As Drilling Line is spooled on and off the Drawworks drum during the course of drilling a well,The line becomes worn & must be replaced at regular intervals.The greatest area of wear is where the line is constantly spooled over the drum.This is the end of the Drilling Line where a cut is made, a segment of Line is removed(usually around 100')then the line is re-attached to the drum and the amount cut off is spooled back on the drum. The figures that determine when the Drilling Line is cut are kept by the Rig Manager and are determined by Ton/Miles of accumulated wear.Although Ton/Miles usually determine when a cut is made, it is very important to examine the line on the drum regularly for any broken wires. A visual inspection of damage ALWAYS supersedes Ton/Miles figures when determining when to cut the Drilling Line.

Ok, so now we know why we are cutting the Drilling Line & your Driller will show you how the operation is done on your specific Rig, So I will discuss  Safety Tips to keep in mind that should be common to all Rigs. Lets make sure we are wearing our P.P.E. and get started:

1. When hanging The Blocks, Give the Hanging Line a quick visual inspection for damage. This line should always be a factory made sling and never be made with clamps to form the eye. It should be attached to the blocks with a clevis of sufficient size.

2. Disengage the Crown-o-matic.This will prevent it from being activated during the spooling of line.

3. Be aware of 'Wickers" when handling the Drilling Line.Never let The Drilling Line slide through your hands!

4. Always fasten the Drilling Line securely to the floor before cutting & lower the cut to the ground with an Air Hoist.

5.Always examine the Dog-knot clamps for damaged or pulled threads. This clamp is solely responsible for keeping the lineon the drum and the blocks above your head! Tighten it until you think it's tight, then tighten it some more! To be sufficiently tight, you should be able to see the clamps slightly pinching into Drilling Line. This will require the use of "A Cheater" and some putting out on your part. I have seen several instances where blocks have fell because The Dog-Knot was not tight, So please , for the safety of everyone on your Rig, Check & Double Check the Tightness of The Dog-Knot!  Remember to leave "A Fistful" of Cable extending beyond The Dog-Knot(About  6")


6. Always completely remove The Dead-Man  Anchor Bolts and clamps.Never try to loosen them and slip the line through. Inspect the Brass Inserts,both inner and outer, and replace as necessary. These bolts are equally as important as the Dog-knot Bolts, they should be tightened and then tightened some more! They should then be re-checked when you get back to bottom or after a few hours of operation. This is a good place to mark the Drilling Line with white chalk to examine it often for any Line movement.

7. Re-engage The Crown-O-Matic and check it for proper operation. Record this on your IADC report.

As with all my Safety Meetings, This one is not all-inclusive or complete, I have just tried to give you a  very basic understanding of Safety Practices to keep in mind when Cutting the Drilling Line, Be sure and check with your Driller or Rig Manager for additional safety precautions.

                                      
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