Saudi Aramco

Drilling & Workover Organization

October 2019
The Alerts are provided to all Drilling and Workover Operations Foremen and Liaisonmen so that we all learn from the
experiences of others. The knowledge of this incident could prevent similar ones from happening in the future.
Saudi Aramco policy requires the information in this Alert to be communicated to all crew members and documented on
morning reports.

What happened?

The operation was running 24" casing. IP unlatched the elevators and his right hand
placed around the back of the bail eye. Simultaneously, the Tugger picked up on
the elevator, and elevators ear moved inside the bail eye. Resulting in IP’s left ring
finger and left middle finger caught between the elevator ear and the eye of the bail.

Consequences:

 Fingers Injuries (Laceration and broken bone).

 Rig down time.


Why did it happen?

 Floorman assigned as flagger signaled to other floorman acting as tugger
operator to pick up on the tugger without first confirming everyone was clear.

 IP positioned his left hand in the line of fire (pinch point).

 There was no visual warning or markings on the bails to highlight potential pinch
point even though it is a known hazard.

What should be done to prevent recurrence?

 Rigs to ensure that the bail eyes are painted with black & yellow (tiger stripes)
to highlight the potential pinch point hazards.

 RSOP for running casing to be revised to include potential pinch points on the
bails.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

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 Re -enforce communication process among crew members when performing

tasks including commands, hand signals and radio communications.

 Familiarize the crews with hazards related to tasks they have not performed in
task and refresh the safety observation and stop work authority programs.

IP’s hand position between Elevator and bail

Final Position of the Elevator after rotation in the bails as it’s being pulled back. Circle
indicating pinch point