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Saudi Aramco
Drilling & Workover Organization
Housekeeping deviations results in Drops Incident

July 2014
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 preparing wire-line string shot tools. A mouse hole metallic cover cap
(3 Kgs) was placed very close to the V-door and next to one of the wire-line sheaves. When the
wire-line was tensioned, the chain holding the sheave moved hitting the cover cap causing it to
fall through the V-Door and almost hit three wire-line crews working on the cat walk.

Consequences:
 Potential of Human Injury as result of the Drops, whose root cause was Poor
Housekeeping on the drill floor
 Poor housekeeping will eventually lead to incidents. During last June 2014, 309 Safety
Observations related to violating Housekeeping Procedure were reported in Orbits.
 Poor housekeeping is common cause of workplace events, such as:
 tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms
 being hit by falling objects (drops)
 slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces
 cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body on
projecting nails, wire or steel strapping
 obstruction of safety equipment, emergency exits, walkways

Why did it happen?

 Crews overlooking housekeeping regulations
 Poor Job Planning
 Lack of Supervision
 “That’s not my job” or “I didn’t do it – let someone else fix it” mindset.

What should be done to prevent reoccurrence?

 Work areas are to be kept clean, neat and tidy, and everything is put in its designated
place
 Hazards are identified and risks controlled before activities are carried out
 Storage locations are assessed to ensure that they are both safe and secure
 Any excess, over age, debris or waste are disposed of in a safe and appropriate manner
 Housekeeping responsibilities to be include as part of the Job Planning
 Crews to be reminded that Good Housekeeping is a Basic Rule for Accidents and Fire
Prevention