Product Bulletin No.

: 11001944-PIB
Rev 01
Release Top Drive Drilling System

Date: June 23, 2014

Subject: Inadvertent Rotating Link Adapter (RLA) Rotation on TDS-9SA Top Drive

Product: National Oilwell Varco (NOV) TDS-8, TDS-9, TDS-10, TDS-11, TDS-1000, IDS-
4, and IDS-350PE Top Drive Models

Affected
Assemblies: PH-50, PH-55, PH-65, PH-75 and PH-100 Pipe Handler Assemblies (Various
Part Numbers)

Objective: Advise customers of a reported injury due to inadvertent rotation of a Rotating

Link Adapter (RLA) during drilling operations and to remind customers to follow
the NOV recommended rig safety procedures.

Issue: NOV received a recent report of an injury that occurred from inadvertent rotation
of an RLA while spinning in to make a connection using a TDS-9SA Top Drive.
The incident occurred while the link tilt was extended, causing the drill pipe
elevator to hit a person on the rig floor.

While the root cause of this inadvertent rotation is still under investigation, it is
likely that the clamping jaws came in contact with the rotating Top Drive drill
stem or a binding occurred somewhere else in the Pipe Handler with the drill
stem.

Solution: This incident is currently under investigation. The field report indicates that the
incident took place on a rig operating a TDS-9 Top Drive System, however all
affected Top Drive models listed above have similar design. NOV recommends
that all rig safety procedures be reviewed and followed, including always taking
the necessary precautions to ensure staying clear of the “red zone” while the
Top Drive is in operation.

© 2014 National Oilwell Varco 11001944-PIB

Rev 01
Page 1 of 2
 NOV also recommends that a post-jarring inspection be performed on the Top
Drive per previously released Product Bulletin TDS-93-1 following jarring or
rough drilling. The potential for damage to the Top Drive during jarring or rough
drilling operations is considerable. NOV also recommends routine inspection
and maintenance of the Pipe Handler as instructed in the Top Drive Service
Manual.

NOV will update this safety alert if further information or recommendations

become available.

Failure to follow the recommendations and/or guidance in NOV Manuals or Product

Bulletins may result in death, bodily injury or property damage.

Operators should also refer to previous NOV Product Information Bulletins and Safety Alerts at
http://www.nov.com/drilling for additional information related to this issue and information
regarding safe operation, maintenance, and inspection criteria.

Please contact your local National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Service Center to order any
replacement parts or if you have any questions regarding this safety alert.

© 2014 National Oilwell Varco 11001944-PIB

Rev 01
Page 2 of 2