Horizontal Well Drillers
SOP #:
04.85
Revision #:
1
Implementation Date:
2012/01/23
Page #:
1 of 3
Last Reviewed/Update
Date:
2012/01/23
SOP Owner:
HWD Executive
Management
Approval:
HWD Executive
Management
Standard Operating Procedure – Towing Rig
Equipment
1.
Purpose
The common thread throughout the SOP and HWD Policies and Procedures in general is
the identification of responsibilities. This manual is intended to clearly and concisely
identify the steps required by employees to complete any given operation in a manner
that is consistent with Horizontal Well Drillers standards. It will document progressive
steps required in sequence that are to be followed, an authorizing company department or
position, and an author that is to be consulted if there are questions in any portion of the
SOP standards.
2.
Scope
ALL RIG PERSONNEL
3.
Prerequisites
Personnel are required to wear proper personal protective equipment, follow job safety
rules, and have the appropriate experience and certifications to carry out their job
functions satisfactorily.
4.
Responsibilities
Tool pusher will have ultimate accountability that driller and crews are completing the
procedure to standard. Driller and crews will be responsible for implementation and
actions to complete this task as described in the procedure steps.
5.
Procedure
1. Assess the situation.
 Make sure that only authorized personnel operate the loader.
 Perform a hazard assessment of the challenges related to towing the specific
equipment.
Horizontal Well Drillers
SOP #:
04.85
Revision #:
1
Implementation Date:
2012/01/23
Page #:
2 of 3
Last Reviewed/Update
Date:
2012/01/23
SOP Owner:
HWD Executive
Management
Approval:
HWD Executive
Management





Appoint an appropriate person to give directions. The Loader Operator must work with
the signal person to determine what hand signals will be used.
Make sure of open communication between everyone involved—it is essential.
If the object that is to be towed is extremely heavy or has sunk very deep into mud or
down a slope, make a plan to make sure equipment will not be wrecked in the
recovery.
If it is determined that the wreck cannot be recovered with the equipment available
without damage to the equipment, then do not tow it. Other means of recovery must
be arranged.
In unusual or challenging situations, only the Rig Manager is to make judgment calls
on whether or not to tow the equipment.
2. Spot the loader in preparation to tow.
 Spot the loader with the best possible traction and in a forward direction.
 Never pull the stuck vehicle nose-to-nose.
 Do not exceed a 45° pull in any direction on any anchor point or fastening device.
 The person assigned to give directions must control the operation. No one moves a
vehicle or hooks up a sling without being directed by the signal person.
 The signal person must visually inspect the area between the equipment to be towed
and the loader. When the area is confirmed clear, he must signal the Loader Operator
with a hand signal and also by shouting “ALL CLEAR” to back into position while
constantly watching the area.
 Spot the loader in position to pull as straight as possible. Try to choose an area with
good traction.
3. Select and inspect the tow sling.
 If towing with a front-end loader, use an approved wire rope towing sling.
NOTE: An approved tow sling is defined as a 10 meter, 9/16 inch, 6 by 19 strand,
wire rope with thimble eyes and press-on terminations.
 If towing a pick-up truck with another pick-up truck, use an approved nylon rope tow
sling.
 All tow slings must be free of rips, tears, burns, or abrasions that expose the inner core
of the tow rope.
 ABSOLUTELY NO CHAINS ARE TO BE USED UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCE.
 Make sure that any shackles used in a tow system have a minimum pin size of 1 inch
in diameter, are in good repair, and are fully fastened.
Horizontal Well Drillers
SOP #:
04.85
Revision #:
1
Implementation Date:
2012/01/23
Page #:
3 of 3
Last Reviewed/Update
Date:
2012/01/23
SOP Owner:
HWD Executive
Management
Approval:
HWD Executive
Management
WARNINGS:
1. Do not side-load hooks as they may decrease the load rating of the hooks by as
much as 80%.
2. Chains and nylon material can stretch as much as 40% and recoil with a release of
a high amount of energy in the event of a failure.
3. Do not jar on the equipment. Jarring on the equipment can send a shock load to
the anchor points that could exceed the anchor rating and result in equipment
failure.
4. Select and inspect anchor points.
 If a suitable anchor point cannot be reached, do not endanger workers or damage
equipment by attempting to recover vehicles or move equipment.
 Anchor points must be approved by the Rig Manager and exceed the strength of the
tow line being used.
 Never use pintle hitches, or steering and suspension components for anchor points.
5. Tow the equipment.
 Engage the towing vehicle in first gear and take up the slack.
 If the Loader Operator cannot see the line due to slope, he must watch the spotter and
the spotter must use hand gestures to tell the Loader Operator when the line has
become taut. Do not jar the vehicle.
 Pull slowly with guidance from the spotter.
 Make sure the tow line is not shock-loaded. Use only slow and steady pressure to pull
the equipment.
 If the pull is unsuccessful, consult with field superintendent and oil company
representative about third-party towing services.
NOTE: Spotters must remain at least 1 ½ times the length of the tow sling away
from the vehicles being towed.
6.
References
HWD Employee Handbook
7.
NA
Definitions