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Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
Drilling >> Rigging Up

Rigging up is placing and assembling the various parts of equipment that make up the rig, and preparing the rig for drilling.

There are many rig designs, and this eTool does not cover each type individually. This eTool focuses on the common hazards and solutions that many rig designs share.

During assembly of the rig, some equipment may be handled and set with crane, rig up trucks, or forklift, depending on the size of the rig. It should be noted that overhead hazards such as high voltage power lines may be present.

There may be two or more crews (teams) working together in the rigging up process. The rigging up process includes the following steps, some of which are done simultaneously: (See Servicing - Rigging Up)

 		Fig. 1. Hoisting the mast
Fig. 1. Hoisting the mast




Back to TopSetting Up the Substructure
Fig. 2. Setting up the substructure
Fig. 2. Setting up the substructure

Equipment is unloaded and positioned at or near the exact location that it will occupy during operations.

The substructure is assembled, pinned together, leveled, and made ready for other rig components on the floor.

Equipping the cellar begins but can be done throughout the rigging up process. This includes welding on a drilling nipple to the conductor pipe and attaching a flow line.

Potential Hazards:
  • Being struck by the crane, load, truck, or forklift tipping.

  • Pinched fingers when assembling equipment.

  • Burns from cutting and welding on the drilling nipple.

  • Temporary eye irritation from welding light flash.

  • Falling from heights.
Possible Solutions:
  • Instruct all workers in safety procedures and ensure that they are knowledgeable about job hazards. This can be done during pre-job safety meetings or JSA briefings.

  • Instruct workers to stand clear and keep hands and other body parts away from pinch points.

  • Wear proper long sleeve clothing to protect from burns.

  • Wear proper welding eye/face protection.

  • Avoid looking directly at the flame or arc when welding.

  • Wear fall protection when working from heights. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart M]


Back to TopSetting Up the Rig Floor and Mast or Derrick
Fig. 3. Raising the doghouse and rig floor
Fig. 3. Raising the doghouse and rig floor


Fig. 4. Setting mast on rig floor
Fig. 4. Setting mast on rig floor


Fig. 5. Setting crown on derrick stand
Fig. 5. Setting crown on derrick stand


Fig. 6. Rigging up the mast
Fig. 6. Rigging up the mast


Fig. 7. Raising the mast
Fig. 7. Raising the mast

Once the substructure is set in place, the process of setting up the rig floor begins. Begin by installing stairways and guardrails to allow access to the rig floor. Then, the drawworks is set in place and secured to the substructure. On mechanical rigs, the engines are set in place and the compound and associated equipment connected to the drawworks. On electric rigs, the electric cables (lines) are strung to the drawworks.

The bottom of the mast is raised to the rig floor and pinned in place. The crown section is then raised into place on the derrick stand. The "A-legs" are raised and pinned into place. The monkeyboard is pinned in place on the mast and all lines and cables are laid out to prevent tangling when the mast is raised. A thorough inspection of the mast should be made before raising the mast/derrick. The mast is now ready to be raised. The engines are started (see Installing the Power System), and the drilling line is spooled onto the drawworks drum. Once the mast has been raised and pinned, the remaining floor equipment can be set into place. If the rig has safety guylines, they must be attached to the anchors and properly tensioned prior to continuing the rigging up process. A derrick emergency escape device is installed on the mast.

Potential Hazards:
  • Falling or tripping during rigging up.

  • Falling from rig floor.

  • Being struck by swinging equipment.

  • Being struck by falling tools.

  • Being crushed or struck by equipment due to failure or overloading of hoisting equipment.

  • Getting entangled in lines during raising of the derrick or mast.

  • Failure to properly install derrick emergency escape device.
Possible Solutions:
  • Install, inspect, and secure stairs and handrails. [29 CFR 1926.1052]

  • Do not use guardrails for anchor points or for lifting or supporting loads.

  • Use fall protection when installing or removing guardrails.

  • Use a tag line to guide equipment, rather than positioning yourself under suspended loads.

  • Check the derrick for unsecured tools before raising it.

  • Allow only the operator raising the mast to be on the rig floor.

  • Uncoil all lines so that they are clear of all workers when the mast or derrick is raised.

  • Attach safety lines to all tools hanging from the rig.

  • Keep a safe distance from moving equipment.

  • Install derrick emergency escape device properly in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.



Back to TopInstalling Handrails, Guardrails, Stairs, Walkways, and Ladders
Fig. 8. Stairways, guardrails, and ladders
Fig. 8. Stairways, guardrails, and ladders

Fig. 9. Stairways
Fig. 9. Stairways

Handrails, guardrails, stairways, walkways, and ladders are installed where they are needed for safety and access.

Potential Hazards:
  • Falls from ladders.

  • Falls or slips from ladders and stairs due to damaged or missing rungs or steps.

  • Slips or falls on walkways due to debris or uneven surfaces.

  • Falls from heights.

  • Falling into the mud pit or mixing tank.
Possible Solutions:
  • Follow established procedures and best work practices.

  • Instruct workers on proper procedures for using and installing ladders.

  • Use only ladders in good repair that do not have missing rungs.

  • Do not install stairs with missing or damaged steps. Repair them before installing them.

  • Keep walkways clean and free of debris and tripping hazards. [29 CFR 1910.22]

  • Use proper fall protection.

  • Place guardrails in place prior to working in elevated areas. [29 CFR 1910.23]


Back to TopInstalling the Power System
Fig. 10. Engines and generators
Fig. 10. Engines and generators


Fig. 11. Power house
Fig. 11. Power house

Installing the power system is usually done simultaneously with setting up the rig floor, because power is needed to operate the equipment. Today there are generally two types of rigs being used on land. A mechanical rig is powered by engines and compound. An electric rig is powered by engines and generators. This type supplies power to electric motors, which drive the machinery.

All power cords, belts, and chains need to be connected to the machinery from their associated power source. Simultaneously, the fuel lines and tanks need to be hooked up. Then, start the engines.

Potential Hazards:
  • Tripping on power cords and hoses.

  • Slips and falls on slick walking services.

  • Getting caught in pinch points.

  • Exposure to chemical hazards.

  • Being shocked or electrocuted.
Possible Solutions:
  • Keep all cords and hoses orderly and clear of walking spaces.

  • Clear and clean all walkways and walking surfaces of slipping hazards.

  • Use caution around all chain and belt pinch point areas. Install all guards.

  • Use proper PPE when working with chemicals. [29 CFR 1910.1200]

  • Use proper lockout/tagout/ procedures. [29 CFR 1910.147]



Back to TopRigging Up the Circulating System
Fig. 12. Mud pumps
Fig. 12. Mud pumps


Fig. 13. Mud system
Fig. 13. Mud system

While one crew finishes preparing the rig floor, another crew might be rigging up the circulating system.

The mud tanks and mud pumps are set into the predetermined location.

The mud lines are then connected and electric cords are strung.

Potential Hazards:
  • Being struck by or crushed by equipment being set into place.

  • Getting caught in pinch points.

  • Being struck by crane, load, truck or forklift tipping.

  • Being struck by hammer when connecting mud line unions.
Possible Solutions:
  • Keep a safe distance from equipment that is coming together or moving.

  • Maintain a safe distance from all pinch points.

  • Stand clear of workers that may be swinging hammers.


Back to Top Installing the Auxiliary Equipment
Fig. 14. Tubulars on pipe racks
Fig. 14. Tubulars on pipe racks


Fig. 15. V-door, pipe ramp, pipe rack and cat walk
Fig. 15. V-door, pipe ramp, pipe rack
and cat walk

All remaining drilling and auxiliary equipment must be set into place and installed where needed.

The catwalk and pipe racks are positioned and the pipe and drill collars are set on the racks.

Potential Hazards:
  • Getting struck or pinched by, or caught in between, tubulars being loaded onto racks.

  • Having feet pinched or crushed when setting up the pipe racks and catwalk.
Possible Solutions:
  • Keep a safe distance from equipment that is coming together.

  • Use a tag line to guide the pipe racks and catwalks into position.


Back to Top Inspecting the Rig
Fig. 16. Inspecting the rig
Fig. 16. Inspecting the rig


Fig. 17. Inspecting rig equipment
Fig. 17. Inspecting rig equipment

Perform a complete inspection of the rig before operating. The driller and/or rig superintendent/toolpusher/manager should walk around the entire rig and inspect for missing or loose pins and bolts, equipment guards, adequate guard railings, proper line and cable placement, and unclear walkways.

Potential Hazards:
  • Falling from the rig.

  • Tripping on power cords and hoses.

  • Slipping and falling on slick walking services.
Possible Solutions:
  • Use proper fall protection. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart M]

  • Keep all cords and hoses orderly and clear of walking spaces.

  • Clear and clean all walkways and walking surfaces of slipping hazards.


Back to TopRigging Down
Fig. 18. Loading doghouse onto trailer
Fig. 18. Loading doghouse onto trailer

After production casing is run and cemented, the rig is taken down and moved to another site. The rigging down process is basically the reverse of rigging up.

The hazards and solutions are similar to those for rigging up.


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