Saudi Aramco

Drilling & Workover Organization

June 2021
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?

Two electrical related fire cases reported recently as follows:

While pooling out casing by third party power tong and hydraulic unit, crew
observed a smoke coming from the unit located near the catwalk, the unit was
switched off and checked the source of smoke. Chief mechanic and electrician
checked the unit before starting the job.

The crane was lifting the drum lifter to the rig floor to pick a drum. The operator
noticed smoke, and sparks coming out of the battery compartment of the crane and
lights starts to dim. He switched off the crane immediately. As smoke was still
coming out from the battery master switch, the crane fire extinguisher to prevent
any possibility of fire.

Consequences:

 Operation interruption.
 Property damage.
 Fire.
 Potential for serious injury/LTI.

Why did it happen?

 Inadequate equipment inspection and maintenance.

 Inadequate heavy equipment maintenance.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

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What should be done to prevent recurrence?

 Scope of the permit to work system to be reviewed to add maintenance Job

on all equipment.
 Enforcement of stop work authority.
 Contractors shall enforce their personnel to report immediately all unsafe
condition during day-to-day activities.
 Adhere to heavy equipment OEM annuals.
 Adhere to LPD heavy equipment safety rolls.