Wireline Fishing Safety Placard
At the Shop:
1. Review logging program, the toolstrings to be run, and the order of logging descents.
2. Model logging tensions with ToolPlanner software and Stickance model, calculate and select preferred
weakpoint and estimate maximum safe pulls.
3. Obtain drillpipe parameters - top and bottom connections, inner diameter, crossovers, or subs (pump-in,
circulating, TIW-valves).
4. Obtain Wellbore information - hole size, casing sizes, direction, deviation, and expected conditions (fluid
type, last circulation)
5. Plan for auxiliary equipment such as cable, weakpoint, stand-offs, bowsprings, tool turners, as well as
rig-up equipment according to expected tensions, expected wellbore conditions, and rig capabilities.
6. Ensure proper operation, accuracy, and calibration of tension devices, tension panel, measuring wheels,
and related equipment.
7. Inspect Fishing Kits for necessary parts, proper drillpipe connections, full functionality, load-tests,
certifications, and documentation.
8. Identify and/or review fishing resources – Fishing Reference Page with Best Practices/Lessons Learned,
Fishing Manuals, Equipment Guidelines, and Fishing Standards and Guidelines.
9. Review fishing experience, training, and/or proficiency of crew.
Arrival at the Wellsite:
10. Inspect the site and the rig to determine hazardous areas, equipment arrival and condition, fishing kit,
and basic rig-up needs.
11. Review possible fishing needs for this wellsite such as cranes, hoists, top-drive, and drillpipe parameters.
10. Meet with client to review logging program, well/rig information (pipe connections?), general safety
precautions, and inform them of fishing equipment at site or readily available.
11. Perform basic job safety analysis / Hazard Analysis & Risk Control (HARC) and conduct safety meeting.
12. Consider the placement and quantity of centralizers, flex joints, swivel adapter heads, hole finders,
stand-offs, etc., taking into account hole conditions and the characteristics of the tool string.
DO NOT place stand-offs too high on the toolstring.
Allow enough room to engage the tool with a fishing overshot.
13. Measure and record exact dimensions of the toolstring, bridle, torpedo, and head. The nature of the tool
must be specified so that proper precautions will be exercised to recover the tool without damage.
14. Obtain or confirm information on the well environment – well sketch with depths, deviations and doglegs;
permeable, lost-circulation, unconsolidated, or gassy formations; mud or drillpipe problems.
Running in the Hole:
15. Observe and record tension readings for tool weights in air, in fluid near surface, and periodically while
going in the hole.
16. Follow Safe Winch Operations guidelines.
17. Run In Hole with proper tension on cable and stop periodically to determine “static” tension.
18. Approach casing shoes, tight spots, changes in direction or deviations with caution.
DO NOT stop moving in open hole.
DO NOT spud with the tool.
DO NOT put too much slack or sit on bottom.
First Indications of Sticking:
19. As tension builds up, indicating keyseating or the tool is sticking, but not stuck, keep moving up within
safe cable tension limits.
20. Close any calipers and determine type of sticking (keyseat, tool stuck, bridging)
a. If tool is stuck – apply maximum safe tension promptly and hold constant.
i. DO NOT EXCEED THE SAFE WORKING LOAD OF THE WIRELINE CABLE OR
75% OF THE LOWER WEAKPOINT RATING.
ii. Inform client and location manager.
b. If keyseated or bridging – stop the winch and attempt to lower the tool.
i. Check tension device reading for “normal” free tool cable tension
(cable wt. + tool wt. In mud + friction of cable and tool)
ii. DO NOT EXCEED THE SAFE WORKING LOAD OF THE WIRELINE CABLE OR
75% OF THE LOWER WEAKPOINT RATING.
iii. Inform client and location manager.
DO NOT pull free from the tool.
DO NOT cycle cable.
DO NOT exceed 50% of the new cable rating.
DO NOT break the cable.
Refer to WL-QHSE S09 (InTouch 4138014)
Fishing Operations when Stuck:
21. Provide the client with complete information, experience, and risks of each fishing method and determine
the Clients choice of method for fishing:
a. Cut & Thread – preferred method for deep open hole (>3000 ft) or shallow open hole with poor
hole conditions.
b. Reverse Cut & Thread – use when weakpoint cannot safely be broken, positive engagement
cannot be confirmed, the grapple is clogged or blocked, or cable must remain attached until
reaching casing or surface.
c. Side-Door Overshot – shallow open hole (<3000 ft) with good hole conditions.
d. Freeing at the Weakpoint – cased hole; except for deep holes where cable may break before
weakpoint.
22. Perform a HARC for specific fishing operations and take necessary safety precautions.
a. No substandard link in the upper sheave support, the tension device, the sheaves, or the lower
sheave tie-down.
b. The upper sheave must be installed by the rig crew by properly attaching to the water table beams.
c. Securely anchor truck or unit, if not already done.
d. Keep the rotary table covered whenever possible.
DO NOT allow non-essential personnel on rig floor or near cable while tension is above normal.
DO NOT use a sling without proper certifications and inspection.
23. Conduct a pre-job safety and operational meeting to review dangers, fishing procedures, duration of
repetitive, mundane operations, and the need to be constantly alert.
24. Refer to appropriate materials and manuals for full fishing documentation, operational procedures and
risks.
25. When fishing for stuck tools with Radioactive Sources:
a. The Client and Schlumberger should make reasonable efforts to recover the sealed source.
b. The Client and Schlumberger should take precautions to avoid rupturing or damaging the source.
c. Schlumberger will consult with The Client regarding the fishing operation, but the Client retains
full responsibility for the fishing operation.
d. The Radiation Safety section in the safety chapter of the WRM contains instructions for the
procedure when the stuck tool includes a radioactive source.
e. Additional material is available in the Radioactive Sources and Controls manual.
f. It is vital that all Schlumberger personnel are familiar with existing radiation hazards and
recommended procedures.
g. Report immediately to Management, InTouch and if applicable, your GeoMarket Hotline if the
following occurs:
i. The Client initiates a fishing procedure that is contrary to Schlumberger’s advice for
protecting the source.
ii. A fishing operation has broken the logging tool string.
iii. The source capsule is in danger of being damaged by the use of drilling, milling, or washover
equipment for retrieval or by rotating the drillpipe.
iv. The source is not recovered on the first fishing attempt.
v. Abandonment of the source seems likely.
vi. Mud returns show an increase in radioactivity.
1. The field engineer or specialist must monitor mud returns at all times just
prior to engaging the fish and during critical parts of the fishing procedure.
2. If mud returns show an increase in radioactivity, a ruptured source may be
indicated. The following procedures are required:
a. Stop the mud flow and continue to monitor radiation levels in the mud pit.
b. Demand that fishing operations be halted immediately.
c. Advise client that the rig should be shut down and prepared for possible
evacuation.
d. Survey the area around the wellhead, etc. to determine extent of contamination.
e. Survey all personnel in area for possible exposures.
26. During Retrieval of Toolstring with Radioactive Sources the field engineer or specialist must always
be concerned with minimizing the radiation exposure to all parties. From the time a retrieved source is
brought to the surface until it is returned to its shield, personnel exposure must be controlled.
Follow safe practices outlined in the Radiation Safety section of the WRM
and the Radioactive Sources and Controls manual.
7DH021/Feb7