Energy Safety Canada: Service rig brake linkage mechanical failure

The crew was in the process of unseating the downhole pump on a service rig. To do this, the crew was cleared from the floor and remained at a safe distance. The driller was

on the rig floor at the driller’s pad, attempting to unseat the pump using fiberglass rods.

While the driller was working the rod string up and down, the blocks suddenly stopped. The brake handle collapsed when the turnbuckle failed, causing the driller to fall to

their knees. The driller observed the blocks coming down and the drill line back-spooling in the drawworks. Recognizing the hazard, the driller exited the driller’s pad via the front

rig stairs. The drill line tripped the crown saver, which activated the disc brake and stopped the drum. However, the drill line continued to fall, landing on the rig floor.

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