Dropped Objects Surveys and Management Systems

The number of dropped objects from derricks or masts is increasing as rigs mature and the amount of redundant material on them increases.

Our dropped object surveys and management systems are designed to eliminate the potential for dropped objects. We can operate with or without rope access support to manage your Dropped Objects Potentials.

We carry out surveys of either your full installation, or certain specific areas, producing a detailed interactive report. This will contain observations for improving dropped object awareness and will include photographic coverage of all our findings.

We can develop an installation-specific dropped object management system, or for installations that have a current current dropped object management system we can provide a full audit:

  • A full inventory of all items located at height
  • Maintenance checklists to be used by personnel to carry out regular dropped object inspections
  • A detailed picture book with item location and checks to be performed

We can also develop a training course to increase awareness of dropped objects. The training will focus on individual roles of all levels of personnel within your installation.

ADC is a founding member and active participant in the DROPS work group that is focused on raising awareness of Dropped Object Potential industry wide and are approved trainers on the subject.

Production and workshop environments are also high-risk areas. Corrosion impact on cladding and other exposed materials, crane damage and engineered changes also provide a high potential for dropped objects. All of these need to be managed.

ADC Rig Inspection Services is considered to be an expert in the Dropped Objects Survey business, with our team of trained and fully qualified engineers and specialists. By utilising engineers to conduct our Dropped Object inspections, we further enhance the industry “DROPS” programme (of which we are founder members), our client feedback demonstrates that we have a greater effect and that we will deliver real benefit to your company.

The dropped objects survey and location equipment inventory will determine the installation’s potential for dropped objects. It will also assist in developing the inventory for the management system, with particular emphasis on:

  • Primary and secondary fastenings
  • Status of removal of redundant equipment from the assessment areas
  • Management of temporary equipment fixed in the assessment area such as the derrick
  • Management of temporary or loose equipment - such as hand tools and paint pots -  carried into the assessment area
  • Review of the knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Dropped Object Management
  • Programme for personnel required to work in or around the assessment areas
  • Assessment of small pad eyes on fittings such as lighting supports, for age integrity
  • Assessment of all outside equipment for protection from accidental crane damage
  • Review of historical records on all dropped objects incidents to ensure corrective action has been implemented to prevent re-occurrence, and that design review on corrective action has been properly risk assessed and documented

The items identified in the survey would be removed or repaired as required, with the agreement of the rig management on board.

All drilling and travelling equipment is reviewed with regards to operability, reliability, safety, manufacturers’ original specifications and API standards.

The following are typical examples of the most common items that we have identified recently:

Damaged Equipment:

 Damaged Equipment

Damaged equipment, such as the junction box and bracket above can become dropped objects and should be repaired as required to reduce the potential for dropped objects.

Secondary retention:

 Secondary Retention

Secondary retention of components is of paramount importance to the securing of equipment at height.  The floodlight illustrated above has secondary retention installed, but this is only secured to the bracket and would not retain the light if the bracket were to fail.  The loudspeaker shown above does not have any secondary retention installed.

Redundant equipment:

 Redundant Equipment

To reduce the potential for dropped objects, redundant equipment should always be removed if it no longer required.  This is important in all areas of an installation, as illustrated by the bracket and U-bolts which were in the substructure.  The brackets hanging loose were encountered on a crane, which further emphasises that potential dropped objects can be located in many different areas of an installation.

Please contact us for more information and allow us to demonstrate our unique approach to the management of your static and dynamic dropped object potentials.