Dropped pipe from PLS

Facts

Whilst picking up a joint of drill pipe with the PLS, the jaws opened,

and the pipe fell approximately 3 meters to the drill floor.

The red zone was enforced with barriers. There were no personnel

within the barriered off area. The pipe was recovered, with no damage to

the machinery, and the operation was continued after a TOFS.

Causes

An investigation team was sent from onshore, so we are awaiting the

outcome of that investigation. We can say it was observed that the jaw

function had been selected to ‘open’ and this may have happened when the

PLS had been switched off, and the control station assigned to the use of

the PRS.

Corrective measures/learnings

Initial learn point is that the lifting process of tubular should not be

initiated unless it is to be continued – do not switch off/de-assign machines

with a load engaged. The machine should be parked in a safe position with

no tubular engaged.