Traveling Block Falls -- Fatality
Effective Date: 4/16/1975
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 021
April 16, 1975
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Traveling Block Falls--Fatality
A fatal accident occurred recently on an offshore platform drilling rig when the traveling block fell to the rig floor.
The drilling crew was coming out of the hole with the drill pipe when the traveling block was pulled into the top main (water table) beams of the derrick.The drilling line was severed and the traveling block fell to the rig floor. A crewman on the rig floor received fatal injuries when struck by falling equipment.
A safety device on the draw works assembly that automatically prevents the traveling block from striking the top of the derrick was installed on the rig,but was not in service at the time of the accident.
To prevent a recurrence of this accident, the operator has taken the following action:
1. Drilling crews have been instructed to count the joints in each stand when coming out of the hole.
2. The traveling block safety device is to be readjusted and placed in service every time the drilling line is slipped and cut.
3. The traveling block safety device is to be checked weekly for proper operation.
4. All exits from the rig floor are to be kept clear, allowing quick access to a safe place in the event of an emergency.
[signature] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area