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Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers, Testers and Related Workers

NOC 8412

Introduction

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers operate drilling and service‑rig machinery as intermediate members of the rig crew. Oil and gas well services operators drive trucks and operate specialized hydraulic pumping systems to place cement in wells or to treat wells with chemicals, sand mixtures or gases to stimulate production.

Note: Each Essential Skills task is followed by a number in brackets, e.g. (2), which is the estimated complexity level for that task. Tasks are assigned levels, ranging from Level 1 (basic task) to Levels 4 or 5 (advanced task), and are listed in increasing order of complexity. The complexity levels may vary based on the requirements of the workplace.

Reading

Read log book entries, e.g. oil and gas drilling workers read drilling logs to learn about events that took place during previous shifts. (1)
Read reminders and short notes from co‑workers, e.g. read short handwritten instructions to learn about tasks that need to be completed. (1)
Read email messages and company memos that describe upcoming meetings, safety precautions and new procedures and policies. (2)
Read workplace safety materials, e.g. oil and gas well services operators read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and engineering handbooks to understand the chemical composition of proppants and the possible hazards they present. (2)
May read work permits to learn about repairs being performed on equipment. (2)
Read a variety of instructions, e.g. read step‑by‑step instructions for the maintenance of equipment, such as pumps and compressors. (2)
Read trade journals, brochures and website articles to learn about new products to stay up‑to‑date on new technology. (3)
Read call sheets and operation manuals, e.g. oil and gas drilling workers read manuals to learn about the order of well‑control procedures and the actions to be taken in the event of incidents, such as blowouts. (3)
May read regulations, e.g. read transportation of dangerous goods regulations to learn about training and equipment requirements. (4)

Document Use

Scan labels on product packaging, e.g. scan identification labels on lubricants, inhibitors and other fluid additives to learn about their properties and concentrations. (1)
Locate information on signs and icons, e.g. scan warning signs to learn about fall hazards and the location of high‑pressure gas lines. (1)
Scan meters and digital readouts, e.g. scan readings on scales and equipment gauges to locate weights, energy readings and temperatures. (1)
Enter data into a variety of forms, e.g. complete equipment maintenance and job hazard analysis forms by entering data, such as dates and times, and by checking boxes. (2)
Scan worksite procedure checklists to locate emergency contact information, hazards and other information about conditions that are unique to individual work sites. (2)
Locate data in a variety of logs and tables, e.g. scan specification tables to locate sizes, qualities, pressures, temperatures and depths. (2)
Scan assembly drawings, e.g. scan assembly drawings to learn how to disassemble and reassemble pumps. (3)
Complete complex forms, e.g. complete treatment reports by recording activities and times, changes, pressures, weights, temperatures and flow rates. (3)
Scan call sheets to establish depths, pressures, chemicals, diameters and rates of flow as they relate to times and procedures. (3)
Scan process and instrument diagrams, e.g. scan process control diagrams to determine the operating condition and performance of equipment. (3)
May scan line graphs and schematic representations of down‑hole activities, equipment and rock formations, e.g. scan digitally produced schematics of rock formations and equipment to correlate gauge readings with depths. (3)

Writing

Write short comments in log books and forms, e.g. write short comments in vehicle inspection and equipment maintenance forms to record the condition of equipment and the outcomes of inspections. (1)
Write short notes to co‑workers, e.g. write short notes to co‑workers describing incidents that took place during their shifts. (1)
May write reports to describe events leading up to workplace accidents, e.g. write about injuries and events when completing reports for workers’ compensation boards. (2)
May write step‑by‑step instructions, e.g. write instructions for co‑workers explaining how to set‑up, use and maintain equipment. (3)

Numeracy

Measure distances, angles and volumes using basic measuring tools, e.g. measure distances using stride tapes. (1)
Compare measurements of energy, dimension, pressure, speed, temperature and torque to specifications, e.g. compare pressure readings to standard and required pressures found in call sheets. (1)
May estimate the amount of mud being lost in drilling holes. (1)
May estimate the percentage of oil, water and sand in samples taken from drills to record in swab reports. (1)
May calculate expense claim amounts for travel and supplies. For example, they may calculate reimbursements for out‑of‑pocket expenses, per diems and the use of personal vehicles at per‑kilometre rates. (2)
May prepare invoices, e.g. calculate rental fees using daily and weekly rental fee rates. (2)
Calculate the volumes of fluids in holding tanks and drilling mud in below‑ground casings. (2)
May calculate summary averages, such as the number of pipes extracted per hour. (2)
Estimate the weight of loads and the height of obstructions, such as power lines. (2)
May estimate the volume of fluids at prescribed depths to determine pumping speed and to control whether pumps will end with downstrokes or upstrokes. (2)
Calculate requirements, e.g. calculate the number of pipes needed to trip down wells and the length of time it will take to pump fluids into wells, based on the volumes per pump stroke and the number of strokes per minute. (3)
May analyze multiple readings of pressure, weight and rate of flow to evaluate drilling system functions and troubleshoot faults. (3)

Oral Communication

Speak with co‑workers, e.g. speak with drillers and floorhands to co‑ordinate their tasks, address equipment faults and discuss risks and safety hazards. (2)
Exchange technical information with consultants and engineers, e.g. speak with petroleum engineers about the amount of additives needed to produce adequate fluid densities and down‑hole well pressures. (2)
Participate in pre‑job safety meetings to discuss job outlines, procedures, hazards, potential problems and tool and material requirements. (2)
May provide detailed, step by step instructions, e.g. explain to new employees the procedures to mix drilling mud to specific densities, compositions and quantities. (3)

Thinking

Encounter unsafe conditions. They evaluate the situation and look for ways to reduce the risks. They do not perform tasks that cannot be done safely. (1)
Assess the properties of drilling mud. They take measurements and observe the appearance and consistency of the drilling mud. (1)
Encounter equipment malfunctions. They inform co‑workers of the malfunctions, troubleshoot the faults and attempt to make repairs. They contact supervisors if the equipment cannot be repaired and perform other duties until the equipment is working. (2)
Are asked to perform unsafe work. They speak with supervisors to clarify their requests and refuse to perform work they consider to be unsafe. They follow legislated rights to refuse unsafe work policies until satisfactory outcomes are achieved. (2)
Decide to report unsafe work conditions. They act on requirements to report unsafe work conditions by discussing their concerns and decisions with co‑workers and supervisors. (2)
Decide the order of tasks and their priorities, e.g. decide when to add chemicals to mud and the order in which they perform their maintenance‑related duties. (2)
Choose tools and methods, e.g. select the tools needed to perform equipment repairs and the methods to arrange pipes in racks as they come out of wells. (2)
Evaluate the safety of work sites and tasks. They consider potential hazards, such as confined spaces, electrocution and exposure to gas, such as hydrogen sulphide. They also take note of tripping hazards, improperly stored tools, frayed cables and defective equipment. (2)
Evaluate their ability to perform work safely. They consider factors, such as personal fatigue, stress and impairments, such as the fear of heights and confined spaces. (2)
Assess the performance of equipment. They consider equipment readings and look for signs of unusual vibrations, noises and odours. (2)
Follow schedules and the order of tasks as determined by supervisors and the job plan. They prepare materials and maintain equipment needed in their tasks. They co‑ordinate their work with others in their crew and adjust their tasks as conditions change and as supervisors advise. (2)
Locate information about a well’s status by scanning electronic displays, reading log book entries and speaking with co‑workers and consultants. (2)
Consult charts, manuals and engineers’ handbooks to look up and interpret the relationships between pipe sizes, pressures, volumes and rates of flow. (2)
May make decisions about operations and set‑up procedures, e.g. decide to shut down nitrogen pumping operations when there are rapid changes in pressure. (3)

Digital Technology

Use calculators and personal digital assistant (PDA) devices to complete numeracy‑related tasks, such as calculating material requirements. (1)
May use industry‑specific database applications to input and retrieve data, such as names, wellbore identification numbers and readings. (2)
May use spreadsheet software to calculate material requirements and expense claims. (2)
May use computer‑assisted design (CAD), manufacturing and machining software, such as AutoCAD to retrieve and print scaled drawings of equipment and facilities. (2)
May use communication software to exchange email with co‑workers and consultants. (2)
Use browsers and search engines to access information, such as company directories and publications produced by organizations, such as the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC). (2)
May use the Internet to access training courses and seminars offered by apprenticeship trainers, associations, suppliers, employers and sector councils, e.g. access online H2S Alive training delivered by Enform. (2)
May use CD‑ROMs and DVDs to access learning materials produced by trainers, suppliers, employers and associations. (2)
May use computer‑controlled machinery programmed to check drilling operations, such as down‑hole depths, temperatures, pressures and flows. (2)

Additional Information

Other Essential Skills:

Working with Others

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers work as members of a team in rig crews of up to six people. They mostly perform their tasks independently; however, drilling workers work in close co‑ordination with drillers and floorhands when tripping pipes in or out, and service operators work with one or more helpers on large jobs.

Continuous Learning

Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers learn continuously through on‑the‑job experience and talking with co‑workers. They may be required to maintain safety certifications for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) and handling hydrogen sulphide. In addition, some companies provide oil and gas well services operators with several levels of operators’ training with the possibility of eventually becoming supervisors.

Impact of Digital Technology

All essential skills are affected by the introduction of technology in the workplace. Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers’ ability to adapt to new technologies is strongly related to their skill levels across the essential skills, including reading, writing, thinking and communication skills. Technologies are transforming the ways in which workers obtain, process and communicate information, and the types of skills needed to perform in their jobs. Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers need a range of digital skills to perform their jobs. They need basic digital skills to monitor processes (e.g. use computer‑controlled machinery programmed to check drilling operations, such as down‑hole depths, temperatures, pressures and flows) and more advanced skills to take advantage of training offered over the Internet.

Technology in the workplace further affects the complexity of tasks related to the essential skills required for this occupation. Not only has the use of increasingly sophisticated equipment increased the complexity of schematics and other diagrams, but workers also need the skills to use increasingly complex software applications, such as well monitoring equipment. In contrast, electronic databases and keyword search functions make it easier to find information, such as specifications. Workers can also complete documents (e.g. work orders) and calculate costs, material requirements, conversions, volumes and rates with speed and accuracy using hand‑held devices, such as calculators and personal digital assistants (PDAs), or specialized software applications that input data automatically.