IADC

Understanding the IADC

Often known as the International Association of Drilling Contractors, the IADC is a trade association representing the global oil, gas, and geothermal drilling industry. Our members range from oil and gas producers to drilling contractors, service companies, manufacturers, and other industry-related entities. The mission of the IADC is to enhance the interests of our members through various initiatives such as safety improvement, technological advancement in drilling, advocating for reasonable regulations and laws, and promoting training and education.

Mitigating Dropped Objects in the Industry

The drilling industry, particularly offshore operations, faces heightened risk of dropped objects due to factors such as:

• Working at Height: Drilling operations frequently involve working at substantial heights. Unsecured tools or equipment could fall, posing a risk to those below.
• Vibration: The machinery and processes used in drilling operations generate significant vibration. This can lead to movement of equipment or tools, which could fall if not properly secured.
• Corrosion: Offshore environments are especially corrosive due to seawater and its salt content. This can weaken structures and fasteners over time, increasing the risk of a failure that might result in a dropped object.
• Weather Conditions: Offshore platforms face extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and waves, which could dislodge and drop objects.
• Complexity of Operations: Drilling operations are intricate, involving a wide variety of tools and equipment. The sheer number of potential dropped objects in such an environment increases the overall risk.
• Human Factors: Errors in manual handling, inadequate securing of equipment, and lack of awareness can contribute to the risk of dropped objects.

Organizations like DROPS and the IADC provide safety guidelines emphasizing regular inspections, maintenance, secure storage, and worker training to prevent such incidents. Dropped objects fall into two main categories: static and dynamic. Static dropped objects fall due to their own weight, corrosion, vibration, or a similar effect. Dynamic dropped objects fall due to an applied force.

Managing the Risks of Tools at Height

Working with tools at height in the drilling industry presents unique risks, primarily because of the possibility of dropped objects. Risks associated with working with tools at height include:

• Lack of Proper Tool Securing: Tools that are not properly tethered or secured can be knocked or accidentally dropped. Even relatively light tools can reach dangerous velocities when dropped from height.
• Inadequate Tool Selection or Maintenance: Unsuitable or poorly maintained tools can fail during use, leading to potential dropped object incidents.
• Human Error: Mistakes in handling, such as failing to secure tools properly, can lead to dropped tools.
• Environmental Factors: Weather conditions can increase the risk of dropping tools when working at height.

The industry mitigates these risks through best practices and safety measures, such as tool tethering, tool selection and inspection, secure work practices, and training and awareness. Most rely on Stopdrop Tooling to provide them with a comprehensive and complete solution to prevent dropped objects from tools.

IADC’s Role in Promoting Safety

The IADC actively promotes safety within the drilling industry through several key initiatives:

• Training and Accreditation Programs: The IADC provides safety-related training courses through its accredited programs. These cover topics like well control, health, safety and environment (HSE), and rig operations.
• Conferences and Events: The IADC holds numerous safety-focused conferences, workshops, and events each year. Stopdrop attends several
• Publications: The IADC publishes materials promoting safety in the drilling industry, including safety alerts, guidelines, and technical publications.
• Committees and Workgroups: The IADC maintains several committees and workgroups focused on different aspects of safety in the drilling industry.
• Advocacy: The IADC advocates for reasonable and effective safety regulations in the drilling industry.
• Collaboration: The IADC collaborates with other industry organizations, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to promote safety, including sharing information, jointly developing safety initiatives, and working together to improve safety performance across the industry. These initiatives all contribute to fostering a safety culture in the drilling industry, where every worker understands the importance of safety and is equipped with the knowledge and skills to work safely.

Stopdrop Tooling & IADC

Since the establishment of Stopdrop Tooling, we have been an active member of the IADC. Our tools, first adopted by Transocean, have become the standard in the drilling industry. Known as the benchmark for tethered tool kits, also referred to as tools aloft or tools at height. We are the preferred supplier for most drilling contractors, serving almost all of them. Our customers in the drilling community and our fellow suppliers acknowledge our significant contribution to preventing dropped objects. We provide a reliable, high-quality, ergonomically designed, and safe solution for tethered tools, leading to safer work environments in the drilling industry.