Casing Hanger and Pup Joint

Cause & Consequence

• Moving, flying or falling object

Incident Location

Drilling unit

Incident Activity

Drilling, workover

Incident Info Source

Vetco Gray UK Limited Bill McLachlan bill.mclachlan@vetcogray.com

Specific Incident Equipment

No details available.

Lessons Identified

The onshore unitisation of the running tool and casing hanger is a process which is defined by a written procedure. Upon investigation it was discovered that, although the procedure was available it had not been followed. There was no effective process in place to require that this procedure was followed, nor a requirement to provide a record of the specific activity. A review of the casing hanger and running tool showed that there is no directly visible means to verify proper make-up, instead confirmation requires measurement.

Incident Recommendations

The quality documentation requirements associated with this activity should be defined. Onshore and offshore personnel should be made familiar with the process and its documentation requirements and a double sign off required. Prior to use offshore, the assembly should be again checked and correct make-up verified prior to use. The design of the running tool and casing hanger should be reviewed to seek improved means to both verify proper make-up and prevent unintended disengagement by use of secondary means to secure the connection.