
string.  
(5) "Drill stem" means the entire drilling assembly from the swivel to the bit  
composed of the kelly, drill string, subs, drill collars, and other downhole tools such  
as stabilizers and reamers.  
(6) "Drilling line," sometimes called a hoisting line, means the wire line used in  
the main rig hoisting system, one end of which is attached to the hoisting drum. This  
line does not include a tugger line.  
(7) "Drilling rig" means the equipment and machinery assembled primarily for the  
purpose of drilling or boring a hole in the ground.  
(8) "Drill stem test" means a method of gathering data on the  
potential  
productivity of a formation by permitting the flow of formation fluids through the  
drill pipe.  
(9) "Elevator" means a mechanical device attached to the traveling block that  
latches around and supports the pipe during hoisting.  
(10) "External guylines" means lines that run from some point in the derrick,  
mast, or pole to ground anchors or to a special substructure or derrick base which  
provides a substitute for ground anchors to provide stability.  
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(11) "Flow line" means the surface pipe which carries drilling fluid from surface  
tanks or other storage.  
(12) "Freezing operation" means the creation of a plug by freezing a liquid slug  
in a pipe or fitting.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15705 Definitions; H to O.  
Rule 5705. (1) "Hot oil operations" means the treatment of a producing well  
with heated oil to melt accumulated paraffin in the tubing and annulus.  
(2) "Hydraulic fracturing" means the act of pumping fluids into a wellbore and  
into a specific formation to induce fractures.  
(3) "Kelly" means a 3 or more sided shaped steel pipe connecting the swivel to  
the drill pipe. The kelly moves through the kelly bushing and the rotary table and  
transmits torque to the drill string.  
(4) "Lubricator" sometimes called a bottle, means a special length of casing or  
tubing placed temporarily above a valve on the top of the casing or tubing head used to  
run tools or substances into a producing well without having to kill it.  
(5) "Making a connection" means the act of screwing a joint of pipe or rods onto  
the string suspended in the wellbore.  
(6) "Mud box" means a device used to wrap around pipe connections to deflect  
fluid released when a joint or stand of pipe containing liquid is unscrewed.  
(7) "Nip point" means the point where the wire line becomes tangent to a sheave.  
(8) "Oil saver" means a pressure-sealing gland arrangement which is used to prevent  
the leakage and waste of gas, oil, or water around a wire line when servicing a well. It  
may be operated by mechanical or hydraulic means.  
(9) "Open hole" means the uncased part of the wellbore.  
(10) "Outriggers" means structural extensions of the mast or pole base protruding  
at approximately 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the rig to provide overturn  
stability.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15706 Definitions; P to R.  
Rule 5706. (1) "Perforating" means the act of making holes in pipe, cement, or  
formation at desired depths.  
(2) "Pipe racking board guylines," sometimes called tubing board guylines,  
means lines that run from racking board to ground anchors or special substructure or  
base which provides a substitute for ground anchors.  
(3) "Pipe ram" means a large valve which is usually installed above the ram  
preventers and which forms a seal in the annular space between the pipe and  
wellbore.  
(4) "Pipe tapping," sometimes called hot tapping, means the act of drilling a  
hole in the side of pipe that is under pressure.  
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(5) "Pole mast" means a structure which consists of 1 or more tubular sections,  
either telescoping or nontelescoping, and which is a load-bearing member. The  
structure, when erected to working position, usually requires guylines. It may be  
attached to a carrier, skid base, or substructure. It is used in place of a derrick.  
(6) "Power tongs" means pneumatically or hydraulically operated tools that  
serve to spin the pipe up tight or, in some instances, serve to apply the final makeup  
torque.  
(7) "Pumping unit" means surface equipment assembled for the purpose of  
mechanically lifting fluids from a well.  
(8) "Qualified employee" means a person who, by possession of a recognized  
degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by knowledge, training, or  
experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to perform work relating to the  
subject matter.  
(9) "Rigging up" means the on-site erection and connection  
components in preparation for drilling or well servicing operations.  
of  
the  
rig  
(10) "Rod," sometimes called a sucker rod, means a special steel rod, a number of  
which are screwed together to make up the mechanical link from the surface pumping  
unit to the pump in the well.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15707 Definitions; S.  
Rule 5707. (1) "Safety valve" means a valve available for quick installation  
in the pipe string to prevent flow.  
(2) "Shale shaker" means a vibrating sieve used to remove cuttings from the  
circulating fluid.  
(3) "Snubbing" means pulling or running pipe under pressure through a resilient  
sealing element where special equipment is used to apply external force to push  
the pipe into the well or to control the pipe movement out of the well.  
(4) "Special services" means those operations requiring specialized equipment  
and personnel to perform work processes to support well drilling and servicing  
operations.  
(5) "Stabbing a valve" means aligning and screwing a valve onto the end of a pipe.  
(6) "Stabbing board" means a temporary elevated platform erected in a derrick or  
mast.  
(7) "Stripping" means pulling or running pipe under pressure through a resilient  
sealing element and may also include the removing of rods and tubing from the well  
at the same time.  
(8) "Substructure" means a structure that surrounds the wellbore at the surface and  
provides the working area for certain employees. It may contain the rotary table.  
(9) "Swabbing" means the planned lifting of well fluids to the surface using a  
piston-like device installed on a wire line. Swabbing may inadvertently occur due  
to piston action as pipe or assemblies are pulled from the well.  
(10) "Swivel" means a device at the top of the drill stem that permits the  
circulation of fluids and the rotation of the drill string.  
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History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15708 Definitions; T to W.  
Rule 5708. (1) "Tour" means the work period of a rig crew and is usually  
pronounced as if spelled "t-o-w-e-r."  
(2) "Tubing" means a small diameter pipe that is run into a well to serve as a  
conduit for the passage of oil or gas to the surface.  
(3) "Valve drilling operation" means the drilling of a hole through the blocking  
element of a valve that is stuck in the closed position with pressure on the well side  
of the valve.  
(4) "Weight indicator" means an instrument that shows the weight suspended  
from the hooks.  
(5) "Well servicing" means the remedial or maintenance work performed on an oil  
or gas well to improve or maintain the production from a formation already  
producing.  
(6) "Well servicing rig" means a portable rig consisting of a hoist, engine, and a  
self-erecting mast.  
(7) "Wellbore" means the hole made by drilling or boring.  
(8) "Wire line wiper" means a device used to wipe off oil, mud, or liquid from  
a wire line as it is pulled out of the well.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15711 Employer and employee responsibilities.  
Rule 5711. (1) The employer shall do all of the following:  
(a) Provide training to an employee regarding the operating procedures, hazards,  
and safeguards of the assigned task, including the safe handling and use of hazardous  
substances and the personal protective equipment required.  
(b) Assure that the employee uses the personal protective  
prescribed in this part.  
equipment  
as  
(c) Not permit equipment to be operated that is not guarded according to state  
standards, has a defective guard, or is otherwise unsafe. A rotary table, cathead, kelly,  
and kelly bushing need not be guarded.  
(d) Assure that vehicles not involved in the immediate rig operation are parked a  
minimum distance of 100 feet from the wellbore. Equivalent safety measures shall be  
taken where terrain, location, or other conditions do not permit this spacing.  
(e) Assure that the well drilling contractor posts at all drilling sites, the  
telephone numbers, locations, and other relevant information pertaining to emergency  
personnel and facilities.  
(f) Assure that the well servicing contractor posts, at all well servicing sites,  
the telephone numbers, locations, and other relevant information pertaining to  
emergency personnel and facilities.  
(g) Not permit an employee to ride on a load being hoisted or a hoisting line.  
(2) An employee shall do all of the following:  
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(a) Not use equipment until trained in its operating procedures, hazards, and  
safeguards and until authorized to do so.  
(b) Report to the supervisor any equipment or safeguard that is defective.  
(c) Use personal protective equipment prescribed by this part.  
(d) Replace any guard or safeguard removed for inspection, maintenance, or setup  
before operating the equipment.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15712 Personal protective equipment and methods.  
Rule 5712. (1) The requirements for the providing and use of personal protective  
equipment are found in general industry safety standard, Part 33. Personal Protective  
Equipment, being R 408.13301 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.  
(2) An employee shall not wear loose or poorly fitted clothing.  
(3) An employee shall not work in clothing that is saturated with any flammable,  
hazardous, or irritating substance. This clothing shall be immediately removed and  
replaced with suitable clothing after the affected skin area has been thoroughly washed  
and treated, if necessary.  
(4) While on the worksite, an employee shall not wear jewelry or other adornments  
which are prone to snagging or hanging and causing injury.  
(5) An employee whose length of hair poses a hazard on the worksite shall keep his or  
her hair contained in a suitable manner while working. Hair and beard styles shall not  
interfere with the wearing of respiratory protective equipment.  
(6) If chemicals harmful to the eyes are being used, appropriate personal protective  
equipment and eye wash stations shall be provided to the employee, at no expense to the  
employee, and shall be used.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 1989 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.15713 Safety belt, lifeline, and lanyard use.  
Rule 5713. (1) An employee, when engaged in work 10 feet or more above the rig floor  
or other working surfaces, shall wear a safety belt or harness with an attached lanyard,  
except during rig up and rig down.  
(2) A safety belt, safety harness and any lifeline and lanyard shall be used only for  
safeguarding the employee.  
(3) A safety belt, safety harness, lifeline, or lanyard subjected to in-service shock  
loading, rather than static loading, shall be removed from service and shall not be used  
again for employee protection.  
(4) When working in the mast or derrick, an employee shall be provided with safety belt  
or safety harness and a lanyard or lifeline which is adjusted to allow the minimum of drop  
in case of a fall.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 1989 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
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R 408.15714 Fire prevention.  
Rule 5714. (1) Smoking, open fires, or other potential sources of ignition  
shall be permitted only in designated areas located at  
a
safe distance from the  
wellhead or flammable liquid storage areas. Operations or areas which constitute a fire  
hazard shall be conspicuously posted with a sign, "NO SMOKING OR OPEN  
FLAME."  
(2) Hazardous substances shall be stored in approved containers and properly  
labeled.  
(3) Equipment, cellars, rig floors, and ground areas adjacent to the well shall be  
kept free from oil or gas accumulations which might create or aggravate fire hazards.  
(4) Oxygen, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas shall not be used to operate  
spray guns or pneumatic tools.  
(5) Combustible materials, such as oily rags and waste, shall be stored in covered  
metal containers. The contents shall be disposed of daily.  
(6) Gasoline-fueled engines shall be shut down before refueling operations,  
unless the engine is needed for the control of the operation.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.15715 Fire protection.  
Rule 5715. (1) Fire extinguishers shall be located, tagged, inspected, and  
maintained as prescribed in Part 8. Portable Fire Extinguishers, being R 408.10801 et  
seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code. At a minimum, the following numbers of  
extinguishers shall be provided at the locations specified:  
(a) Four 20 lb., B-C rated extinguishers at the drilling rig.  
(b) Two 20 lb., B-C rated extinguishers at the well servicing rig.  
(c) One 20 lb., B-C rated extinguisher at each welding operation.  
(2) More or larger extinguishers shall be provided where the type of operation  
produces more hazardous conditions.  
(3) Fire fighting equipment shall not be tampered with and shall not be removed  
for other than fire protection and fire fighting purposes.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15716 Housekeeping.  
Rule 5716. (1) Work areas shall be kept reasonably clean and free of debris in  
order to minimize slip and trip hazards. Hazardous leaks or spills shall be promptly  
cleaned up to minimize slipping and fire hazards.  
(2) Material used for cleaning shall have a flash point of not less than 100 degrees  
Fahrenheit.  
(3) Means shall be provided to convey any hazardous substances away from the  
rig floor while pulling wet strings of pipe.  
History: 1979 AC.  
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R 408.15717 Wells containing hydrogen sulfide.  
Rule 5717. (1) Drilling and servicing of wells shall be as prescribed in the American  
Petroleum institute document, RP49, reissued 1975, Recommended Practices for Safe  
Drilling of Wells Containing Hydrogen Sulfide. This document is incorporated herein by  
reference. The API document may be inspected at the Department of Licensing and  
Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643,  
Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143. This information may be purchased at a cost of $125.00  
from IHS Global, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado, 80112, USA, telephone  
number: 1-800-854-7179 or via the internet at website: http://global.ihs.com.  
(2) Where hydrogen sulfide or any other unusually hazardous gas is known or suspected  
to exist, the employer shall advise the employees of the possible exposure involved and  
shall provide training and personal protective equipment as required in Rule 5711 of this  
part.  
(3) Where it is not necessary to maintain a cellar on wells producing hydrogen sulfide,  
the cellar shall be filled to eliminate the hazard of accumulation of hydrogen sulfide gas.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.15718 Rig access; ladders, stairways, ramps, platforms, and elevators.  
Rule 5718. (1) A rig must be equipped with stairs, ladders, or ramps. An employee  
shall not jump from one level to another.  
(2) A fixed ladder, stair, ramp, or platform must be constructed and maintained in  
compliance with General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 2. “Walking-Working  
Surfaces,” being R 408.10201 to R 408.10241 of the Michigan Administrative Code.  
Where structural crosspiece of a rig does not allow the required horizontal clearance  
prescribed in General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 2. “Walking-Working  
Surfaces,” the clearance may be reduced to not less than 4 inches.  
(3) A derrick and mast must be equipped with a fixed ladder providing access from  
the rig floor to the crown block platform and to each intermediate platform on the  
structure.  
(4) A minimum of 2 escape routes must be available to provide alternate exits from  
the rig floor to ground level when the rig floor height is 6 feet or more.  
(5) When a working platform is in the folded or storage position, the platform must  
be secured with not less than 2 fasteners of a type that will not vibrate loose or come  
loose accidentally. Clevis hooks, safety hooks, or other equivalent devices must be used  
for this purpose.  
(6) When an employee cannot perform necessary duties on a well servicing rig from  
ground level, a working platform must be used around the wellhead. The platform must  
be of sufficient size and so constructed to allow 2 men to work from it.  
(7) Each finger of a finger board must be bolted, welded, hinged and pinned, or  
attached by other equivalent means to its support beam.  
(8) When climbing a rig ladder, tools or other materials must be properly secured to  
the employee so that the hands of the employee are free for climbing.  
(9) An employee engaged in a well servicing or drilling operation may ride an  
elevator, sometimes called a traveling block, if both of the following provisions are  
satisfied:  
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(a) The employee riding the elevator is provided with and uses a safety belt or safety  
harness with a lanyard, as prescribed in R 408.15713(4), that is attached and adjusted to  
prevent a fall of not more than 6 feet.  
(b) The elevator is not under load.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 1989 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 408.15719 Auxiliary escape.  
Rule 5719. (1) A means of escape shall be rigged and secured to provide a safe  
and readily accessible escape route from the derrick board before operations  
commence which require a crew member to be on the derrick board, excluding  
stabbing boards or other temporary platforms.  
(2) The emergency escape route shall be kept clear of obstructions. The escape  
equipment shall be arranged to carry the crew member away from the wellbore or  
drilling floor and to permit a safe landing.  
(3) If an escape line is used as the means of escape, all of the following  
provisions apply:  
(a) The ground anchor point of the escape line shall be located a minimum  
lateral distance from the derrick or mast equal to the height above the ground where  
the connecting point of the escape line is secured to the derrick or mast.  
(b) Tension of the escape line shall be periodically checked and adjusted to  
assure a safe landing for the user of the escape line. A safe landing means that a user  
using a manually operated braking emergency escape unit will stop a minimum of  
20 feet from the anchor point and a user using an automatic velocity-limiting  
device or controlled-descent device will stop a minimum of 5 feet from the anchor  
point.  
(c) Each employee regularly assigned to work from the derrick board shall be  
provided with an escape line.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
CONSTRUCTION  
R 408.15721 Construction of derricks and masts.  
Rule 5721. (1) A derrick or mast manufactured after November 21, 1979, shall have a  
permanent nameplate which is attached to the structure and which indicates all of the  
following information:  
(a) Name of manufacturer.  
(b) Model number and serial number.  
(c) Rating, including maximum static hook load capacity with the number of lines.  
(d) Whether guying is applicable and the recommended guying pattern. If guying  
requirements do not appear on the nameplates, the derrick or mast shall be guyed as  
prescribed by API SPEC 4E-1974, entitled “Specification for Drilling and Well Servicing  
Structures,” which is herein adopted by reference and may be inspected at the  
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Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards Section, 7150  
Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143. The specifications may  
be purchased at a cost of $125.00 from IHS Global, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood,  
Colorado, 80112, USA, telephone number: 1-800-854-7179 or via the internet at website:  
http://global.ihs.com.  
(2) An employee qualified in procedures for raising and lowering the mast shall be in  
charge of raising and lowering operations and shall do both of the following:  
(a) Visually inspect the raising or lowering mechanism.  
(b) Assure that all tools and materials which are not secured are removed from the  
mast.  
(3) Only an employee required to carry out the operation shall be allowed in or under  
the mast unless it is in the fully raised or lowered position.  
(4) The mast shall be level and properly positioned before raising, lowering, scoping the  
structure, or tightening guylines.  
(5) Before imposing any load on a derrick or mast, all required load guys shall be  
properly tightened.  
(6) Mast crown sheaves shall be guarded to prevent the hoisting line from being  
displaced from the grooves during all operations.  
(7) A derrick board or other platform shall be constructed, maintained, and adequately  
secured to the structure to withstand the weight of employees and other stresses placed  
upon the platform.  
(8) An unguarded opening large enough to permit a person to fall through shall not exist  
between the beams or main supports of the crown block.  
(9) If bumperblocks are used under the crown block beam, a safety cable or strap shall  
be fastened along their full length with both ends secured to the derrick.  
(10) All counterweights above the rig floor, when not fully encased or running in  
permanent guides, shall have a safety chain or wire rope safety line anchored to the  
derrick or mast to secure them. The chain and wire rope shall be capable of sustaining the  
drop load and shall limit the drop counterweight to not less than 7 feet from the floor.  
(11) Load-bearing hydraulic jacks shall have a safety lock device, double valves, or the  
equivalent..  
(12) A derrick, mast, and auxiliary parts shall be maintained in a safe condition.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.15722 Derrick and mast foundations and guying.  
Rule 5722. (1) Foundations shall be capable of safely distributing the gross  
weight of the derrick or mast under the maximum anticipated hook load.  
(2) Guyline ground anchors shall be any type that satisfies the requirements  
of subdivision (a) of this subrule. Soil conditions, terrain, and the use of surrounding  
land determines the most applicable type of anchor. All anchors shall satisfy both of  
the following requirements:  
(a) An installed ground anchor, permanent or temporary, shall meet the pullout  
requirements for the conditions of service. The anticipated climatic conditions,  
including wind forces, for the geographic area shall be a prime consideration in  
determining the anchor pullout requirements and pattern spacing. Anchor breaking  
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strength and pullout safety factors shall be in accordance with API SPEC 4E-1974,  
entitled "Specification for Drilling and Well Servicing Structures," which is adopted  
herein by reference in R 408.15721 (1) (d).  
(b) Where soil is corrosive, metal components of permanent ground anchors  
shall be galvanized or otherwise protected against corrosion.  
(3) For permanent-type ground anchors, the well  
operator  
shall  
make  
representative pull tests for the geographical area and size and type of anchor  
involved. Representative pull tests shall be conducted along the anchor working  
plane. Records of representative anchor pull tests for the area shall be maintained.  
(4) Permanent anchors shall be inspected before each use by visually checking.  
If damage or deterioration is apparent upon inspection, anchors shall be pull tested.  
(5) Temporary ground anchors shall be of such type and so installed to provide  
pullout strengths which exceed the maximum anticipated guyline pull for the  
equipment to be used and the conditions of service. Records of representative anchor  
pull tests for the area and size and type of anchor shall be maintained.  
(6) A portable mast, either structure or pole type, that requires the use of external  
guylines to assure stability shall have the external guylines in place immediately  
following the raising and telescoping of the mast.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15723 Traveling blocks and crown blocks.  
Rule 5723. (1) A traveling block and its component parts shall be designed, constructed,  
and maintained as prescribed in API SPEC 8A-1976, entitled “Specifications for Drilling  
and Production Hoisting Equipment,” which is adopted herein by reference and may be  
inspected at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards  
Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143. The  
specifications may be purchased at a cost of $125.00 from IHS Global, 15 Inverness Way  
East, Englewood, Colorado, 80112, USA, telephone number: 1-800-854-7179 or via the  
internet at website: http://global.ihs.com.  
(2) A traveling block, crown block, or related equipment shall not be subjected to any  
load in excess of its designed rating.  
(3) A hook for use with a traveling block to which equipment is either directly or  
indirectly attached shall be equipped with safety latch to prevent accidental release of the  
load.  
(4) A traveling block exposed to contact shall be guarded at the running nip point of the  
sheave and shall not be operated unless the guard is in place.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.15725 Electrical installations.  
Rule 5725. (1) Except as required in this rule, electrical installations and equipment  
shall be as prescribed in the national electrical code, NFPA 70-1981, which is adopted  
herein by reference and may be inspected at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory  
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Affairs, MIOSHA Standards Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing,  
Michigan, 48909-8143. This code may be purchased at the cost of $27.00 from the  
National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy,  
Massachusetts 02269-9101, or via the internet at web-site: www.nfpa.org.  
(2)Electrical equipment such as lighting, power tools, and other electrical motors used in  
hazardous locations shall be designed for such locations and where practicable, listed by  
a nationally recognized testing laboratory. All wiring components and electrical  
equipment shall be maintained in accordance with the original design. Because of  
exposure to vibration and frequent rig moves, maximum use shall be made of flexible  
electrical cord intended for hard usage and with inherent resistance to dampness and  
petroleum products.  
(3) On a land location, an engine-driven light plant or generator shall not be located  
closer to the wellbore than the nearest engine operating the rig.  
(4) A light plant generator shall have a overload safety device to provide protection  
from arcing in a hazardous area or from a burnout of the generator.  
(5) Rig lighting equipment, except that used in a cellar, shall be classified as class 1,  
division 2.  
(6) Cellar lighting equipment shall be classified class 1, division 1.  
(7) The following area classifications shall determine the type of maintenance  
requirements for electrical equipment on the rig under normal operating conditions.  
When special service operations are being performed, the requirements for electrical  
installations under the conditions of service listed in subdivisions (a) to (h) of this  
subrule shall be followed:  
(a) When the derrick or mast is not enclosed or is equipped with a windbreak (open top  
and V-door) and the substructure is open to ventilation, the areas shall be classified as  
shown in figure 1 and shall provide not less than 12 complete air changes per hour.  
(b) If the rig floor and substructure are enclosed and as such, provide not less than 12  
complete air changes per hour, the areas shall be classified as shown in figure 2.  
(c) Where appropriate, the area surrounding a drilling fluid tank located outdoors shall  
be provided with ventilation of not less than 12 complete air changes per hour and shall  
be classified as shown in figure 3.  
(d) If the drilling fluid tank is enclosed or located so as to provide not less than 12  
complete air changes per hour, the areas shall be classified as shown in figure 4.  
(e) The areas surrounding a shale shaker with ventilation of not less than 12 complete  
air changes per hour shall be classified as shown in figure 5.  
(f) When the shale shaker is enclosed, the area within the enclosure shall be classified  
as class 1, division 1.  
(g) If an open fluid ditch or trench is used to connect between drilling fluid tanks, or  
between the drilling fluid tank and shale shaker, or open drilling fluid pits, and if  
ventilation of not less than 12 complete air changes per hour is provided the areas shall be  
classified as shown in figure 3 for tanks.  
(h) The area surrounding the drilling fluid pump shall not be considered hazardous  
unless it is so classified due to the proximity of another hazardous component or facility.  
(8) Motors and other electrical equipment shall be classified as prescribed in figures 1 to  
5 of this rule.  
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(9) Direct current (DC) rotary, draw works, cathead, and pump motors in a classified  
area shall have an enclosed cooling system or shall be purged with air from a safe source.  
Air units supplying purged air shall be located at the input end of the system to provide  
positive pressure on the ducting and motors.  
(10) All electrical extension cords shall be properly insulated with both male and female  
plugs, and the cord shall be in good condition.  
(11) Lamps and reflectors shall be kept clean to provide illumination.  
(12) Figures 1 to 5 read as follows:  
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History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
Editor's Note: An obvious error in R 408.15725 was corrected at the request of the promulgating  
agency, pursuant to Section 56 of 1969 PA 306, as amended by 2000 PA 262, MCL 24.256. The rule  
containing the error was published in Annual Administrative Code Supplement, 2013 MR 10. The  
memorandum requesting the correction was published in Michigan Register, 2014 MR 4.  
R 408.15726 Blowout prevention equipment.  
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Rule 5726. (1) Before drilling out under surface casing, blowout preventing equipment  
shall be installed and maintained throughout the drilling operation.  
(2) The blowout prevention equipment shall be as prescribed in the API RP53-1976  
document entitled “Recommended Practices for Blowout Prevention Equipment  
Systems,” which is adopted herein by reference and may be inspected at the Department  
of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards Section, 7150 Harris Drive,  
P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143. This information may be purchased at  
the cost of $125.00 from IHS Global, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado,  
80112, USA, telephone number: 1-800-854-7179 or via the internet at website:  
http://global.ihs.com.  
(3) Where a ram-type preventer is used, it shall contain pipe rams to enable closure on  
the pipe being used.  
(4) The choke line and kill line shall be anchored, tied, or otherwise secured to prevent  
whipping under pressure surges.  
(5) While in service, blowout prevention equipment shall be inspected daily and a  
preventer mechanical test shall be performed daily to ensure that the preventers will  
function properly.  
(6) A pipe fitting, valve, or union placed on or connected with blowout prevention  
equipment, well casing, casinghead, drill pipe, or tubing shall have a working pressure  
rating suitable for the maximum anticipated well surface pressure.  
(7) Pressure testing of each component of the blowout preventer equipment shall be  
conducted before drilling out any string of casing, except conductor pipe. Drilling shall  
not proceed until blowout prevention equipment is found, upon testing, to be serviceable.  
(8) If a blind ram is closed for any purpose, the valve on the choke line or relief line  
below the blind ram shall be opened before opening the ram to bleed off any pressure.  
(9) At least 1 person who is capable of operating blowout prevention equipment shall be  
on the well site during well drilling operations.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
EQUIPMENT  
R 408.15731 Machinery, tools, and equipment generally.  
Rule 5731. (1) Well operations shall not be commenced until the rig is rigged up  
in a safe manner.  
(2) A lockout system shall be established for drilling rig equipment, except on  
draw works, slush pumps, and rotaries where a tag out system may be used. An employee  
shall be trained in the use of a lockout system to prevent unexpected energizing of  
any equipment from any energy source which might inflict injury to personnel. A  
lock or tag shall not be removed without the approval of the person who installed it  
or his or her authorized replacement.  
(3) A maintenance employee shall report to the rig supervisor before beginning  
repairs and when repairs are completed.  
(4) Rig power shutdown devices shall be checked at least once each week to  
determine that they are in proper working condition.  
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(5) Tools, parts, and other materials shall not be kept in the derrick or mast above  
the rig floor unless there is occasion for their immediate use and precautions are taken  
to prevent them from falling.  
(6) Every rig shall be equipped with a safety valve with connections suitable for  
use with each size and type of tool joint or pipe coupling being used on the job. A  
means shall be provided to allow for the circulation of the well.  
(7) Any overhead wire shall be considered an energized  
line  
until  
a
representative of the owner or utility has checked and indicated otherwise. Before  
any equipment is erected or moved near a power line, the owner or utility representative  
shall be notified. Except where electrical power lines and equipment have been de-  
energized and visibly grounded at the point of work, or where an insulating barrier,  
not a part of the equipment, has been erected, or where the employee is  
insulated or isolated from the equipment, clearances shall be maintained pursuant to  
the following table:  
TABLE  
Clearance in transit  
Clearance  
boom raised  
with boom lowered  
and no load  
Voltage  
To 49 KV  
Over 50 KV 10 feet  
50 to 345 KV  
10 feet  
4 feet  
+ .4 inch per KV  
10 feet  
346 to 750 KV  
16 feet  
(8) The hoisting unit of a gin pole truck shall be in compliance with all of the  
following provisions:  
(a) Worn parts that could adversely affect the safety of the operation shall be  
replaced.  
(b) Not be used to lift or pull more than the wire rope or the hoisting unit's rated  
capacity, whichever is less.  
(c) Have the wire rope and connecting pins inspected at least once a month.  
(9) A gin pole mounted on a truck shall be securely fastened when the poles are  
in a vertical or semivertical position.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15732 Guylines and hoisting lines.  
Rule 5732. (1) A guyline shall be maintained in good condition and shall be of a  
strength, including auxiliary devices such as chains, boomers, and clamps, capable  
of withstanding loads for the anticipated service conditions. A guyline shall have a  
safety factor of 3.  
(2) Each guyline shall be visually inspected before each rig up. A guyline shall  
be removed from service and replaced if in any length of 10 diameters the total number  
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of visible broken wires exceeds 10% of the total number of wires in the line or if the  
guyline shows other signs of excessive wear, corrosion, or defect.  
(3) Wire rope used for hoisting purposes shall be of a strength to safely lift and  
otherwise handle anticipated loads under conditions of service. The maximum  
allowable hoisting line working load shall be based on a minimum safety factor of 3 for  
normal operations. A minimum safety factor of 2 is allowed when setting casing,  
pulling on stuck pipe, or while engaging in similar infrequent operations.  
(4) A damaged portion of a hoisting line shall be removed from service when any  
of the following conditions exist:  
(a) Three broken wires are found in 1 lay of 6 by 6 wire rope.  
(b) Six broken wires are found in 1 lay of 6 by 19 wire rope.  
(c) Eight broken wires are found in 1 lay of 8 by 19 wire rope.  
(d) Nine broken wires are found in 1 lay of 6 by 37 wire rope.  
(e) Wire ropes not covered in this subrule are found to have 4% or more of the total  
number of wires composing such rope broken in 1 lay.  
(f) Marked corrosion appears.  
(g) Corroded or broken wires are noted at end connections.  
(h) End connections are corroded, cracked, bent, worn, or improperly applied.  
(i) Evidence is noted of kinking, crushing, cutting, or unstranding.  
(5) When the hoisting line is placed on the hoisting drum, the end shall be securely  
fastened and there shall be not less than 7 line wraps remaining on the drum at  
the lowest operating position of the traveling block.  
(6) A deadline anchor for a hoisting line shall be so constructed, installed, and  
maintained that its strength equals or exceeds the working strength of the hoisting line.  
(7) When a ton-mile calculation indicates, or an inspection reveals, that the  
hoisting line safety factor has been materially reduced, the line shall be slipped, cut, or  
replaced.  
(8) A hoisting line under load shall not be allowed to come in contact with any  
part of the derrick or mast, stationary equipment, or material in the structure, except at  
the crown block sheaves, traveling block sheaves, a turnback roller, and a line stabilizer,  
when needed.  
(9) The hoisting line shall not be removed from the hoisting drum until the  
traveling block is rested on the rig floor or held suspended by a separate wire rope or  
chain.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15733 Draw works.  
Rule 5733. (1) A visual inspection of the draw works and its working parts  
shall be made at least once each day.  
(2) The equipment operator shall not leave the draw works brake without tying  
the brake down or securing it with a catch lock, unless the draw works is equipped  
with an automatic feed control.  
(3) An emergency shutdown switch for a draw works engine or motor shall be  
located at the draw works drum control console.  
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(4) A draw works used for well drilling shall be equipped with a device which  
actuates an emergency stop of the drum and engages the brake when the maximum  
wraps on the drum have been reached or shall be equipped with a crown safety device  
which achieves equal or better protection. Either device shall be tested at rigup and  
at least once each week thereafter when in use or when the hoisting line system is  
changed.  
(5) Tension shall be applied by a catline tugger or other means when running  
the initial wraps on the draw works.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.15734 Catheads.  
Rule 5734. (1) A cathead on which a rope is manually operated shall have a rope  
guide to hold the onrunning rope in alignment with its normal running position  
against the inner flange. Clearance of the rope guide shall be a maximum of 3/8 inch  
from the cathead.  
(2) The fasteners for the guides and housing shall be secured against loosening  
by safety wires or other equivalent means.  
(3) Precautions shall be taken to prevent entanglement of other lines with a line  
in use on a cathead.  
(4) When a cathead is unattended, a rope or line shall not remain wrapped on  
or in contact with the cathead.  
(5) A qualified employee shall attend the draw works control when a manually  
operated cathead is in use.  
(6) A cathead shall be checked for grooves and rebuilt and turned when necessary  
to prevent fouling. Cathead groove depth shall not exceed 1/4 inch.  
(7) A headache post or guard shall be provided for protection of the employee at  
the draw works controls when the line is in close proximity to the operator during  
operation of a catline, jerkline, or spinning line.  
(8) An automatic cathead and its mechanism shall be maintained in safe working  
condition.  
(9) A splice shall not be allowed to contact the cathead friction surface, with  
the exception of endless rope properly spliced.  
(10) A catline shall not be used to raise or lower personnel.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15735 Drill collars.  
Rule 5735. Safety clamps used on a drill collar, flush-joint pipe, or similar  
equipment to prevent the collar, pipe, or equipment from falling in the well when not  
held by the elevators shall be removed from such equipment before hoisting  
continues.  
History: 1979 AC.  
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R 408.15736 Weight indicators.  
Rule 5736. (1) A weight indicator shall be installed and used on all operating  
drilling and well servicing rigs. It shall be so constructed, installed, and maintained so  
as to register an indication of plus 5% at maximum hook loading of the suspended  
load.  
(2) The weight indicator shall be checked monthly for calibration by comparing  
its reading with the calculated drill string or tubing string weight, with adjustment  
made as necessary.  
(3) The weight indicator shall be mounted so the gauge is easily visible to the  
operator standing at the brake position.  
(4) Where an employee would be exposed to a hazard from  
a
weight  
indicator, or a component of a weight indicator, installed on the deadline, the  
indicator or component shall be secured with a separate safety line or chain.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15737 Drilling fluid tanks.  
Rule 5737. (1) A pit or tank used to circulate flammable materials shall be located  
not less than 100 feet from the well. Equivalent safety measures shall be taken  
where terrain and location conditions do not permit maintaining such distance.  
(2) A fixed drilling fluid gun used for jetting shall be pinned or hobbled when  
in use and unattended.  
(3) When it is necessary for an employee to enter a drilling fluid tank, the  
requirements of R 408.15725, if applicable, and the rules contained in general industry  
safety standard, Part 90. Confined Space Entry, being R 408.19001 et seq. of the  
Michigan Administrative Code, shall be followed.  
(4) An electric motor-driven blower used for ventilation shall be of an appropriate  
electrical classification for the area in which the blower is located.  
History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.  
R 408.15738 Pipe racks.  
Rule 5738. (1) Pipe shall be handled at the ends during manual pipe loading  
and unloading operations and during transfer between pipe racks.  
(2) An employee shall not go between the pipe rack and a pipe truck or trailer  
during loading, unloading, or transfer operations.  
(3) Provision shall be made to prevent pipe from accidentally rolling off a pipe  
rack or truck.  
(4) During transfer operations between the truck and the pipe rack, temporary  
supports for skidding or rolling the pipe shall be so constructed, placed, and  
anchored to support the load to be placed on them.  
(5) Pipe and drill collars racked in the derrick or mast shall be secured to  
prevent them from falling across the derrick or mast.  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.15739 Pressure equipment.  
Rule 5739. (1) A relief valve discharge shall be located and anchored so as to prevent a  
hazardous condition due to sudden discharge or piping movement.  
(2) In normal operation, pumps, piping, hoses, valves, and other fittings shall not be  
operated at pressures greater than their rated working pressure and shall be maintained in  
good operating condition. Test pressures shall not exceed the design test pressure. Pumps,  
piping, hoses, and safety relief valves shall be of the design that meets the requirements  
of the operating conditions to be encountered.  
(3) Repairs to electrically driven pressure equipment shall not be performed unless the  
energy source has been interrupted at the switch box and the control has been locked.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
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.  
History: 1979 AC.  
SPECIAL SERVICES  
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R 408.15741 Special services generally.  
Rule 5741. (1) The supervisor of the special service shall hold a pre-job  
meeting with each crew to review responsibilities for the operation to be  
performed.  
(2) Welding shall not be performed in the immediate wellhead area during wire  
line operations.  
(3) When possible, the service unit shall be located on the upwind side of the  
wellhead and spotted where the crew has optimum visibility and can work unobstructed.  
(4) A frozen flow line shall not knowingly be flexed or hit.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15742 Special services equipment; tanks, pump units, and  
communications.  
Rule 5742. (1) A service unit engine shall be equipped with an emergency  
shutdown device, the control of which shall be located at the operator's console.  
(2) A tank for flammable material shall be set so that if tanks leak, fluid will  
drain away from the well and equipment, or provisions shall be made to contain any  
leaked fluid.  
(3) Electric power to the pumping unit shall be de-energized and locked out such  
a distance from the wellhead as to eliminate potential electrical hazards during well  
servicing operations. In confined locations, overhead electric power to the pumping  
unit control panel shall be de-energized.  
(4) When operations are to be conducted around a pumping unit, the brake shall be  
set; if the pumping unit is stopped with counterweights in other than the down position,  
additional means shall be effected to prevent any movement of the counterweights or  
beam.  
(5) After well servicing operations are completed, precautions shall be taken  
before energizing the power source to determine that all personnel and equipment are  
clear of weight and beam movement.  
(6) Brake systems on all pumping units shall be maintained in safe working  
order.  
(7) All equipment shall be located so that equipment operators can see the  
employee in charge during operations so that alternate specific arrangements can  
be made to assure adequate communication.  
(8) Signals between supervisors and employees shall be agreed upon and fully  
understood before initiation of operations. Where more than 1 employer is involved  
in a drilling or service operation, coordination of activities and communication shall  
be accomplished so that the employees are protected at all times.  
(9) Communications equipment shall be in good working order before  
commencing operations.  
(10) Employees shall be out of the derrick and cellar and stand clear when a  
subsurface pump is being unseated or when the initial pull on tubing is made.  
History: 1979 AC.  
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R 408.15743 Treating and cementing discharge lines.  
Rule 5743. (1) Before initiating well servicing operations, the well shall be  
checked for pressure and proper steps shall be taken to remove the pressure or to  
ensure safe operation under pressure.  
(2) A treating or cementing discharge line shall not be placed under any mobile  
equipment nor shall any mobile equipment be spotted over any such line.  
(3) A discharge pressure line shall include sufficient flexible joints to avoid line  
rigidity and minimize vibration at the wellhead.  
(4) When using an open-ended flow discharge line to flow or bleed off a well, the  
line shall be secured to prevent whipping. The flow discharge line shall be anchored  
before opening the wellhead control valve.  
(5) All pressure shall be bled from a discharge line before breaking out or rigging  
down the line.  
(6) After a hazardous substance has been pumped, all discharge lines shall be  
properly flushed before breaking out.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15744 Lubricator operations.  
Rule 5744. (1) The provisions of this subrule apply when downhole tools are  
being run on a wire line in a well and a lubricator is used to allow removal of the tools  
under pressure.  
(2) A lubricator, including the swages and unions, shall be visually inspected for  
defects before use. Any defects that may affect safe operations shall be corrected  
before installation.  
(3) All valves and gauges shall be checked to be certain that there is no pressure on  
the lubricator before working on or removing it.  
(4) When a lubricator is installed on a wellhead, an outlet below the lubricator  
shall be provided for well control operations.  
(5) When downhole tools are being run on a wire line in wells where surface  
pressure is suspected, a lubricator or other equivalent control device shall be used to  
allow the removal of the tools under pressure.  
(6) Only employees essential to the conduct of ongoing operations shall be  
permitted near the pressurized lubricator, flow lines, and wellhead.  
(7) Wellhead adapters, wire line valves, and lubricating equipment shall be operated  
within their working pressure ratings.  
(8) Hammering or otherwise striking on a pressurized lubricator or connection  
shall not be permitted.  
(9) A threaded connection or union on a pressurized lubricator shall not be loosened  
or tightened.  
(10) When handling the lubricator with a rig catline, air hoist, or other type of  
hoisting equipment, the line shall be snug against a union.  
The catline or hoist line shall not be tied in the middle of a section of lubricator.  
(11) When breaking a quick-thread union that is secured with a single bolt, the  
bolt shall be left in place with at least 1 full nut of threads engaged until after the union  
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has been knocked loose. After the union has been knocked loose, the connection shall  
be moved to make certain the ring seal is broken and pressure has been released.  
(12) A lubricator, 26 feet or more in length, shall be properly guyed or held  
vertical when in use.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15745 Wire rope.  
Rule 5745. (1) Wire rope used on a gin pole truck shall be replaced if the  
monthly inspection shows any of the following conditions:  
(a) In any length of 8 diameters, the total number of visible broken wires  
exceeds 10% of the total number of wires.  
(b) The wire rope has been kinked, crushed, or birdcaged or has sustained  
other damage which distorts the rope structure.  
(c) The outside of the wire rope shows heat or corrosive damage.  
(2) There shall be not less than 2 complete wraps on the hoist drum when any load  
being hoisted is at its lowest point.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
WIRELINE SERVICE  
R 408.15751 Wireline service generally.  
Rule 5751. (1) Wireline wipers shall be secured to prevent displacement.  
(2) Oil savers shall be adjusted only by remote control while the wireline is in  
motion.  
(3) Except for an employee of the wireline service company, an employee shall  
not be permitted closer than 6 feet to a moving wireline when working between the  
wireline unit and the well.  
(4) The wireline valve, sometimes called a wireline blowout preventer, shall be  
visually inspected during opening and closing each time it is installed on a well. It shall  
be pressure tested monthly in full closed position to the rated working pressure of the  
valve.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.15752 Placement and handling of wireline service units.  
Rule 5752. (1) If a fracturing or hot oil unit is on the location, the wireline unit  
shall be located as far away from either unit as is practicable. The unit shall be  
located so that a means of emergency egress is available facing away from the fracturing  
or hot oil unit.  
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(2) A mobile wireline service unit working on land locations shall be properly  
chocked or spaded. If not spaded, a minimum of 2 chocks shall be used, 1 behind each  
rear wheel toward the wellhead.  
(3) A portable or skid-mounted wireline service unit shall be properly secured to  
prevent any uncontrolled movement of the unit when a load is taken on the line.  
(4) A wireline service unit shall be located in a manner that will not interfere with  
the entrance or exit of an employee from that unit or other service unit.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.15753 Gin poles and rope falls.  
Rule 5753. (1) A gin pole shall be properly attached to the wellhead or  
Christmas tree with a chain and ratchet load binder in  
a
manner that prevents  
movement when the load is being handled. A chain and ratchet binder used to attach  
the gin pole to the wellhead or Christmas tree shall be of a proper size and strength to  
support the anticipated load to be handled.  
(2) When the gin pole and rope falls are being used to lift the lubricator or  
any other heavy object, the load shall be pulled from as near a vertical position as  
practicable.  
(3) A splice shall not be permitted in the entire length of rope of a rope fall,  
except where the dead end is tied off.  
(4) The rope shall be inspected at the beginning of each job to assure that it has  
not been partially cut, frayed, or exposed to chemicals that may weaken it. A rope that  
has been weakened by being cut or frayed or that has been in contact with damaging  
chemicals shall be immediately replaced.  
(5) The blocks of a rope fall shall be inspected at the beginning of each job for  
shaft wear, the condition of bearings, or damaged or severely worn sheaves that may  
cause rope damage. A block that shows excess wear or damage shall be immediately  
replaced.  
(6) A wire sling or equivalent that has been inspected for defects before  
installation shall be used for the purpose of securing the lower wire line sheave. The  
sheave shall be attached to a primary rig beam, blowout preventer, or permanent  
stable fixture.  
(7) A pin used in the makeup of a sheave wheel shall be secured with a cotter pin  
or safety-type pin.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15754 Wellheads, wellhead connections, and adapters.  
Rule 5754. (1) Except under emergency conditions and with due regard for  
potential hazard, wire line operations equipment shall not be rigged up on any wellhead  
if the surface pressure exceeds or is expected to exceed the maximum rated working  
pressure of the wellhead and wellhead equipment.  
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(2) In wire line operations where the weight and pull of the tools is to be supported  
by the lubricator, the connector shall be of such size and strength to support the  
anticipated loads.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15755 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15756 Wire line operations.  
Rule 5756. (1) When handling a wire line that recoils when extended, the loose  
end shall not be left unsecured.  
(2) If slack line occurs while tools are in the hole, the wire line shall be  
clamped off at the wellhead before working with the loose line.  
The clamp shall be tied off with a chain or soft-laid cable with sufficient  
strength to withstand any load to which it may be subjected.  
(3) Hands, rags, and other objects shall be kept clear of sheave wheels while the  
line is in motion.  
(4) A mast or gin pole truck used in wire line operations shall not be moved from  
one location to another nor driven on public roads with the mast or pole in a vertical  
or semivertical position.  
(5) A gin pole mounted on a truck shall be securely fastened when the poles are  
in a vertical or semivertical position.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15757 Perforating.  
Rule 5757. (1) Devices containing an explosive, such as a perforating gun or  
sand line cutter, shall be handled only by qualified employees.  
(2) Electrical grounding between the wellhead, service unit, and rig structure  
shall be made before operating a tool using an explosive. A periodic check shall be  
made to ensure that all units are grounded.  
(3) All unnecessary employees shall be kept away from a perforating gun while  
the gun is being armed, placed in the well, removed from the well, and disarmed.  
(4) A radar or radio transmitting unit shall not be operated within 200 feet of any  
perforating operation. Warning signs shall be posted or other appropriate measures  
shall be taken by the employer performing the perforating operation so that all  
radio transmitting units will be shut off within 200 feet of the perforating operations.  
(5) The perforating operation shall be suspended or the loaded gun safely  
isolated if an electrical storm or severe wind is imminent in the job area.  
(6) Only a galvanometer or safety meter approved by the institute of makers of  
explosives shall be used for checking the continuity of blasting cap circuits.  
(7) Shortcuts, such as a circuit jumper or a wired around switch, shall not be used  
on perforating equipment.  
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(8) A circuit alteration shall not be made while a perforating gun is attached to  
the cable head, unless the gun is 100 feet or more down the wellbore.  
(9) When checking cable continuity using service unit electric current (AC or  
DC), the cable head or end of the cable shall be located in the vicinity of the unit  
where the employee applying the current can see the cable head.  
(10) Before arming a bullet or shaped charge gun, conductor wire and armor  
shall be temporarily shorted to eliminate any capacitance charge that may exist in the  
cable.  
(11) Primacord shall be separated from a blasting cap before assembly on location.  
The cap and booster shall be crimped only with an approved crimper. Primacord  
shall be cut with primacord cutters or  
diagonal cutters.  
a
sharp blade and shall never be cut with  
(12) A blasting cap and unattached booster shall be transported in an approved  
cap box. Only the cap and booster for immediate use shall be removed from the cap  
box. The shunt on the cap leg wires shall remain in place until the cap is wired into the  
circuit.  
(13) Upon completion of the perforating operation, the work area shall be inspected  
and all explosive materials and scraps shall be removed from the site by a qualified  
employee.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
OTHER SPECIAL SERVICE OPERATIONS  
R 408.15761 Stripping and snubbing.  
Rule 5761. (1) Stripping a well shall be performed under close surveillance  
by a responsible supervisor.  
(2) An emergency escape system shall be provided and available for  
employees working atop hydraulic snubbing equipment.  
(3) Before commencing snubbing operations, the snubbing tower shall be  
properly guyed if not otherwise supported.  
(4) Flow lines or bleed-off lines shall be located, if possible, away from areas  
frequented by employees, such as doghouses, tool boxes, pumps, and power packs. If  
pressurized, a line shall be secured to prevent whipping if the line ruptures.  
(5) Two-way communications shall be provided between the snubbing  
operator and the pump operator. This may be accomplished by hand signals, voice  
communication, or other equally effective means.  
(6) Well surface pressure shall be monitored at all times during stripping and  
snubbing operations.  
(7) Pipe snubbed into the wellbore shall have at least 1 landing nipple near the  
lower end of the pipe string to receive a back pressure valve or blanking plug.  
(8) Snubbing operations shall not be performed while welding is being done in  
the immediate vicinity of the wellhead.  
(9) All employees involved in stripping or snubbing operations shall be informed  
of the maximum working pressure limit of the equipment.  
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History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15762 Drill stem testing generally.  
Rule 5762. (1) The supervisor in charge shall hold a crew meeting before going  
in the hole for a drill stem test.  
(2) Measures shall be taken to exclude unauthorized employees from the area  
before and during drill stem testing operations.  
(3) Drilling fluid density and viscosity shall be checked and maintained within  
specification limitations to minimize blowout possibilities.  
(4) A fill-up line shall be installed exclusively to keep the casing full of drilling  
fluid and shall be used only for this purpose. The kill line shall be installed exclusively  
to provide complete well control. The kill line shall be separate from the fill-up line.  
(5) A test line connection to the control head shall be securely fastened to the  
elevator bail.  
(6) Every test plug used above the rig floor shall be attached to the elevator link  
by safety cable or chain.  
(7) A reversing valve shall be incorporated in the test tool assembly to be able to  
reverse out in case of an emergency.  
(8) The swivel and kelly hose shall not be used as part of the test line.  
(9) A safety valve of proper size and thread configuration to fit the test string  
shall be readily available for emergency use on the rig floor.  
(10) A test line shall be laid to a reverse pit or test tank and securely  
anchored.  
(11) If hydrogen sulfide is suspected or known to be present in the area, the  
provisions of R 408.15717 shall be followed.  
(12) The fluid level in the casing shall be monitored at all times while going in and  
coming out of the hole during a drill stem test to ensure that the hole is kept full and  
that swabbing does not occur.  
(13) The mud box shall be hooked up and ready for use before the drill stem test  
tool if pulled out of the hole.  
(14) The rig floor shall not be left unattended during the drill stem test.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15763 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15764 Acidizing, fracturing, cementing, and hot oil operations.  
Rule 5764. (1) During acidizing, fracturing, cementing, and hot oil operations,  
all lines connected from the pumping equipment to the Christmas tree or wellhead  
shall have a check valve installed as near the well as possible. In addition, when a  
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multipump manifold is used, a check valve shall be placed in each discharge line as  
near the other manifold as possible.  
(2) When used, pressure-recording equipment shall be located as far as practical  
from the wellhead and discharge line.  
(3) When pumping a flammable fluid, both of the following provisions shall be  
complied with:  
(a) Blending equipment shall be grounded and equipment unloading sand into  
the hopper shall be bonded to the blending equipment.  
(b) The lines containing the flammable fluid shall not be laid under any vehicle.  
(4) A pretreatment pressure test on a pump discharge line shall be made at a  
pressure not less than the maximum expected treating pressure specified by the  
operator.  
(5) Any employee not directly involved in the operation shall remain outside a  
designated minimum distance during all pressure testing and pumping operations.  
(6) A qualified employee shall do both of the following:  
(a) Check to see that all valves in discharge lines are open before pumping.  
(b) See that all flammable fluid spilled on location is cleaned up or covered  
before initiating pumping operations.  
(7) A pump operator shall remain at the designated position while the pump is in  
operation, unless the operator is relieved by an authorized employee as directed by  
the qualified employee on that job.  
(8) A bleed-off line attached to the well or pump discharge subject to pressure  
shall be staked down or secured to prevent movement.  
(9) While pumping a flammable fluid, all fires, electrical equipment, and internal  
combustion equipment not used to complete the job shall be shut down.  
(10) A flammable fluid shall not be bled back into open measuring tanks on  
equipment designed for pumping.  
(11) Spilled oil or acid shall be covered or properly disposed of as soon as  
practicable.  
(12) The cement head and loops shall be secured to an elevator bail or traveling  
block.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15765 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15766 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15767 Rescinded.  
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History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
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  
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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.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15769 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.15770 Procedures for freezing, valve drilling, and pipe hot  
tapping operations.  
Rule 5770. (1) A freezing, valve drilling, or pipe tapping operation shall be  
under the direct supervision of a qualified person.  
(2) The rated working pressure of all equipment used on valve drilling and pipe  
tapping operations shall be at least 1 1/2 times the maximum wellhead pressure of  
the well on which work is being performed.  
(3) After necessary equipment has been rigged up to perform valve drilling or  
pipe tapping operations, it shall be pressure tested for a minimum of 3 minutes to at  
least 1 1/2 times the expected pressure but shall not exceed the rated maximum  
working pressure of either the equipment being tapped or the tapping equipment. The  
possibility of pipe collapse may dictate a reduction in test pressure.  
(4) Pressure inside the lubricator shall equal the pressure inside the equipment  
being penetrated during the valve drilling and pipe tapping operations.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.15771 Freezing operations.  
Rule 5771. (1) A frozen plug shall be allowed to set a minimum of 1 hour per  
inch of pipe diameter being frozen.  
(2) When possible, a frozen plug shall be pressure-tested from above for  
a
minimum of 5 minutes to a pressure which is more than the known wellhead pressure.  
(3) Following the pressure test, all pressure shall be bled off the pipe above the  
frozen plug and observed for a minimum of 15 minutes before breaking out the pipe  
and installing a new valve.  
(4) After installing the new valve, void space between the frozen plug and valve  
shall be filled with fluid.  
(5) A frozen plug shall be allowed to thaw at a normal rate. Steam or hot water  
shall not be used to thaw a frozen plug.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
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