Last month, we talked about personal fall arrest (PFA) systems as well as the heights at which different types of fall arrest equipment are most effective. This month, I talk about the use of fall arrest equipment during drilling operations.
Although this topic seems a little bland, one need look no further than social media to find drillers nonchalant about fall hazards. I saw one video from overseas where a driller, needing more down pressure on their bit, positions two helpers on top of the swivel assembly. One of the helpers acts as if he is on a bucking bronco. Gladly most of the comments fell into the “WTH” category — but not all.