Derrickhand (Western Canada)

JOB SUMMARY

A Derrickhand works up the derrick on the drilling rig and guides drill string or casing. They also monitor tank levels, add chemicals and take care of shale shakers and mud pumps.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Derrickhands must use a harness and platform-climbing device to get to the proper position on the derrick when the drill string (lengths of pipe) or casing pipe is being raised from or lowered into the hole.  Individuals who do not feel comfortable working in high places do not usually move into the position of Derrickhand.  However those wishing to advance to the Driller position must have a good understanding of the Derrickhands duties.
• When rig is making a trip (running drill pipe in and out of the hole), he works off of the monkey board.  There, while coming out of the hole, he unlatches the elevators from the pipe and racks the pipe sequentially in the fingers after it has been set on the pipe-racking floor by the Floorhand.  While running in the hole, he pulls the proper stand of pipe from the fingers and, when the elevator comes to his position latches it around the stand.  Whenever a Derrickhand goes up the monkey board the blocks stay at the rig floor until the Derrickhand comes to the end of the driving board and signals to the Driller that his fall arrest system is hooked up.  Under direction of the Driller, he conditions the drilling fluid and maintains the mud pumps and mud handling and treating equipment.
• Performing all duties in a safe manner. Handling all miscellaneous duties above the derrick floor, lubrication of the hoisting equipment, stringing of lines, and minor repairs to the hoisting equipment and derrick.
• Assisting the Driller in the maintenance of the drilling rig and other equipment
• Become familiar with the work of the Drill as time permits
• Inspecting and reporting to the Driller the condition of the derrick and derrick fall arrest equipment
• The morning and evening tour Derrickhand must note and report changes in the condition of the derrick or hazards that have developed during their tour
• Ensure anyone climbing the derrick uses a full body harness and fall protection above 3 meters
• Derrickhand should never be out of racking fingers when travelling block and hook are passing.  Pipe left standing in the derrick should be securely tied.
• Derrickhand will change shifts on the rig floor, not on the monkey board.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Mechanical inclination
• Safety minded
• Ability to work at heights

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to work safely and work with team members
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent ability to monitor multiple activities at the same time
• Ability to mentor less experienced and less mechanically inclined personnel new to rig

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Previous derrickhand experience required
• Associated training tickets for region and activity. These may include, but are not limited to: H2S Certification, First Aid, Common Safety Orientations
• Ensign’s HR/HSE Induction and assigned training per Regional Training Matrix
• Any client specific training for site access

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required Qualifications and Certifications:
• H2S Alive
• Standard First Aid
• Fall Protection / Rig Rescue
• Special Oilwell boilers
• Loader Operator Training
• Valid Driver’s License and Transportation
• EnCAAP
• Certificates depending on the type of well & location
• Must complete Ensign’s HR/HSE Induction Orientation
• Any Site specific training required by Operator
• Able to communicate effectively and take instruction from others
• Previous Derrickhand experience
• Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds daily