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API 4G Inspection Guidance

This document is intended to provide guidance to an inspector whilst carrying out and API 4G inspection
to a drilling Rig and provide information on rejection criteria’s.

The basis for this document, as well as the inspection categories, is provided by API RP 4G –
Recommended Practice for Use and Procedures for Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Drilling and
Well Servicing Structures.

In addition, the following standards are listed as references by which to supplement this document:

 API Spec 4F – Specification for Drilling and Well Servicing Structures.


 API Spec 9A – Specification for Wire Rope.
 API RP 9B – Application, Care and Use of Wire Rope for Oil Field Service.
 API RP 8B – Recommended Practice for Procedures for Inspections, Maintenance, Repair and
Remanufacture of Hoisting Equipment.
 API Spec 8C – Drilling and Production Hoisting Equipment.
 API RP 54 - Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and
Servicing Operations
 AWS D 1. 1 – Structural Welding Code – Steel.

Categories:
All areas of concern are detailed in the final report together with recommendations for proposed
corrective action. All areas of concern are categorised in the report in order to highlight the severity
with the following categories being used:-

Category 1 = Major – Rectify ASAP (Monitor Regularly Until Addressed), for significant geometrical
distortion or structural damage to primary load carrying components including the raising assembly,
main legs, girts, hinge points and crown.
Category 2 = Secondary – Rectify at Next Appropriate Opportunity, Within 180 Days & Monitor
Periodically, for damage or distortion to non-primary load carrying components.
Category 3 = Minor – Address at Next Routine Maintenance, for damage or distortion to ancillary
equipment (e.g., ladders, monkey board, walk arounds, tong hangers, etc.).

Classifications:
The recommendation categories are further classified to highlight the nature of the issue thus:-

SI = Structural Integrity.
PS = Personnel Safety.
PDO = Possible Dropped Object Issue.
O = Other.
Note: All personnel safety (PS) issues are classed a category 1 and require immediate attention.

Repairs – General Information


Structural repair of a drilling or well servicing structure shall be carefully planned prior to initiating work.
The manufacturer or qualified person shall be consulted for approval of materials and methods, utilizing
accepted engineering practices to supervise the required repairs.

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API 4G Inspection Guidance

The following recommendations shall be followed when undertaking structural repairs of a drilling or
well servicing structure.
a) Repair or replace any damaged members in accordance with Table 2.
b) Use welding procedures approved by the manufacturer or the qualified person directing the
repairs or modifications. Drilling and well servicing structures may use high-strength steel, which
require specific welding electrodes and welding techniques.
c) Fixtures and accessories are preferably attached to structures by means of suitable clamps or
bolted foundations.
d) Do not drill or burn any holes in any members or perform any welding without first obtaining
approval of the manufacturer or the qualified person, as applicable.
e) Girts, braces, and other members shall always be in place when the structure is under load.
f) All damage may be repaired in the field. Major damage should be repaired in a shop-like
environment and in accordance with the OEM or equivalent specifications.
g) Replacement materials, pins, and bolts should meet OEM specifications or equivalent.

Inspection – General Information


The objective of the inspection is to detect defects.

The existence of cracks or mechanical damage can indicate severe deterioration and impending failure.
Their detection, identification, and evaluation require accurate inspection.

Prompt attention may be required to determine if it is necessary to remove the equipment from service
immediately or to conduct the appropriate repair.

Inspection results from Category III and Category IV inspections should be documented and maintained.

Any significant manufacturing defects discovered should be repaired or replaced.

The following routine checks as applicable should be made at the appropriate intervals.
a) Inspect all welds, particularly in erecting mechanism, for cracks.
b) Inspect erecting mechanism for any other signs of deformity.
c) Follow the manufacturer's instructions when checking hydraulic circuits and when bleeding air
from scoping and raising rams before each lowering operation. Make sure there is an adequate
supply of hydraulic fluid. Precautions should be taken to remove all air from the hydraulic
system.
d) Hydraulic cylinders, pipework, and hoses should be checked for leaks. Seals and hoses should be
checked for cracks and/or wear. Repair of hydraulic cylinders should always be done by qualified
personnel.
e) Wire rope, including operating lines, raising lines, and guylines, should be inspected for kinks,
broken wires, or other damage. Make certain that guylines are not fouled and that other lines
are in place in sheave grooves before and during each raising or lowering operation.
f) Check load transfer mechanisms, guides and scoping ram stabilizers in telescoping masts for free
operation and good condition before raising or lowering operation. Keep mechanisms and
guides clean and properly lubricated. Make sure scoping ram stabilizers move into proper

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API 4G Inspection Guidance
positions as the top section is telescoped up. After the top section is scoped into the working
position, check to see that the load transfer mechanisms are fully engaged.
g) Check unit for level and check foundation and supports for correct placement before erecting
operation. Level the unit in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
h) Check wear and lubrication of crown sheaves.
i) Check lubrication and condition of bearings in all sheaves, sprockets, pins, etc., which are part of
the erection mechanism.
j) Check folding ladders for proper position prior to access by personnel and for free operation
before lowering operation.
k) During drilling or servicing operation, make scheduled inspections of all bolted connections to
ensure that they are tight.
l) Load transfer mechanisms should be checked frequently for proper locking position, preferably
on each tour during operations. Where possible, the load transfer mechanism should have a
positive lock to prevent disengagement. To develop its rated load capacity, the axis of the
structure must be in alignment throughout its length. It is important that load transfer
mechanisms be maintained in such condition as to ensure structure alignment. It is suggested to
paint the load transfer mechanisms a bright, contrasting colour in order to assist rig personnel in
locating and inspecting these items.

Inspection Criteria:
API 4G includes the following table to assist with the rejection of components:

Table 2 – Inspection Criteria (from API 4G)


Deviation Rejection Criteria
Legs 1/4 in (6.4mm) bow in 10 ft (3m)
Braces, Girts, Spreaders 1/2 in (12.7mm) bow in 10 ft (3m)
Overall alignment of structure 3/4 in (19.1mm) out of square
Pins 1/16 in (1.6mm) under specified diameter
Pin holes (ID) 3/16 in (4.8mm) over specified diameter (for pins less than 3
in (76.2mm) diameter)
1/4 in (6.4mm) over specified diameter (for pins 3 in
76.2mm) diameter)
Corrosion 10% reduction in cross sectional area
Structural members and wire Sharp kink or bend in local area
rope
Connections and fittings Loose connections of fittings
Bolts, pins and safety keys Missing components or assemblies
Structural members Missing members
Sheaves, rollers and bearings Do not turn freely, have cracks detected, sheave groove out
of gage (API 8C table 5) or groove depth greater than allowed
by sheave manufacturer (1.75 x wireline diameter)
Structural members Line cuts or abrasions from wire rope
Exposure to heat In excess of 500 °F (260 °C)
NOTE Components displaying deviations should be considered for repair/replacement. This list is for
guidance only. Specific components may have different rejection criteria based on OEM specifications.

API 4G Inspection Guidance – Rev0 Page 3 of 14


API 4G Inspection Guidance
Components will be reported on if any of the following is noted:

Legs, Braces, Girts and Spreaders


 Bowed outside the allowable tolerances as per Table 2 – Inspection Criteria.
 Has a sharp kink or bend in a local area.
 Has lost more than 10% in a cross sectional area due to corrosion.
 Have line cuts or abrasion from wire rope.
 Member is missing
 Member has been modified / flame cut holes
 Loss of protective coating
 During an API CAT IV inspection whilst carrying out thickness testing on all tubular style (or
closed style) members internal corrosion is identified.
 Bolts that are corroded, loose, missing or without locking nuts

Corrosion
As a guideline, corrosion damage reducing the cross-sectional area of a member of more than 10% (or
percentage measured tolerance based on manufacturer's recommendation) should be considered for
repair.

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API 4G Inspection Guidance
The API inspector will determine the level of corrosion evident during the inspection and note this in the
report whilst recording their findings.

Corroded areas should be abrasive blasted or mechanically cleaned to sound metal, evaluated, and
repaired by one of the following methods:
1. Fill pockets/cavities with weld metal and grind flush.
2. Fish plate the damaged region and seal weld.
3. Remove the damaged area and re-plate.
4. Replace the entire member.

Pins and Pin Holes


 Pins must be of the correct diameter and will be rejected if the diameter has been reduced by
more than 1/16 in (1.6mm) of the original size.
 Pins that have been “mushroomed” due to excessive hammering will require repair and NDE.
 All pins not installed with a safety keeper.
 Pins with original safety chain missing.
 Pin holes that are elongated or worn.
 Pin holes (ID) that have worn or are larger than; 3/16” (4.8mm) over specified diameter for pins
less than 3” (76.2mm) diameter or; 1/4" (6.4mm) over specified diameter for pins 3” (76.2mm)
diameter, will be rejected
 Pins and pin holes suffering with corrosion.

Bolts
 All bolted connections not considered to be suitable for the applied application (type and grade
of fixing) and without a hardened washer and a form of locking device. (ANCO, Nyloc, Split Pin,
Nord-lock washer etc.)
 Any missing fixings will require replacement.
 Loose / unsecure fixings will be reported.
 Bolts with severe corrosion will require replacing.

Examples of corroded bolts (blistered) – Rejected and requiring replacement.

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API 4G Inspection Guidance

Example of bolt with surface corrosion – Acceptable but noted for cleaning and coating applied.

Padeyes
 Any flame cut holes
 No safe working load marked
 Bent padeyes
 Pin holes (ID) that have worn or are larger than; 3/16” (4.8mm) over specified diameter for pins
less than 3” (76.2mm) diameter or; 1/4" (6.4mm) over specified diameter for pins 3” (76.2mm)
diameter, will be rejected
 Elongated / wear to holes
 Any padeyes not designed and fabricated in accordance with API 4F.
 No regular inspections carried out (LGI and NDE)

Raising / Bridle Lines


Three principal factors, which may limit the life of a raising line, are wear, corrosion, and damage. W ear
is a function of the number of times a mast or substructure is raised. Corrosion is related to time and
environmental conditions.
 Evidence of corrosion
 Kinking, crushing, or any other damage resulting in distortion of the rope
 Raising lines that do not have suitable fittings to prevent the rope from being bent over sharp
edges and damaged.
 In a multi-part wire rope substructure raising system, lines should be removed from service
when any of the following conditions exist: 6 or more broken wires in one rope lay or 3 or more
broken wires in one strand in one rope lay;
 A mast raising line with any broken wires should be replaced.

Standing Wire Rope


Wire rope used as standing ropes, such as guylines, escape lines, and pendant lines should be removed
from service when any of the following conditions exist:
 Evidence of corrosion
 Evidence of kinking, crushing, cutting, cold working, or bird caging
 End connections are corroded, cracked, bent, worn, or improperly applied
 3 broken wires are found within one lay length;
 2 broken wires are found at the end connection in the strand valley.

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API 4G Inspection Guidance
Sheaves
 Visual Defects
 Side (Fleet) wear to the sheave groove rim
 Worn depth to the sheave groove
 Running of sheave i.e. warped, bearing noise
 Blocked grease ports
 Incorrect locking wire to end caps
 Damaged / incorrect securing of the pillars (pedestals)
 Damaged line / personnel guards.

Ancillary Equipment
 Inadequate secondary retention.
 Poor condition of safety back up chains.
 Damaged or corroded fixings.
 Incorrect / damaged clamps
 Poor routing / condition of power cables / hoses and their fixings (clamps, cable tray)
 Poor condition / incorrect securing of lights, speakers, junction boxes, cameras etc.
 Poor condition / incorrect securing of wind walls and supporting framework.
 Poor condition / incorrect fixing of guide rails or torque tube and supporting steel work.
 Damaged fingers / fixings, incorrect secondary retention.
 Poor condition of mule stands.
 Missing / damaged bumper block (crown saver).
 Damaged / incorrect securing of tong buckets.
 Poor condition of setback material.
 Damaged / incorrect securing of V-Door rollers.
 Poor condition / incorrect securing to walkways and supporting steelwork.
 Poor condition / incorrect securing / inadequate inspections to casing stabbing board.
 Any item that is redundant.

Personnel Safety
 Damaged / incorrect securing of ladders / back scratchers.
 Inadequate anti fall device fitted to ladders / above monkey board.
 Poor condition / inadequate handrails and toe boards.
 Damaged stairways.
 Holes in walkways.
 Poor access / egress to ladders and stairways.
 Unsuitable safety gates installed to ladder openings.
 Poor condition / fixing of derrickmans escape system.

Welds
 Incomplete welds.
 Missing welds
 Welds with defects i.e. Porosity, Cold Lap, under cut etc.

API 4G Inspection Guidance – Rev0 Page 7 of 14


API 4G Inspection Guidance
Name Plates
All drilling masts, derricks and substructures require a name plate to be fixed to the structure in
accordance with API 4G, Section 9.2.1. Containing the required data as set out in API 4F, Section 5.
Structures without a name plate will be reported on.
 Structures without a name / data plate.
 Structures with illegible name / data plate.

Example Findings and Recommendations


If copying and pasting from the below examples then check / change where required to ensure the
information is relevant to the component / item you are reporting on.

The categories and classifications filled in below are examples and each item being reported on must be
evaluated individually and the correct category and classification applied to suit.

The findings/observation must include details of the issue found, the location (including face and level)
and the type of damage i.e. wire cut, corrosion, impact damage…

ID Finding/Observation Recommendation Cat. Class Action

Relocate and fix the original name


plate to the structure. If a new
No name plate was fixed to the
1 name plate is required then follow 1 O
mast.
the recommendations set in in API
4G section 10.

A number of pins were found Install a suitable safety retainer to


2 throughout the structure without a the pins to prevent them from 2 PDO
suitable safety retainer. working out of the pin hole.
Numerous pins were found to be Grind the mushroomed steel away
3 “mushroomed” due to excessive and carry out NDE ensuring no 3 O
hammering. cracks are present.
Replace the corroded bolts with
new bolts of the correct size and
Drillers side, level 10 fishplate has
4 grade. Ensure bolts include a 2 SI
8 off corroded bolts.
hardened flat washer and locking
nut, i.e. ANCO.
Replace the short bolts with new
bolts of the correct size and grade.
Off drillers side, level 8 girt has 8
5 Ensure bolts include a hardened 2 SI
off short bolts.
flat washer and locking nut, i.e.
ANCO.
Replace the bolts with new bolts of
Off drawworks side, level 6 to 8
the correct size and grade. Ensure
6 brace has 4 off bolts with no 2 SI
bolts include a hardened flat
locking nuts.
washer and locking nut, i.e. ANCO.

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API 4G Inspection Guidance
It is best practice to install all bolts
Top of stem to water table beam facing in and down. This will reduce
7 bolts are installed with the bolts the size of a potential dropped 3 PDO
facing up. object in the event the nut works
loose.
Remove the sheaves and properly
assess the condition of the
bearings. Thoroughly clean the
8 Crown gin pole sheaves are seized sheaves and shaft and reinstall. 1 O
Test for full grease penetration to
bearings and that sheaves move
freely
Carry out repairs to the damaged
sheave following the repair
One of the crown cluster sheaves procedure as per the OEM
9 1 SI
has a crack in the outer rim. guidelines and the
recommendations set out in API
8B.
Sheave has excessive wear in the Replace the worn sheave following
10 groove radius over the allowable the recommendations as set out in 1 SI
limits as specified in API 9B. API 8B and 8C.
Mechanically clean to remove the
Surface corrosion on the webs of
11 corrosion, reinstate a protective 3 O
the cluster sheaves.
coating suitable for the environment
Reinstall the missing line guard
The line guard is missing from the
12 with locking type nuts to prevent 3 O
fast line sheave.
the drill line from jumping.
Replace the damaged grease
The grease nipples for the crown
13 nipples and ensure regular 1 O
sheaves are damaged.
lubrication is carried out.
All redundant items in the derrick
structure should be removed to
Redundant clamp fixing found on
14 avoid the potential of the item 3 PDO
the drillers side, level 3 girt.
deteriorating and becoming a
dropped object.
All items and tool taken up the
derrick must be secured and
Loose items found on the racking
15 returned to the drill floor once 1 PS
board walkways.
finished with to reduce the potential
of a dropped object incident.
Drawworks side, level 12 flood light All potential dropped objects should
16 has no secondary retention have a form of secondary retention 3 PDO
installed. installed to minimise the risk.
Ensure all padeyes and lifting
The padeyes underside of the
points are subjected to regular
17 crown are uncertified with no SWL 3 O
inspection (LGI) and that the Safe
marked.
Working Load (SWL) is clearly

API 4G Inspection Guidance – Rev0 Page 9 of 14


API 4G Inspection Guidance
identified to avoid inadvertently
overloading. It is also
recommended that a colour code
system is introduced to allow easy
identification of certified padeyes.
Install a new padeye manufactured
Padeye with flame cut holes on the and supplied in accordance with
18 drillers side at the racking board API 4F & API Q1. Installation 1 O
level. should be in accordance with the
requirements of API 4F & 4G.
Install a new padeye manufactured
A padeye not conforming to the
and supplied in accordance with
design requirements of API 4F and
19 API 4F & API Q1. Installation 1 O
API Q1 is installed to the drillers
should be in accordance with the
side bottom box.
requirements of API 4F & 4G.
Any uncertified / damaged rigging
equipment must be removed from
Rigging items were found to be service and replaced. All lifting
20 1 PS
uncertified and in poor condition. equipment should be subject to
regular inspections (LGI) and
certified.
Replace the 2 part shackles with 4
2 part shackles are in use to
21 part safety shackles including a 2 PDO
secure snatch blocks.
safety pin to retain the nut.
When rigging inertia reel should be
allowed to hang in a vertical plane
Incorrect rigging / installation of the to ensure its correct use and full
22 inertia reel above the monkey capacity. A permanent padeye at 1 PS
board. this location should be installed if
the fall arrest unit is used on a
regular basis.
Mechanically clean all welded
areas and perform suitable NDE in
No evidence of NDE to the accordance with API 8B. It is
23 2 SI
deadline anchor. recommended to carry out a
thorough examination of the
deadline anchor every 6 months.
Replace clamp in accordance with
OEM specification and install using
Excessive wear noted on the
24 manufacturer’s installation 1 SI
deadline anchor line clamp.
guidelines and install bolts with
correct torque ratings.
Derrickmans emergency escape Replace the corroded cable and
25 wire line is showing signs of install new following the guidelines 1 PS
corrosion. set out in API 9B.
Drawworks side, level 3 girt has The member is damaged beyond
26 corrosion along the length and has the allowable tolerances of API 4G. 1 SI
lost 15% of material through the Repair or replace the member

API 4G Inspection Guidance – Rev0 Page 10 of 14


API 4G Inspection Guidance
cross sectional area at the most using suitable size and grade
severe point. material in accordance with API 4F,
API 4G and API Q1 requirements.
The member is damaged beyond
the allowable tolerances of API 4G.
Drillers side, level 12 girt has a wire Repair or replace the member
27 1 SI
line cut through the inside flange. using suitable size and grade
material in accordance with API 4F,
API 4G and API Q1 requirements.
The member is damaged beyond
the allowable tolerances of API 4G.
Off drillers side, level 8-9 brace has Repair or replace the member
28 2 SI
impact damage. using suitable size and grade
material in accordance with API 4F,
API 4G and API Q1 requirements.
The member is damaged beyond
the allowable tolerances of API 4G.
Driller / drawworks leg between
Repair or replace the member
29 levels 5 and 7 has distorted 1 SI
using suitable size and grade
flanges.
material in accordance with API 4F,
API 4G and API Q1 requirements.
Following industry recognized heat
straightening techniques repair
Off drillers side, level 8-9 brace has
30 damaged area. Carry out suitable 2 SI
impact damage.
NDE on the repaired area ensuring
no cracks are present.
Repair / replace the damaged
Off drillers side, racking board
windwall panels with similar
31 windwalls has numerous holes 2 O
material in accordance with API
caused from corrosion.
4G.
The supports are damaged beyond
the allowable tolerances of API 4G.
Off drawworks side, lower windwall
Repair or replace the supports
32 supporting steelwork has high 2 SI
using suitable size and grade
levels of corrosion.
material in accordance with API 4F,
API 4G and API Q1 requirements.
Following a recognised procedure
Drillers side racking board fingers
apply heat to straighten the fingers.
33 are bent restricting the racking of 2 O
Carry out NDE on the repaired area
the drill pipe.
checking for cracks.
Install a suitable form of secondary
Finger latches have no suitable
34 retention following industry 2 PDO
secondary retention.
recognised best practices.
Replace damaged backscratcher
Off drawworks side backscratcher with suitable grade and size
35 between levels 0 and 4 has high material. Install following 2 O
levels of corrosion. recognised industry procedures
and apply a suitable protective

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API 4G Inspection Guidance
coating to any exposed/bare steel
connections/repairs.
Replace the damaged grating
sections following correct industry
A section of grating on the drillers
recognised procedures with the
36 side walkway at the racking board 1 PS
inclusion of additional supports if
is heavily corroded.
repaired area is between existing
supports.
Replace damaged pots with similar
Drillers side, level 4 stand-off type and grade material. Install
37 platform has corroded handrail using industry standard welding 2 O
pots. procedures AWSD1.1 and
subjected to an NDT examination.
Replace damaged handrail with
similar type and grade material in
accordance with OEM specification.
Off Drillers side, racking board Install following recognised industry
38 1 PS
handrails have impact damage. procedures and apply a suitable
protective coating to any
exposed/bare steel
connections/repairs.
Install a personal fall arrest system
Access ladder from the racking on all ladders following industry
39 board to the crown has no recognised procedures this will 1 PS
personnel fall protection installed. provide safe access and egress to
the derrick structure.
Install a suitable safety gate to
prevent personnel from
The crown ladder access has no
40 inadvertently stepping back into 1 PS
safety gates installed.
ladder opening. Install following
industry recognised procedures.
Extend access ladder with similar
grade and size material All ladder
rails should extend 42” (106cm)
Ladder access at the crown does
above the platform. Perform a
41 not extend above the level of the 1 PS
suitable NDT inspection on all
walkway
welds. Apply a suitable protective
coating to any exposed/bare steel
connections/repairs.
Extend the backscratcher to the
handrail with similar type and grade
material following recognised
Drillers side, level 8 rest platform
industry procedures and apply a
42 has a fall potential due to the 1 PS
suitable protective coating to any
length of the backscratcher.
exposed/bare steel
connections/repairs. This will
eliminate a potential fall hazard.

API 4G Inspection Guidance – Rev0 Page 12 of 14


API 4G Inspection Guidance
Install suitable toe boards with a
maximum of 10 mm above TOS
Casing stabbing board access
43 (Top of steel) to 3 PDO
platform has no toe boards.
platforms/handrails, following
industry recognised procedures.
Remove a section of the checker
Setback material covered with plate to properly assess the
welded checker plated. This is a condition of the setback material
44 1 O
client modification and not part of underneath and replace with new
the OEM design material of suitable type, grade and
size as required.

Example Conclusion Comments

If copying and pasting from the below examples then check / change where required to ensure the
information is relevant to the inspection.

The categories and classifications filled in below are examples and each item being reported on must be
evaluated individually and the correct category and classification applied to suit.:

Section X – Conclusion
This report contains all the recommendations made during the API Inspection of Rig xxxxxxxxx.

During the inspection a number of issues/potential issues have been noted as mentioned above. These
items should be closed out at the earliest opportunity, to return the drilling structure back to the original
OEM design and specification and also to provide a safe working environment for all RIG personnel.

Crown Area
During the API inspection of the crown area, the cluster and fast line sheave were not installed. They were
however inspected in a disassembled state. New bearings were installed on the sheaves at the time of
inspection.

Pad eyes & Connections


During the inspection of the mast and substructure, it was noted that the pad-eyes were not colour coded
or marked with a SWL. In order to establish a SWL, the pad-eyes will require load testing and pre and post
MPI inspection.

API 4G Inspection Guidance – Rev0 Page 13 of 14


API 4G Inspection Guidance
Once this has been achieved a SWL must be marked clearly and easy to read next to the pad-eye for
which it is rated. The pad-eyes should then be painted with a suitable colour that is in alignment with the
current colour code of RIG’s lifting equipment.

Bolts
It was noted that non locking nuts were used throughout the mast and substructure. It is a
recommendation of DSL that all bolts be fitted with suitable lock type (i.e. Anco) nuts or a lock type
washer. This will greatly reduce the possibility of a dropped object or components and equipment coming
loose due to vibrations through the structure. This will in turn create a much safer working environment
for all Rig personnel.

Member Damage
The damaged members that are highlighted above must be addresses at the earliest opportunity to
ensure that the rig is restored back to its original design criteria, as per the OEM specifications. Damage
such as minor impact damage can be repaired using industry recognized heat straightening methods that
conform to OEM specifications for preheat treatment.

Members that show significant damages (beyond preheat treatment), must be replaced with new
material of the correct length, size and grade of material. The new material MUST conform to the OEM /
API specifications, and the relevant documentation and certification retained for traceability and future
inspections.

Once damaged members and welds have been repaired / replaced, they should be subjected to a full NDT
examination, to verify the integrity of the repairs/steel and to ensure no cracks have developed. Copies of
all NDT reports are to be retained for record keeping and traceability.

During fabrication all recommended practices and procedures must be followed as per:
API RP 4G FOURTH EDITION, April 2012
API RP 54 THIRD EDITION, August 1999
API SPECIFICATION 4F FOURTH EDITION, January 2013

Personnel Safety
Safety features should be installed throughout the mast and substructure to ensure the safety of
personnel whilst working on site. Safety fall arrest devices should be installed on the ladders and working
platforms. Regular checks should be made on these devices to ensure their current working condition is
suitable for the task required. It is also recommended to keep records of inspections and checks that are
done on safety equipment and features.

Name & Data Plates


Most of the name plates were installed on the mast and associated equipment; however the substructure
name plate was not present. Of the name plates that were installed, they were all illegible. All name/data
plates present on the mast, substructure and operating equipment, should be clearly identified, legible
and easily visible.

API 4G Inspection Guidance – Rev0 Page 14 of 14

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