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Employees working on offshore oil or gas rigs are known as derrickman or derrickhands. Usually located 20–25 meters above the rig floor, they operate from a platform that is fastened to the derrick (mast). The rig’s drilling assembly is supported by the derrick. The driller keeps an eye on the derrickhands’ operations. Drilling Fluid Operators (DFO) is another name for them. In this article we are covering the roles and responsibilities, quaification and skills required for a derrickhand.
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What Is Derrickhand Or Derrickman?
An individual who manages and repairs drilling rigs is known as a derrick hand or derrickman They help drillers and manage drilling fluids in addition to handling dangerous chemicals. In addition, they carry out regular equipment maintenance and replace and repair parts on the rig. Their work include derricks, pump rooms, and drill floors. In addition, they manage and service diesel motors for drilling rigs, gearboxes, and further mechanical apparatus. Their duty is to guarantee a safe and effective work environment by checking that the drilling mud systems and rig pumps are operating as intended. They also maintain appropriate safety measures and fall protection operations and processes, and they adhere to all safety protocols.
Derrickman – Required Qualification
1: What is the primary purpose of a refinery in the oil and gas industry?
To work as a derrickman, one should require the follwing credentials:
- A high school diploma or a certificate from the General Educational Development Test (GED) is required.
- The Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET) is a certification from an offshore survival school.
- A valid International Well Control Forum (IWCF) Well Control Certificate
- Essential medical certifications
- MIST (Minimum Industry Safety Training) credentials
Skills Required For A Derrickman
- The designs, functionalities, and in-depth knowledge of tools and machines necessary for maintenance and repair are essential for a derrickhand. Their understanding of this aids in their effective operation of drilling machinery. Together with weight and density of the mud, derrickhands also record calcium and pH readings. When adding chemicals to the mud or oil, they work in tandem with mud engineers, keeping an eye on the amount of mud in the pits.
- Handle heavy machinery, operate in inclement weather, and stand for long periods of time are among the skills required of derrickhands. Additionally, they must feel at ease operating at elevations greater than three meters. As part of their profession, they must push, lift, bend, and climb heavy things and equipment while wearing a safety harness.
- Having a sharp eye for safety and understanding safety procedures is essential because drilling operations carry a considerable danger to one’s safety. To ensure a safe working environment, a derrickhand needs to be able to identify potentially dangerous circumstances and respond appropriately.
Roles And Responsibilities Of Derrickman
- Fulfill all responsibilities related to any work up in the derrick. For example, running rods and tubing
- As you ascend the derrick, check it for electrical, air, deformities, or cracks.
- Under the driller’s and rig manager’s supervision, run the pump and tank.
- Preserve the cleanliness and upkeep of the area surrounding the pump and tank.
- Assign, supervise, and instruct the floorhands as they do work in groups.
- Set up and disassemble the line pipe, tank, pump, and fastening mechanisms.
- As outlined in the Health & Safety and Safe Work practices manuals, adhere to all Victory Well Servicing Ltd. standards for safe work practices.
- Notify the driller or rig manager of any near-misses, mishaps, or hazardous working circumstances.
- Promote safe working conditions by speaking up for them, being aware of demands for harmful labor, and exercising your right to refuse such work.
- Make sure that every piece of equipment and fall protective gear is functioning according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a derrickhand do?
An employee on a drilling rig who assists with operating and maintaining the drilling machinery is known as a derrick hand. They usually support drilling operations by working on the derrick, a tall structure. Their duties include handling drilling pipes, connecting and disconnecting them, maintaining the derrick, and helping with other drilling operations.
How do you get a good derrickhand?
A good derrick hand should have high physical endurance, excellent teamwork abilities, attention to safety, and suitable expertise. Having training or certification in drilling operations, rig safety, or similar subjects is also beneficial. A competent derrick hand also possesses the capacity to operate in demanding conditions and effective communication abilities.
What is the function of a derrick?
A derrick is a tall structure that is used to support and control heavy instruments and pipes during drilling operations. It is necessary for oil and gas exploration as well as other drilling operations since it permits lifting and lowering equipment into the drill hole.
What is the duty of a derrickman?
A derrickman’s duties include handling and supervising the drilling pipes, helping to connect and detach them, and maintaining the derrick’s apparatus while they are working on the tall structure known as the derrick. In addition to doing safety inspections and making ensuring the drilling process goes successfully, they could also be involved in routine maintenance and rig operations.
Why is it called a derrickman?
The word “derrickman,” which comes from the executioner Thomas Derrick in the 17th century, refers to a person who operates heavy machinery and handles pipes while mostly working near a derrick, a towering structure used for drilling activities.
Is being a derrickhand hard?
Indeed, having a derrick hand can be challenging. Physical toughness, endurance, and the capacity to perform well under trying circumstances are prerequisites. Long hours, carrying heavy equipment, and working at heights are all common aspects of the profession. The role is tough because to frequent exposure to adverse weather and safety dangers.
