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• April 17, 2019
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ONGC HSE standards

Some of the logging tools use radioactive sources and high voltages. After lowering of the casing and cementation, perforation operations are carried out to establish flow of hydrocarbon from the well to the surface. The process involves use of explosives to carry out the job. To handle these issues and to minimize risks associated with above jobs, ONGC has formulated best practices and safety procedures and has adopted many regulations from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) and Director General Mines and Safety (DGMS). All personal involved with the logging operation should have been imparted proper training. A brief safety meeting must be conducted by logging crew In-charge with concerned rig personnel prior to commencement of the job at site.

General precautions

• Wear a helmet before commencing work. Check the area for possible safety
• Inspect all the logging rig-up equipments before use. Mud spillage must be removed from derrick floor to avoid
• All the persons at site must remain at a safe distance from the moving cable, rotating sheaves and cable drum. Proper and sufficient mud circulation must be
• The logging unit should be equipped with a shooting panel having Safe lockable switch which shunts all logging power lines to earth via a resistor, when in SAFE mode and the logging job should be suspended under condition of lightening, thunderstorm
• In Production logging all the well head pressure control equipments (PCE) must be thoroughly serviced before
• It should be ensured that the grease injector pump can be operated from the safe distance of not less than 10m from well
• While working in H₂S environment, special corrosion resistant logging equipments, ‗O‘ rings seals and cable should be The personnel should use protective mask.

Fire Precautions

An area within 30m of the well head should be treated as danger zone in which no smoking or open flame should be permitted and all the electrical equipments should be flame proof. Adequate number of fire extinguishers should be kept readily available at site. During rig less production logging job, a fire tender with operator must be stationed at the well site.

Radiological Safety

In nuclear logging devices, neutron or gamma ray source is used along with nuclear radiation detectors for carrying out logging. Radioactive sources are sealed, doubly encapsulated as per the specifications of regulatory authority so as to with stand borehole temperature, pressure, impact, vibration and puncture. The radiation hazard can be minimized

• by reducing the time of exposure
• by maintaining a safe distance from the source
• By shielding the source of harmful

Following measures should be taken for storage, transportation and handling of radioactive sources.

• At base the sources should be stored in a strong room as per the AERB regulation and plan approved by BARC. The room should be located at an isolated but well-guarded place.
• Warning signs should be displayed prominently in front of the
• The sources should be transported in shielded containers approved by the regulatory authority. The containers should be locked, secured with the unit/van during transportation. The radiation warning signs must be displayed conspicuously on the unit carrying the radioactive
• Proper record of all the source inventory and movement must be kept with
• Regular wipe test must be conducted for leakage
• The sources should be handled by trained personnel only. Long tongs should be used for placing the sources in the borehole tools and keeping them back in the transport container after the
• The transfer of the source to and from the container to logging device must be completed in the least possible time. Move away from the tool while field checking the tool with verifier that contains radiation
• The tools utilizing accelerator type of neutron sources should be powered only inside the well or calibration tank. After the job, tools should be washed only after removing the radioactive source.
• All personnel handling the source should wear radiation monitoring badges. These badges must be sent to BARC or its approved agency for processing. The records of radiation exposure of all the personnel should be kept by designated RSO (Radiation Safety Officer).

In case of emergencies the Head, Radiological Physics and Advisory Division (RPAD), BARC, Mumbai must be informed immediately.

If fire or explosion occurs in a well in which radioactive source is present, it should be treated as lost in the well and should be abandoned. If however the source is at the surface immediate  steps should be taken to remove it to the safe place.

Explosives Safety

The Explosive rules 1983 and the recommended oil field practices must be followed in storage, transportation, handling and disposal of explosives.

• Explosives should be stored in licensed magazines constructed as per the approved design of Chief Controller of Explosives,
• To and fro transportation of explosives from magazine to supply base should be done in a licensed explosive van. The primary and secondary explosives should be carried in approved containers placed
• Explosives should be handled by persons authorized and trained for the
• All mobile phones, VHF set, Telemetry, Generators, power for cathoodic protection and SRP must be switched off before commencing the job involving use of explosives. The area should also be cleared of all combustible
• Use ballistic multi-meter for testing of detonating fuse/ igniter. Any stray voltage measured between casing head-rig structure-logging unit should be reduced to below 0.25v.
• Connect all the rig, well head and unit with grounding cable. Insulation check of logging cable and accessories should be carried
• The cable and accessories should be discharged after such The shooting panel of the logging unit should have all the safety provision as mentioned under the paragraph of electrical safety.
• The safety switch must be put in SAFE mode before connecting charged gun with logging cable. Electrical generators should not be switched on till the gun is lowered at least up to 70m depth. Electrical arming of the gun should be done prior to ballistic arming.
• Explosives should not be primed in condition of storm, lightening
• The job should be undertaken during day light hours