Occupational Health and Safety Code

750

This Part applies to activities and ancillary processes associated with the exploration for, drilling for and extraction of oil, gas or geothermal energy and the decommissioning of related wells.

751.1

Before a worker comes on to a work site for the first time, a prime contractor or, if there is no prime contractor, an employer must ensure the worker completes site-specific orientation that encompasses

(a) site-specific hazards,

(b) work procedures that must be followed,

(c) hazard controls in place to protect workers,

(d) required personal protective equipment,

(e) an emergency response plan,

(f) processes for reporting hazards,

(g) site-specific processes for addressing undue hazards, work refusals and resolution, and

(h) any other matter required to ensure the health and safety of workers at the work site.

752.1(1)

A prime contractor or, if there is no prime contractor, an employer must design and construct the work site in such a way to ensure that

(a) the installation, operation, mobilization, demobilization and movement of all equipment will not create a hazard to workers,

(b) the support of the gross weight of all equipment is under maximum loads, and

(c) emergency response activities can be carried out.

752.1(2)

A prime contractor or, if there is no prime contractor, an employer must ensure the installation and use at the work site of

(a) wind direction indicators located in strategic places and visible under all light conditions, and

(b) if a harmful substance may exist, atmospheric monitoring equipment to monitor for harmful substances.

752.2(1)

If a flammable or combustible substance is used to purge piping, a prime contractor and an employer must ensure workers are protected from fire and explosion hazards.

752.2(2)

Before an employer purges piping under subsection (1), the employer must ensure that the prime contractor is informed of the purging activity.

752.3

A prime contractor or, if there is no prime contractor, an employer must ensure that firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, is

(a) provided in sufficient quantities and appropriate types to address all fire hazards that may arise, and

(b) located in all areas where fire hazards are or may be present.

753(1)

An employer must ensure that the maximum safe operating load of a derrick or mast is specified in a load marking that is prominently displayed on the derrick or mast.

753(2)

Despite section 12(d) and (e), if a structural modification or repair is made to a derrick or mast, an employer must ensure that

(a) the structural modification or repair is done in accordance with specifications certified by a professional engineer,

(b) the maximum safe operating load of the derrick or mast is determined and meets specifications certified by a professional engineer, and

(c) the load marking displayed on the derrick or mast is revised if the maximum safe operating load referred to in subsection (1) changes.

754(1)

An employer must ensure that, before a derrick or mast is erected or brought down, a competent worker inspects the equipment and verifies that it is secured from unintended movement and will not create a hazard to workers.

754(2)

An employer must ensure that when a derrick or mast is hoisted

(a) designated lifting points on the derrick or mast are identified,

(b) designated lifting points are clearly marked on each derrick or mast, and

(c) rigging is attached to designated lifting points only.

755

An employer must ensure that a report is made of

(a) any repairs performed to equipment used, and

(b) any inspection or results of a test required to be performed under this Part.

755.1(1)

An employer that rents or leases equipment from a supplier must ensure that

(a) a report is made of inspections and repairs done to the equipment, and

(b) the supplier is provided with a copy of any such report.

755.1(2)

A supplier that rents or leases equipment to an employer at a work site must ensure that

(a) a report is made of inspections and repairs done by the supplier to the equipment,

(b) a report made under this subsection is provided to an employer that rents or leases the equipment, and

(c) a report made under subsection (1) is provided to any subsequent employer that rents or leases the equipment.

756(1)

An employer must ensure that no worker slides down a pipe, kelly hose, cable or rope on a derrick or mast unless necessary in the event of an emergency.

756(2)

A worker must not slide down a pipe, kelly hose, cable or rope on a derrick or mast unless necessary in the event of an emergency.

758(1)

An employer must ensure that a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment is inspected by a competent worker to ensure that it will not create a hazard to workers

(a) before it is placed into service, and

(b) at reasonably practicable intervals for as long as it is in service.

758(2)

An employer must ensure that no worker works on a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment until the following are installed and secure:

(a) safeguards;

(b) platforms and stairways;

(c) emergency equipment;

(d) fastening devices;

(e) any other thing required to protect workers.

758(3)

Subsection (2) does not apply to a worker installing and securing the items referred to in subsection (2)(a) to (e).

761(1)

An employer must ensure that a floor enclosure on a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment has exits to ground level that open away from the wellbore.

761(2)

An employer must ensure that a catwalk on a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment has a stairway or another means of safe egress at the end farthest from the wellbore.

762(1)

An employer must ensure that the emergency means of escape from a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment is inspected by a competent worker at least once every 7 days to ensure its operation does not create a hazard to workers.

762(2)

If the emergency escape equipment includes using an anchored line, an employer must ensure the line is able to successfully withstand a pull test load as specified by the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.

762(3)

An employer must ensure that emergency escape equipment is readily available to workers.

763(1)

An employer must ensure that all guy lines and anchors used on a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment are installed and pull tested in accordance with

(a) the manufacturer’s specifications,

(b) specifications certified by a professional engineer, or

(c) API RP 4G, Operation, Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Drilling and Well Servicing Structures, 5th Edition, February 2019, including the 2020 addendums.

763(2)

An employer must ensure that the specifications applied under subsection (1) for the correct number and proper spacing of guy lines are on a plate attached to the drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment

765(1)

An employer must ensure that, if a trailer is used for storing pipe,

(a) the pipe is secured and prevented from falling off the trailer,

(b) workers are able to safely access the trailer, and

(c) the pipe, when hoisted, is prevented from rolling off the trailer.

765(2)

An employer must ensure that drill pipes, drill collars, tubing, casing, rods and any other tubulars are free of fluid before they are stored.

765(3)

An employer must ensure that stored drill pipes, drill collars, tubing, casing, rods and any other tubulars are secured from falling.

766(1)

An employer must ensure that the function or action of each drawworks control on a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment is clearly marked on or near the drawworks control.

766(2)

A worker who is operating the drawworks must ensure that all workers are positioned safely before the drawworks is put into motion.

767(1)

An employer must ensure that the drawworks brakes of a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment are tested at the beginning of each work shift and inspected at least once every 7 days to ensure their operation does not create a hazard to workers.

767(2)

Unless drawworks have an automatic feed control, an employer must ensure that drawworks brakes are not left unattended without first being secured in the “on” or “engaged” position.

767(3)

An employer must ensure that, except during drilling, drawworks controls are not left unattended while the hoisting drum is in motion.

768

An employer must ensure that hoisting equipment on a drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment has a weight indicator that is

(a) secured against falling, and

(b) calibrated at least annually.

769(1)

An employer must ensure that each hook of a travelling block has a positive locking device.

769(2)

An employer must ensure that the travelling block and any related equipment does not have projecting parts that may create a hazard to workers.

769(3)

An employer must ensure that an upward travel limiting device on a travelling block

(a) is installed on the drawworks of every drilling rig, service rig, snubbing unit, swabbing unit or other well servicing or drilling equipment,

(b) prevents the travelling block from contacting the crown structure, and

(c) is tested at least once during each work shift to ensure that it will prevent the travelling block from contacting the crown structure.

770(1)

Subject to subsection (2), an employer must ensure that a travelling block, a tugger or a hoist is not used to lift or lower a worker unless allowed by the manufacturer’s specifications.

770(2)

Subsection (1) does not apply in an emergency to rescue a worker if

(a) the rotary table is stopped, and

(b) the worker operating the control of the travelling block, tugger or hoist is a worker designated under section 117.

771(1)

An employer must ensure that rope-operated catheads are not used at a work site.

771(2)

An employer must ensure that each automatic cathead has separate controls unless

(a) the cathead has dual-purpose controls, and

(b) a locking device is installed to prevent one cathead from being engaged unintentionally while another cathead is in operation.

773(1)

An employer must ensure that

(a) the area around a rotary table where a worker may be struck by or caught up in equipment is clearly marked,

(b) no worker enters the area marked in accordance with clause (a), and

(c) no loose material or other equipment is located in the area marked in accordance with clause (a).

773(3)

Despite subsection (1), an employer may allow a worker and equipment within the area marked in accordance with subsection (1)(a) while the rotary table is in motion if the employer ensures that

(a) the rotary table is restricted to a slow rate of speed,

(b) the rotary table is under the continuous control of a designated worker positioned at the rotary table controls,

(c) the area around the rotary table is clear of any equipment that may contact the rotating equipment,

(d) workers positioning slips or tongs remain clear of rotating equipment,

(e) all lines attached to rotary tongs are placed outside of the direct line of rotating slips, and

(f) any other hazard that may impact the health and safety of workers is controlled or eliminated.

773(4)

Prior to initiating or resuming drilling operations, an employer must ensure that all workers and equipment are positioned outside of the area marked in accordance with subsection (1)(a).

774

An employer must ensure that a rotary tong has

(a) a primary device that prevents unintended movement of the rotary tong, and

(b) a secondary device that prevents unintended movement of the rotary tong if the primary device fails.

775

An employer must ensure that a counterweight cannot come into contact with any worker.

776(1)

An employer must ensure that when a positive displacement pump is used to pump incompressible fluids

(a) the positive displacement pump and its attachments have valves, pipes and fittings rated equal to or greater than the pump’s maximum working pressure,

(b) the positive displacement pump is protected against freezing,

(c) except in the case of a pumping wellhead, a pressure relief device is installed on the discharge side of a positive displacement pump,

(d) a valve is not installed between the pressure relief device and the positive displacement pump,

(e) piping on the discharge side of the pressure relief device does not have a valve,

(f) if shear pins are used in a pressure relief device, they are of the design and strength specified in the manufacturer's specifications,

(g) the fluids or materials discharged through a pressure relief device are piped to a place where they will not create a hazard to workers,

(h) piping connected to the pressure side and discharge side of the pressure relief device is not smaller than the normal pipe-size openings of the device, and

(i) piping from the discharge side of the pressure relief device is continuously sloped to drain fluids and protect fluids from freezing.

776(2)

An employer must ensure that pipes and fittings installed and maintained at a work site meet the requirements of ASME B1.20.1-2013 (R2018), Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch), for threaded connections. 

776(3)

An employer must ensure that a mud gun used for jetting is secured against unintended movement.

776(4)

If a downhole positive displacement pump is used in a wellhead, an employer must ensure that the pump is prevented from creating pressures that exceed the pressure rating of the piping and pumping system.

776(5)

An employer must ensure that no valve is closed on the discharge line of a positive displacement pump while the pump is in operation.

776(6)

A worker must not close a valve on a discharge line of a positive displacement pump while the pump is in operation.

776.1(1)

An employer must ensure that a piping system is

(a) designed, installed and maintained to withstand the maximum anticipated pressures,

(b) tested when it is initially installed and after any modifications to it to verify that it can withstand the maximum anticipated pressures, and

(c) operated within maximum pressures referred to in clause (a).

776.1(2)

An employer must ensure that

(a) any hazardous energy that may be released from pressurized equipment is directed away from workers, or

(b) there is shielding, restraints or other controls in place to protect workers.

776.1(3)

If pressure in a piping system at the work site may exceed 3000 kilopascals, an employer must ensure that

(a) the piping system connections are welded, flanged or have hammer unions, or

(b) if the only connection on the wellhead is a threaded connection that is integral to the wellhead, the component parts of that threaded connection are compatible with each other.

776.1(4)

Before a valve or other piping system component is disassembled, an employer must ensure that the valve or other piping system component is drained, depressurized, purged or otherwise made safe in accordance with section 215.4.

776.1(5)

An employer must ensure that workers are not exposed to any hazard when

(a) piping systems are depressurized,

(b) pipe blockages are cleared, or

(c) pipes may freeze or may be frozen.

777(1)

An employer must ensure that ignition sources do not create a fire or explosion hazard when fluids containing a flammable or combustible substance are circulated through equipment or piping.

777(2)

An employer must ensure that an enclosed tank is vented away from workers and ignition sources.

779(1)

This section applies to drill stem testing operations.

779(2)

If fluids are encountered when extracting a pipe and the drill stem contents have not been pumped out and replaced with drilling fluid, an employer must ensure that mud cans and test plugs are used at every pipe connection to prevent worker exposure to harmful substances.

779(3)

An employer must ensure that

(a) testing for hydrogen sulphide and hydrocarbons is performed, and

(b) fluids containing hydrogen sulphide are displaced with drilling fluid and circulated to an enclosed tank.

779(4)

An employer must ensure that

(a) motors and engines that are not required in the testing operation are shut off, and

(b) motor vehicles are at least 25 metres from the wellbore or a greater distance if required to prevent ignition hazards.

779(5)

If the use of lighting may create an ignition hazard when fluids are encountered at the surface, an employer must ensure that

(a) liquids are reverse circulated, or

(b) if reverse circulation is not reasonably practicable, additional drill pipe is not pulled and disconnected until lighting is not required.

780(1)

This section applies to well swabbing operations.

780(2)

An employer must ensure that

(a) swabbing units are secured against unintended movement,

(b) fluids are piped directly to a tank appropriate to the hazards, and

(c) the tank is located at least 50 metres from the wellbore.

780(3)

An employer must ensure that, if fluids are piped to a tank on or attached to a vehicle,

(a) the engine of the vehicle is shut off, and

(b) no worker is present in the cab of the vehicle while fluids are transferred to a tank on or attached to the vehicle.

780(4)

A worker must not be present in the cab of a vehicle while fluids are transferred to a tank on or attached to the vehicle.

780(5)

Subsections (3) and (4) do not apply if the engine of a vehicle must be running to operate the hydraulic or generator systems and the engine is equipped with a positive air shutoff system.

780(6)

An employer must ensure that sandline flags are

(a) resistant to chemical damage and abrasion,

(b) illuminated during hours of darkness, and

(c) replaced if markings become worn off.

781(1)

This section applies to well servicing operations.

781(2)

An employer must ensure that, in addition to section 166,

(a) when hydrocarbons are circulated through equipment or piping, the air intake and exhaust of the pump motor are located at least 7 metres away from the rig tank or a greater distance if required to prevent ignition hazards, and

(b) if a tank truck is being loaded or unloaded, the tank truck is

(i) located at least 7 metres from the rig tank or a greater distance if required to prevent ignition hazards, and

(ii) facing in a direction to prevent ignition hazards.

781(3)

An employer must ensure that, before fluids are unloaded into the wellhead, a hydraulic pressure test of the lines between the pump and the wellhead is performed to verify that all equipment is operating properly.

781(4)

An employer must ensure that the controls on oil savers can be readily operated by a worker on the rig floor.

782(1)

This section applies to well stimulation.

782(2)

An employer must ensure that, if a working pressure of 2000 kilopascals or more is applied to the piping system,

(a) the area between and bordering a pump, a sand concentrator and the wellhead is established and clearly marked,

(b) all equipment can be controlled from outside the area established and marked under clause (a), and

(c) no worker enters the area established and marked under clause (a).

782(3)

Despite subsection (2), an employer may permit a worker to enter the area established under subsection (2)(a) to perform necessary work if the pump is disengaged before that worker enters the area.

782(4)

An employer must ensure that when liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen is being used at the work site

(a) the valve controls and workers are positioned on the side of the piping unit opposite to the side of the pipe supplying the well,

(b) a check valve is installed as close as reasonably practicable to the wellhead except while cementing or selective acidizing is occurring, and

(c) a bleed-off valve is installed between a check valve and the wellhead.

784

An employer must ensure that containers, piping and fittings used in collecting gas samples are used and transported in such a way as to prevent unintended release of their contents.