Michigan Administrative Code
Department - Labor and Economic Opportunity
MIOSHA
General Industry and Construction Safety and Occupational Health Standards
General Industry Safety Standards
Part 57 - OIL AND GAS DRILLING AND SERVICING OPERATIONS
OTHER SPECIAL SERVICE OPERATIONS
Section R. 408.15761 - Stripping and snubbing

(1) Stripping a well shall be performed under close surveillance by a responsible supervisor.

(2) An emergency escape system shall be provided and available for employees working atop hydraulic snubbing equipment.

(3) Before commencing snubbing operations, the snubbing tower shall be properly guyed if not otherwise supported.

(4) Flow lines or bleed-off lines shall be located, if possible, away from areas frequented by employees, such as doghouses, tool boxes, pumps, and power packs. If pressurized, a line shall be secured to prevent whipping if the line ruptures.

(5) Two-way communications shall be provided between the snubbing operator and the pump operator. This may be accomplished by hand signals, voice communication, or other equally effective means.

(6) Well surface pressure shall be monitored at all times during stripping and snubbing operations.

(7) Pipe snubbed into the wellbore shall have at least 1 landing nipple near the lower end of the pipe string to receive a back pressure valve or blanking plug.

(8) Snubbing operations shall not be performed while welding is being done in the immediate vicinity of the wellhead.

(9) All employees involved in stripping or snubbing operations shall be informed of the maximum working pressure limit of the equipment.