Rig Safety Inspections

Rig Safety Inspections, including Drilling Rig Inspections and Well Servicing Rig (Workover Rig) Inspections, are comprehensive evaluations of a rig’s condition, equipment, and safety systems to ensure operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and worker protection.

These inspections assess both mechanical integrity and overall safety performance, identifying hazards, deficiencies, and potential failures before they lead to incidents, downtime, or costly repairs. By systematically examining critical components, load-bearing structures, and emergency systems, Rig Safety Inspections provide confidence that drilling and workover operations can be conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with industry standards and client requirements.

Our program focuses on Category I (CAT I) and Category II (CAT II) inspections, delivering practical, field-ready assessments that support safe and reliable operations.

What Are Rig Safety Inspections?

Rig Safety Inspections examine the condition, functionality, and safety systems of a rig throughout its operational life. They are typically conducted during rig up, before contracts begin, and periodically during operations.

Inspections address both critical mechanical components and overall rig safety systems, including hoisting equipment, structural integrity, and emergency readiness.

Category I (CAT I) Inspections – Daily Operational Readiness

CAT I inspections are routine visual observations performed during normal operations to identify obvious hazards or performance issues.

Focus:

• General equipment condition
• Visible damage, leaks, or abnormal wear
• Unsafe work conditions
• Operational irregularities

Purpose:

• Early detection of problems
• Continuous monitoring of rig condition
• Immediate correction of unsafe conditions

Category II (CAT II) Inspections – Enhanced Visual Inspections

CAT II inspections are more detailed visual inspections that build upon CAT I checks. They focus on identifying defects in critical load-bearing components and structural systems.

Governed by industry standards such as API RP 4G (structures) and API RP 8B (hoisting equipment), CAT II inspections provide a deeper level of assurance without requiring disassembly or NDT (NDT included in CAT III and/or CAT IV).

Key Characteristics:

• Enhanced visual examination beyond daily checks
• Identification of corrosion, deformation, cracks, and loose or missing components
• Special focus on load-bearing areas and critical connections
• Typically performed quarterly or during rig up when access is best
• Conducted by qualified and experienced personnel

Key Areas of Inspection

• Hoisting Equipment
• Drawworks, crown blocks, sheaves, elevators, wire ropes, and critical pins and bolts
• Structural Integrity
• Mast, derrick, substructure, and load-bearing framework
• Mechanical Systems
• Mud pumps, top drive, rotating equipment, lubrication systems
• Rig Floor & Derrick Equipment
• Tongs, catheads, stabbing boards, platforms, and access systems
• Safety Systems
• Fall protection, fire suppression, emergency egress, alarms, and signage
• Power & Electrical Systems
• Generators, grounding, electrical panels, and wiring integrity
• Mud & Bulk Systems
• Fluid handling equipment, tanks, piping, and transfer systems

Types & Timing of Inspections

• Pre-Hire / Pre-Drill Inspections
• Verify rig condition and suitability before contracting
• During-Contract Inspections
• Confirm continued compliance and safe operating condition
• Commissioning Inspections
• Conducted after new installations, major overhauls, or refits

Purpose of Rig Safety Inspections

• Safety
• Protect workers, prevent accidents, and verify emergency system functionality
• Compliance
• Meet API standards, client requirements, and industry best practices
• Reliability
• Detect wear, corrosion, or damage before failures occur
• Efficiency
• Reduce downtime and maintenance costs
• Operational Readiness
• Confirm the rig is fit for service and contract obligations

Resources & Industry Standards

Our Rig Safety Inspections align with recognized industry guidance, including:

• API Standards (including RP 4G and RP 8B)
• NIOSH Rig Check Resources
• Structured inspection checklists for consistent documentation and reporting

Our Scope of Service

We specialize in:

• CAT I Inspections – Daily operational safety and readiness
• CAT II Inspections – Enhanced visual inspections of critical load-bearing components

This focused approach allows us to provide efficient, practical, and compliance-driven inspections that directly support safe drilling and well servicing operations.

Drilling & Workover Rig Safety Inspections for Reliable, Compliant Operations in the Oil & Gas Industry

Rig Safety Inspections ensure your equipment is safe, your crews are protected, and your operation stays compliant, reliable, and ready to perform.

Rig Safety Inspections do not “expire” like a certification, but they do have frequency expectations that function the same way and are time-and condition-dependent.

• CAT I inspections are performed daily as part of routine operations
• CAT II inspections are typically conducted quarterly, during rig up, and after major equipment changes or incidents to maintain compliance and operational readiness.

The value of a Rig Inspection is tied to the current condition of the equipment, so once conditions change, the inspection is no longer considered current.