Effects and hazards of drilling fluids on well drilling workers and the administrative processes adopted in iraqi fields

Abstract EN

Drilling fluids are any fluids which are circulated through a well while drilling in order to remove cuttings from a wellbore.

During drilling, large volumes of fluids are circulating through the well and into open, partially enclosed or completely enclosed systems at high temperatures.

When these drilling fluids are agitated during a circulating process there is significant potential for chemical exposure to workers and subsequent health effects.

This study seeks to identify major areas of exposure to drilling fluids and the health hazards associated with the use of drilling fluids.

The study also presents some challenges in setting the standards of exposure to the drilling fluids which have always not been given the same attention or concern as the effects and risk management of drilling fluids.

Some exposure indicators are also presented.

Questionnaire has been done on seven Iraqi fields (Nahran Omar, Nasiriya, Zubair, East Baghdad, North Rumaila, Humrain and Jambur ) to determine the administrative and protective processes adopted by our national companies in order to minimize the drilling fluid exposures.

The questionnaire has been done also to get know the most important conclusions and use the reliable recommendations that achieve the research objective.

According to the data obtained from the questionnaire, there are no clear, standard and unique administrative and protective processes adopted by Iraqi drilling company in different sites.

The study recommended the necessity of evaluating their processes related with reducing the risks of drilling fluid exposures and establishing a specialized committee to develop such drilling fluid systems.

Drilling fluids are any fluids which are circulated through a well while drilling in order to remove cuttings from a wellbore.

During drilling, large volumes of fluids are circulating through the well and into open, partially enclosed or completely enclosed systems at high temperatures.

When these drilling fluids are agitated during a circulating process there is significant potential for chemical exposure to workers and subsequent health effects.

This study seeks to identify major areas of exposure to drilling fluids and the health hazards associated with the use of drilling fluids.

The study also presents some challenges in setting the standards of exposure to the drilling fluids which have always not been given the same attention or concern as the effects and risk management of drilling fluids.

Some exposure indicators are also presented.

Questionnaire has been done on seven Iraqi fields (Nahran Omar, Nasiriya, Zubair, East Baghdad, North Rumaila, Humrain and Jambur ) to determine the administrative and protective processes adopted by our national companies in order to minimize the drilling fluid exposures.

The questionnaire has been done also to get know the most important conclusions and use the reliable recommendations that achieve the research objective.

According to the data obtained from the questionnaire, there are no clear, standard and unique administrative and protective processes adopted by Iraqi drilling company in different sites.

The study recommended the necessity of evaluating their processes related with reducing the risks of drilling fluid exposures and establishing a specialized committee to develop such drilling fluid systems.