Regulator urges operators to ensure rig stability after incident

A well-servicing rig fell onto its side at a coal seam gas well in the state’s Western Downs earlier this month, prompting the watchdog to issue a Safety Alert.

RSHQ's Petroleum and Gas Chief Inspector Shoena Messner said it was lucky no one was injured and an investigation into the incident was under way.

“No harm occurred to workers, but we want to make it clear that this incident was dangerous and those involved could have suffered serious or fatal injuries,” she said.

“The collapse occurred at the coal seam gas well during rig down operations, which involve removing the blow out preventor (BOP) from the wellhead and loading it onto its transport skid.

“Initial reports suggest the rig fell onto its side after it became unstable during the lifting operation of the BOP onto the transport skid.”

While RSHQ has released the Safety Alert in relation to an incident at a coal seam gas well, issues and learnings can be similarly applied at coal and mineral mines and quarries sites.

Ms Messner said RSHQ had sent an inspector to the area, which had been secured, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continued.

“Relevant factors for any rig set up include understanding and accommodating ground conditions, understanding the forces applied during lifting and slewing, and ensuring stabilisation systems are fit for purpose and setup procedures are followed.

“We urge all operators to read the learnings outlined in our Safety Alert and encourage them to review rig stability and operational procedures and to strengthen stability controls during operations.”

For more information and learnings, read RSHQ’s Safety Alert.

ENDS

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