Oil and Gas Workers

Oil and Gas Workers typically perform the following tasks: • Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered. • Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions. • Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid. • Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment. • Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks. • Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly. • Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings. • Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices. • Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them. • Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators. • Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives. • Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables. • Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers. • String cables through pulleys and blocks. • Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings.