DRILLING FLUIDS AND HEALTH RISK MANAGEMENT
A GUIDE FOR DRILLING PERSONNEL, MANAGERS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
Introduction
Drilling fluids are used extensively in the
upstream oil and gas industry, and are critical
to ensuring a safe and productive oil or gas
well. During drilling, a large volume of
drilling fluid is circulated in an open or semi-
enclosed system, at elevated temperatures, with
agitation, providing a significant potential for
chemical exposure and subsequent health
effects. When deciding on the type of drilling
fluid system to use, operator well planners
need to conduct comprehensive risk assess-
ments of drilling fluid systems, considering
health aspects in addition to environmental
and safety aspects, and strike an appropriate
balance between their potentially conflicting
requirements. The results of these risk
assessments need to be made available to all
employers whose workers may become
exposed to the drilling fluid system.
Functions of drilling fluids
Drilling fluids are a key requirement in the
vast majority of drilling operations. The main
functions performed by drilling fluids are to:
● provide a barrier for well control;
● remove cuttings from the well bore as they
are produced;
● maintain drill cuttings in suspension when
drilling circulation is stopped;
● transmit hydraulic power to the drilling bit;
● maintain formation stability;
● maintain pressure on the formation;
● control fluid loss through filtration;
● cool and lubricate the drill bit and string;
and
● facilitate data logging—drilling fluids
characteristics need to be controlled so that
logging instruments can accurately provide
information about the well and formations
being drilled.
This document provides some general
background on drilling fluids and the various
categories of base fluids and additives currently
in use. It outlines potential health hazards
associated with these substances, looks at
opportunities for human exposure presented
by drilling operations, and introduces risk
management methods and monitoring
processes aimed at reducing the risk of
harmful health effects.
This guidance is evidence-based and aims to
define and discuss best practices for reducing
exposures and subsequent health effects
through a risk-based management process.
The document is designed to be of use to
operator and drilling personnel, managers,
Health, Safety and Environment managers, drill-
ing fluid specialists, rig-site medical staff, and
occupational health and hygiene professionals.
Figure 1 Fluids circulating system of a rig and well
drilling rig
mud pump
solids control
mud pits equipment
casing and
cement
open hole
drill pipe
annulus
drill bit drill collar