Manual Pipe Tongs
According to a recent data from the IADC ,Manual 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 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.So lets begin here with the basics of how to get you home safe each day. To start, 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 (If you have not done so already).Open the Jaws and wire brush or steam off the Dies & inspect them 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. Are the Die Retainers in place? (Usually small nuts and bolts) If not, they need to be in place.Chances are you just found a few that need to be replaced,So lets change them out.With a helper to steady the Tongs and Eye & Hand protection in place, Remove the 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)Clean the slot you just removed the Die from, It doesn't hurt to apply a small amount of 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!
Now that the Dies are changed and in safe working order,Let's 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. Are they secure and safety pins in place?If not, then you will need to take the necessary steps to correct this. Are the Clevises that fasten the Snub-Line to the Tongs secure? Do they have Safety Pins of some sort behind each nut? If missing, you will need to replace them. Examine theSnub-Line itself,do you see any broken wires? is the Inspection tag in place? If not, you will need to report this to your Driller or Toolpusher. What condition is the Cathead Cable on the Break-out tongs in? if badly worn, it will need to be replaced. 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.
Where Not To be.....As shown in this diagram, The entire area around The 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 Hand 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. 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's really 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, and 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 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. This has been just a general Safety Meeting over operating tongs, and I am sure there is much that can be added, but if you will just practice good common sense, remember to pay attention at all times, and "Make 'em bite and get out of the way", you will go home with Fingers intact.
 
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