There are two floor hand positions: Floor Hand and Lead Tong Hand. Each must daily inspect the tongs, breakout line, snub lines, and tong dies for damage, excessive wear, fraying oil soaks, etc. and keep them safe and in good repair. During normal drilling operations duties include washing, cleaning, mechanical repairs, digging ditches, drill pope connections, drill pipe trips and other manual handling and/or maintenance activities as required by operational needs. While tripping (adding additional pipe to the stand), the Lead Tong Hand must pull and install the busing assembly. This activity will include lifting the tongs and lateral movement of the tongs to attach them to the drill pipe. The tongs are on counterweights and the exertion required to lift them would vary, but is estimated to be similar to lifting weights between 10-30 pounds. The lifting range up or down is 1-2 feet, in the area of the waist. This activity is repeated and could be performed as many as 175 times in a 12-hour Shift. Another activity conducted between tong usages is “pulling the slips.” This activity is performed by 2 or 3 men (depending on crew size) and could be conducted as many as 175 times per a 12-hour shift. The slips weigh between 100 and 175 pounds and the weight would be distributed between the 2 or 3 employees. The slips are located at floor level and would be lifted a distance of 18-24 inches. Racking pipe is another function performed by one of the Floor Hands during a drill pipe trip and involves manually pushing a suspended length of pipe to the area where it is racked. The reverse activity involves restraining the suspended pipe and guiding it across the rig floor. This activity is performed in the standing position and could be performed as many as 100 times per a 12-hour shift. Tripping the pipe string is an operation which involves removing all of the pipe from the well bore and racking it in the derrick. The pipe may be removed for various reasons, but usually is done to replace a drill bit on the end of the drill string. After the operation is complete, the pipe is “tripped” back into the well bore. The tripping operations vary depending on the depth of the well and other factors. Employees may be involved in the tripping operation for the full 12 hours of their work shift. The Floor Hand is responsible for catching and cleaning samples of formation cuttings while drilling. If drilling in gas, he must keep the flare bucket burning. At times it is necessary for the Floor Hand to climb up in the derrick and assist the derrick hand such as bridling up or bridling down. He must be able to rack back pipe in the derrick when necessary. He must also be able to go up and grease the traveling blocks and bridle line sheaves. All hands working together must keep the rig clean, picked up and free of safety hazards. It is necessary that every hand be mentally alert and physically fit during his tour. Activities will be as follows: The ability to push/pull items weighing 50lbs 20 to 175 times in a 12 hour period. The ability to lift items weighing 100lbs from the floor to the waist 8 to 10 times a day for a 12 hour period. The ability to carry items weighing 100lbs 8 to 10 times a day for a 12 hour period. The ability to stand up to 100% of the time. The ability to climb up to 35% of the time 20 to 50 steps. (Up and Down @ 12 times per shift) Primary Duties of this position require maximum level of physical activity. The employee must be able to tolerate 12 hours of standing, climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying weights of up to 100 lbs. The work is performed outside with prolonged exposure to the environment, both hot and cold. Operations could also involve prolonged exposure to wet or damp conditions, i.e. working in rain, snow, and sleet. Muscle groups include: Quadriceps, Low Back Extensors, Hip Extensors, Abdominal, Latissimus Dorsi, Deltoid, Pectoralis, and Hand Grip.
