WARI

Test Your Knowledge

WARI Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does WARI stand for? a) Well Assessment and Rig Inspection

2. What is the primary purpose of a WARI? a) To ensure the rig is clean and presentable.

3. Which of the following is NOT a key component of a WARI? a) Visual inspection of equipment.

4. What is the benefit of a comprehensive WARI? a) It increases the efficiency of drilling and completion operations.

5. Who should participate in a WARI? a) Only the rig supervisor.

WARI Exercise

Instructions:

Imagine you are the rig supervisor conducting a WARI. You observe the following on the rig:

• A safety valve on the mud pump is missing its pressure gauge.
• Several pieces of equipment are scattered around the rig floor, posing a tripping hazard.
• The fire extinguishers are not properly labelled.
• The weather forecast predicts strong winds and heavy rain for the next 24 hours.

Task:

1. List the potential hazards identified during your WARI.
2. Outline the actions you would take to address each hazard.
3. Describe how these actions would contribute to safety and efficiency on the rig.

Exercice Correction:

Techniques

WARI: A Vital Tool for Drilling and Well Completion Safety

Chapter 1: Techniques

WARI, or Walk Around Rig Inspection, relies on a systematic approach to ensure thoroughness and consistency. Effective WARI techniques involve more than just a casual walk around; they require a structured methodology. Key techniques include:

• Checklist Utilization: Employing pre-defined checklists tailored to specific rig types and operational phases is crucial. Checklists ensure consistent coverage of all critical areas and prevent oversight. Checklists should be regularly updated to reflect changes in equipment, procedures, or regulatory requirements.

• Visual Inspection Methodology: This goes beyond simply looking; it involves actively examining equipment for wear and tear, leaks, damage, corrosion, and loose parts. This includes checking for proper alignment, functionality of moving parts, and the integrity of welds and connections. Close attention should be paid to details, using magnifying glasses or other aids where necessary.

• Hands-on Verification: Visual inspection should be supplemented with hands-on checks whenever safe and practical. This might include checking the tightness of bolts, testing the operation of switches and valves, or confirming the integrity of safety interlocks.

• Operational Context: The inspection should consider the current operational phase. A rig preparing for drilling will have different potential hazards than one undergoing well completion. The checklist and inspection should reflect this.

• Documentation and Photography: Thorough documentation is critical. Observations, including any identified deficiencies, should be recorded clearly and concisely, ideally using standardized forms. Photographs can provide valuable visual evidence of identified issues.

• Team Approach: While one person might lead the WARI, a team approach can enhance effectiveness. Multiple eyes can catch things that one person might miss. Team members should have clear roles and responsibilities.

Chapter 2: Models

Different models exist for structuring a WARI, ranging from simple checklists to more sophisticated systems incorporating risk assessment and digital tools.

• Basic Checklist Model: This is the most common approach, using a simple list of equipment and areas to inspect. It's straightforward but may lack detail for complex rigs.

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) Integrated Model: This model integrates WARI with a formal HIRA process. Potential hazards are identified, assessed for risk level, and control measures are put in place. This enhances proactive safety.

• Digital WARI Systems: Software-based systems allow for electronic checklists, real-time data collection, automated reporting, and integration with other safety management systems. This improves efficiency and traceability.

• Hierarchical WARI: Large and complex rigs might benefit from a hierarchical approach, with separate WARIs conducted at different levels (e.g., overall rig, individual systems, specific equipment).

The choice of model depends on factors like rig complexity, operational requirements, and company safety policies. The most effective models emphasize thoroughness, clarity, and integration with other safety processes.

Chapter 3: Software

Several software solutions support WARI, offering features to enhance efficiency and safety.

• Checklist Apps: Mobile apps allow for easy access to checklists in the field, real-time data entry, and offline functionality.

• Integrated Safety Management Systems: More comprehensive platforms integrate WARI with other safety modules, like incident reporting, permit-to-work systems, and training management.

• Data Analytics Platforms: Advanced systems can analyze WARI data to identify trends, predict potential failures, and optimize maintenance schedules.

• Cloud-based Solutions: Cloud-based software allows for remote access to data, collaboration among personnel, and centralized data management.

Choosing appropriate software should consider factors like scalability, user-friendliness, integration capabilities, and compliance with industry standards.

Chapter 4: Best Practices

Effective WARI implementation involves following best practices that ensure its effectiveness and contribution to a strong safety culture.

• Regular Training: Personnel conducting WARIs should receive regular training on proper techniques, checklist usage, and hazard identification.

• Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Define clear roles for who conducts the WARI, reviews findings, and implements corrective actions.

• Proactive, Not Reactive: Use WARI to proactively identify potential hazards before they cause incidents, rather than just reacting to problems.

• Management Commitment: Visible and unwavering support from management is crucial for establishing a safety culture where WARI is valued and consistently performed.

• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review WARI procedures and checklists, incorporating lessons learned and feedback from personnel.

• Enforcement and Accountability: Ensure that findings from WARIs are acted upon and that personnel are accountable for their roles in the process.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

(This chapter would require specific examples of WARI implementation and their outcomes. The following is a hypothetical example, and should be replaced with real-world case studies for maximum impact).

Case Study 1: Preventing a Catastrophic Blowout: A rig conducting a WARI discovered a slightly loose connection on a critical pressure gauge on the blowout preventer (BOP). This minor defect, if left unnoticed, could have led to an inaccurate pressure reading during drilling, potentially resulting in a catastrophic blowout. The timely identification and repair prevented a major incident and significant financial losses.

Case Study 2: Improved Operational Efficiency: Consistent and thorough WARIs on a particular rig reduced equipment downtime by 15% over a six-month period. By identifying and addressing minor issues proactively, major repairs and extended downtime were avoided.

Case Study 3: Enhanced Safety Culture: The implementation of a digital WARI system on a platform dramatically increased the reporting of minor safety concerns. This fostered a more proactive safety culture among the crew, leading to a significant reduction in safety incidents.

Further case studies should provide quantifiable results showcasing the benefits of effective WARI implementation. Specific details about the rig type, operational phase, identified hazards, corrective actions, and resultant positive outcomes should be included.