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 Manual Pipe Tong Safety

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Manual Pipe TongsAccording to a recent data from the IADC ,manual pipe tongs are directly responsible for over 10% of all lost time accidents.

The most common of these injuries are mashed hands and fingers followed by being struck by the pipe tongs, small particles of tong die shrapnel embedded in the face or eyes because eye protection was not worn and rarely,but still present, deaths or serious injuries resulting from tong or tong head failure.

 All floorhands need to be responsible for inspecting tongs each day. (Usually if time is permitting it's a good idea to check them out as soon as you get there.)

To begin inspection start by putting on eye protection and gloves

  • Open the jaws  of the pipe tongs and wire brush or steam off the tong dies.
  • Inspect the dies for wear.
  • Look for cracked ,chipped or uneven wear.

  • Examine Dies for sharpness.Remember,many accidents are caused because tong dies slip on the tool joint when make-up torque is applied.
  • Check that die retainers are in place.
           (Usually small nuts and bolts)

 
Changing Tong Dies

With a helper to steady the tongs / eye & hand protection in place, remove the  tong die retainers.

Place the die driver in the slot of the die to be removed and drive it downwards with a small hammer.
(This die driver prevents you from having to strike a tool while holding it with your hand, and should always be used) If a tong die is froze in place and requires a great deal of force to move-place a rag over the die to prevent  flying particles from hitting anyone.

Clean the slot you just removed the die from. It is a good idea to apply a little pipe dope to its surface,then place a new tong die in the slot and gently tap it into place.

Don't forget to reinstall all of the retainers.

Now you have not only improved the safety of every floorhand, but you have saved yourself the extra work of having to push slipping tongs back over & over again.

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Diagram Of Pipe TongsNow that the dies are changed and in safe working order give the tongs themselves a thorough examination.

(This won't take but a moment.)

With a helper steadying the tongs if necessary,  raise them to a comfortable position to kneel and examine the underside.

  • Check each of the pins that fasten the tong heads to the body of the tong.
  • Check that they are secure and safety pins  are in place.
  • Check the clevises that fasten the snub-line to the tongs & make sure it is secure.
  • Check that each have a safety pin behind each nut.
  • Examine the snub-line itself for  wear & that the inspection tag in place.
  • Check the condition of the cathead cable on the break out tongs- if badly worn replace it
  • Clean and grease  the tongs as part of your daily routine.

Every week it's a good idea to steam off the tong heads and tongs, and give them a thorough visual inspection for any small visible cracks. Although not a substitute for a proper X-Ray inspection, anything you find may just save your life or the life of a co-worker.


Pipe Tong Hazard AreaWhere Not To be.....
As shown in this diagram, The entire area around the pipe tongs can be a dangerous place to be. If your not operating the tongs, you don't need to be in this area at all! If you are the worker operating them you need to be aware of the point where each snub-line limits the tongs movement.

When your tongs are "BIT" its always best to step back a foot or so in case they slip on the tool joint.This is an ever present danger and one you need to always be aware of.

Resting your body against the lever of the tongs while they work is just asking for trouble. This is common when getting tired to ride the tongs. Don't do it.

 The greatest danger area is the red "Hazardous Area". In this area the motorman normally assists the floorhands in pulling their tongs back. A pull back rope needs to be attached to each set of tongs so the motorman is clear of this area when assisting.

The entire process is simple and safe if you just remember one thing
 "MAKE 'EM BITE THEN GET OUT OF THE WAY!" 

It really is that simple.
 Always be aware of where you are in relationship to the tongs.

A few more important thoughts to remember that are actually just common sense.
  • Keep your body, hands and fingers away from pinch points.

  • Don't get caught between the tongs and the stump.

  • If your responsible for latching the elevators & the tongs are swinging towards you, let go and get your hands out of there.
 
You will notice in the very first photo at the top of this page that this new style of tongs has "Bumpers" on the handles.These are to protect you. Keep your hands inside these bumbers when operating  your tongs. The same goes for the handles attached to the lever and hanger of the tongs. These are to protect your hands and fingers, remember this and always use them.