North Dakota Administrative Code
Title 43 - Industrial Commission
Article 43-02 - Mineral Exploration and Development
Chapter 43-02-03 - Oil and Gas Conservation
Section 43-02-03-23 - Blowout prevention

In all drilling operations, proper and necessary precautions shall be taken for keeping the well under control, including the use of a blowout preventer and high pressure fittings attached to properly cemented casing strings adequate to withstand anticipated pressures. During the course of drilling, the pipe rams shall be functionally operated at least once every twenty-four-hour period. The blind rams shall be functionally operated each trip out of the well bore. The blowout preventer shall be pressure tested at installation on the wellhead, after modification of any equipment, and every thirty days thereafter. For pad drilling operations, moving from one wellhead to another within the thirty days, pressure testing is required on connections when the integrity of a pressure seal is broken or a component appears to be damaged or compromised. The director may postpone such pressure test if the necessity therefor can be demonstrated to the director's satisfaction. All tests shall be noted in the driller's record.

In all workover operations, proper and necessary precautions must be taken for keeping the well under control, including the use of a blowout preventer and high pressure fittings attached to properly cemented casing strings adequate to withstand anticipated pressures.

General Authority: NDCC 38-08-04

Law Implemented: NDCC 38-08-04