INTRODUCTION

Hand is the most important tool that people have when they work on rigs. Hand injuries are one of the most common injuries for personnel employed in the drilling industry. Injuries include amputation of fingers, broken fingers, tendonitis, loss of dexterity and permanent tissue damage. General Causes of Hand Injuries The general causes of hand injuries include: 1.Handling of drill pipe, i.e. crushed fingers & cuts. 2.Use of hand tools, i.e. worn tools, wrenches slipping, splinters from wooden handles, wrong tool for the job. 3.Power tools/welding equipment, i.e. electrical shock, cuts, amputations, burns and flying missiles from grinding wheels. 4Exposure to chemicals causing skin damage, dermatitis, burns, infections, etc. 5Handling hot/cold items, ie hot exhaust and engines, wet hands on extremely cold metal

Causes of Hand Injuries Oil & Gas Drilling industry specific injuries include the following: Pinch pointsTong jaws, pipe spinner, elevator bails, nippling up BOPs. Repetitive injuriesRunning in and pulling out drill pipe/casing. Moving/rotating partsrotary table, travelling block, cathead, drawworks, rig winch. Expose to energy- expose to chemical and other hazard substances, heat or cold. Strategies to Prevent Hand Injuries The following strategies should be used to prevent hand injuries: Heavy-duty gloves should be worn for any hazardous activity that has the potential to cut and crush hands/fingers. Chemical resistant gloves &/or barrier cream should be worn when handling chemicals; refer to the MSDS if unsure of the hazards. Safe work practices for power tools are: Use and maintain power tools in strict accordance with manufacturers recommendation Ensure guards are correctly fitted. Ensure the correct PPE is used. Inspect cutting wheels and grinding discs and replace if defective

Strategies to Prevent Hand Injuries Continued

Ensure all hand tools are in good condition prior to use and only use the tool for its intended purpose. Use extreme caution near moving machinery; keep hands clear and ensure guards are in place. If maintenance is to be completed ensure isolation and tagout procedures are in place before commencing work. Ensure all hot exhausts and mufflers etc are correctly guarded. Extreme care should be used when handling drill pipe, tongs, stilsons or other activities that are known to cause hand injuries. JSAs have been produced for all high risk hand activities. All persons must be fully briefed and trained in safe work procedures before completing hazardous tasks.

Risk Assessment As with any high-risk task a risk assessment approach should be adopted. For example. Identify the hazard i.e. sharp edges on pipe/rod, hazardous chemicals, moving machinery, pinch points, guards not fitted etc. Assess the Risk What is the likelihood of someone sustaining a hand injury & what would be the likely consequences. Apply Control Measures, ie: Use protective gloves. If unsure ask for advice or assistance. Apply lockout/tagout procedures. Identify the pinch point. Inspect grinding disc and replace if defective.

The Human Factor Not all incidents are caused through engineering faults. Personal factors can have a huge impact on injury statistics. Fatigue can lead to a lack of concentration or poor judgement, whilst alcohol and drug abuse slows your response time and alters your perception. Complacency and a poor attitude have proven to be a consistently high risk factor. Anger and frustration on the job can be extremely dangerous. The Human Factor ContinuedPersonal problems or personality clashes can get in the way of your performance. If you have a problem, sort it out. If you dont know ask! Focus on the job at hand, attend training courses with an open mind and always assess the risk and apply controls to hazardous tasks. Conclusion Your hand re important for your job. Watch your hand carefully. The identification of hand injury hazards and the application of effective control measures will significantly reduce the risk and protect you against amputation or disfigurement. Remember: you are the one who prevent the incident.

Hand Safety Awareness

26 November 2005

Our Commitment to a safe working Environment

Michael OReilly
International Division HSE & T Manager

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