Beam Pump - Safe Operation Guideline PDF
Beam Pump - Safe Operation Guideline PDF
Beam Pump - Safe Operation Guideline PDF
EDITION » FINAL
REVISED » OCTOBER 2015
RELEASE DATE » NOVEMBER 2015
ENDORSEMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This document was developed by industry for industry. Enform gratefully acknowledges the many individuals who
Enform gratefully acknowledges the support of the endorsing volunteered their time and effort to complete this document.
organizations in the development of this document.
Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors (CAGC) DISCLAIMER
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) This document is intended to be flexible in application
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and provide guidance to users rather than act as a
Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) prescriptive solution. Recognizing that one solution is
not appropriate for all users and situations, it presents
Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC)
generally accepted guidelines that apply to industry
Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC)
situations, as well as recommended practices that may
suit a company’s particular needs. While we believe that
ABOUT ENFORM the information contained herein is reliable under the
Enform is the upstream oil and gas industry’s advocate and conditions and subject to the limitations set out, Enform
leading resource for the continuous improvement of safety does not guarantee its accuracy. The use of this document or
performance. Our mission is to help companies achieve their any information contained will be at the user’s sole risk,
safety goals by providing practices, assessment, training, regardless of any fault or negligence of Enform and the
support, metrics and communication. participating industry associations.
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is available from: All rights reserved. Enform encourages the copying,
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Enform » Beam Pump – Safe Operation i
LIST OF CONTENTS
1.0 Preface ................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Objective ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 How to use this guideline............................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Who should read what ................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Limitations ..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Regulations ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.6 Revision process ........................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Executive summary................................................................................................................................. 4
3.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Terminology .................................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Beam pump operation ................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Applicable OHS regulations ........................................................................................................... 6
3.4.1 General duty clauses ......................................................................................................... 6
3.4.2 Specifications and certifications ......................................................................................... 7
3.4.3 Applicable OHS regulations ............................................................................................... 7
3.5 Other relevant technical safety and energy regulations ................................................................. 8
3.5.1 Technical safety regulations:.............................................................................................. 8
3.5.2 Energy regulations: ............................................................................................................ 8
4.0 People: roles and responsibilities ............................................................................................................ 8
4.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Owners and prime contractors....................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Employers and service providers ................................................................................................... 9
4.4 Manufacturers and suppliers ......................................................................................................... 9
4.5 Individual workers and supervisors ................................................................................................ 9
5.0 Equipment: hazards and engineering controls ...................................................................................... 10
5.1 Beam pump design standards ..................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Manufacturer specifications ......................................................................................................... 10
5.3 Engineering design considerations .............................................................................................. 11
5.4 Identified equipment hazards and recommended engineering controls ....................................... 11
5.4.1 Beam pump hazardous energy.................................................................................................... 11
5.4.2 Recommended engineering controls................................................................................ 12
6.0 Operations: work execution ................................................................................................................... 14
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation ii
1.0 Preface
Most oil wells in Western Canada require some form of artificial lift. One common system of artificial lift is the
pump jack, sucker rod and downhole pump assembly. This document focuses on pump jacks that use a system
of counterweights and a beam to operate the downhole pump. It will refer to the surface equipment as a “beam
pump”.
For the purposes of this guideline, the term “beam pump” refers to various styles of pumping units including:
Conventional, Hydraulic or Special Geometry.
1.1 Objective
The objective of this guideline is to provide guidance about the hazards and risks of beam pump operations in
the upstream Canadian oil and gas industry. This document will also provide information to help organizations
develop safe practices and procedures.
1.4 Limitations
This guideline has been developed with reference to industry-related publications. However, it is not exhaustive.
The reader should also refer to published standards and applicable legislation for guidance. This document is
intended as a guideline, not as a compliance standard.
1.5 Regulations
Each provincial and federal occupational health and safety jurisdictional authority has a well-established
occupational health and safety regulatory framework. The Occupational Health and Safety legislation in each
jurisdiction defines the responsibility for employers, supervisors and workers to work safely and follow safe work
practices. It is the employer’s legal obligation to ensure that employees adhere to current regulatory requirements.
This includes the required qualification and competencies of all supervisors and workers.
Each guideline is reviewed on a three year cycle. Technical issues or changes may prompt a re-evaluation and
review of this guideline in whole or in part. For details on the guideline creation and revision process, visit the
Enform website at www.enform.ca.
This is the first edition. The next scheduled review will take place three years from the date posted on the title
page.
Revision History
2. Beam pump hazards: The hazards on well sites with beam pumping
units must be controlled properly to eliminate or adequately mitigate risk
to workers. Owners, Prime Contractors and Employers must understand
their responsibilities and the types of hazards that may be present in
order to ensure that appropriate controls are applied. Roles and
responsibilities are discussed in Section 4. Potential beam pump
hazards and controls are discussed in Section 5.
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Background
Most oil wells in Western Canada require some form of artificial lift. One common system of artificial lift is the
pump jack, sucker rod and downhole pump assembly. This document addresses specifically pump jacks that use
a system of counterweights and a beam to operate the downhole pump. It will refer to the surface equipment as
a “beam pump”.
For the purposes of this guideline, the term “beam pump” includes various styles of pumping units including:
Conventional, Hydraulic or Special Geometry.
This guideline was developed by industry in agreement with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety following a
tragic incident where a worker was fatally injured. Since 1997, at least 10 worker fatalities related to beam pumps
have occurred in Western Canada.
A review of recent and historic incidents reinforces that workers must be aware of hazards associated with beam
pumps. More importantly, the incidents highlight the hazard controls that are needed to ensure the safety of
workers working on or near beam pumps. A summary of beam pump related worker fatalities is included in
Appendix 1.
The majority of these worker fatalities involved the workers being struck by the counterweight.
3.2 Terminology
For the development of this guide, beam pump was chosen as the term of choice. Pump jack and rod pump are
two other common terms used to refer to a beam pump. Other less-used terms include: sucker rod pump, rod lift
pump, pumping unit, artificial lift system or horse head pump. A glossary of common terminology is included in
Appendix 5.
Figure 1 – Typical beam pump (2009, reprinted with the permission of HDC Human Development Consultants Ltd.)
Beam pump units are powered by an electric motor or a gasoline engine, called a prime mover. A gear box and
drive assembly reduces the beam pump speed as required for the application.
Everyone who undertakes, or has the authority, to direct how another person does work or performs a
task is under a legal duty to take steps to prevent bodily harm to that person, or any other person, arising
from that work or task.
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 7
Important elements of the due diligence needed to meet the general duty of care obligation include:
Confirming worker competency
Identifying and controlling hazards
Conforming with, or exceeding, industry standards
Monitoring the worker to verify that their performance is acceptable
Although employers are required to comply with the manufacturer’s specifications, the regulations provide the
employer with the flexibility to modify specifications. In these cases, a professional engineer must certify such
modifications.
Install and operate the beam pump and associated equipment as per the manufacturer’s directions.
When in doubt, refer to the equipment manual.
Follow proper procedures
Ensure equipment guards and protective devices are in place and working as designed.
Use personal protective equipment and protective devices required by the hazards.
Report hazards, including missing or defective equipment or protective devices.
Gravity:
Overhead hazards such as the counterweights and horsehead that may involve stored energy
Suspended loading
Falling hazards when working on ladders or raised platforms
Electrical:
Overhead and buried powerlines
Electrical supply lines (permanent and temporary)
Electrical heat tracing
Instrumentation and controls
Cathodic protection
Static electricity (blowing down vents, loading or unloading trucks)
A summary of the types of hazardous energy associated with beam pump systems and recommended controls
is included in Appendix 2.
Installation:
The manufacturer’s recommended practices for the installation of beam pumps include the following:
Foundation and site preparation with consideration to site drainage, soil bearing capacity, soil
stiffness and cold climate effects
Installation of pumping unit bases with consideration to foundation design, lifting points on major
components and connection of the pumping unit to the foundation
Adjustment after erection including levelling and alignment
Post-installation inspection and maintenance procedures to confirm the integrity of the installed
equipment
Guarding:
Enclosures usually provide the greatest degree of protection against moving parts of mechanical equipment.
Guardrails sometimes offer less effective protection than enclosures of proper dimension. In general, the
American Petroleum Institute (API) recommends the use of guard rails for slow moving equipment such as cranks,
counterweights and horseheads. Both enclosures and guardrails should be strong enough to withstand the
impacts and loadings imposed on them without collapsing against the mechanism they are protecting.
Items that must be guarded include:
Sheaves and belts
Cranks, counterweights and air counterbalance tanks
Flywheels
Additional hazard control measures:
The API Recommended Practice for Guarding of Pump Units notes a number of additional methods for
addressing beam pump equipment hazards. These include:
Caution signs and colour coding
Pumping unit brake
Ladders and platforms
Labeling of ‘no go zones’
These hazard controls should be addressed when purchasing a beam pump unit and associated equipment.
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 14
Each type of work activity has different hazards and associated controls. The different work activities are
discussed in the following section.
The job safety assessment must include a visual inspection of the site, as well as a check for damaged or
loosened components. This could include broken bolts and other hardware. This inspection will also be used to
prepare the work plan.
The assessment must include:
A detailed outline of the work
Confirmation of the skills required to complete the work
Nature of the work
Sequence of tasks
Identification and control of any hazards.
• Communicate the overall work plan and site safety plan to all contractors
2
The following areas should be covered in pre-job planning and pre-job safety meetings:
1. Scope of the work: What are we here to do? What equipment is required?
2. Review safe work documentation from the Prime Contractor. The documentation must identify all
known hazards on the location and appropriate controls for those hazards.
3. Review the site safety plan and, if required, a simultaneous/concurrent operations plan.
4. Conduct a job safety assessment. Review and confirm job scope, hazards, and controls with
applicable workers.
5. Establish and apply energy isolation procedures.
6. Identify, mitigate and control the hazards. The hazards depend on the scope of work, the location
of the job site, and well-specific conditions.
Other considerations include:
Information regarding the equipment should also be available to the service provider during the job
planning meeting. Job planning should include a review of written work procedures. The procedures
are then tailored to the field site requirements of each job site; service providers and their workers
review the plan. Written procedures must be accessible either electronically or in a paper-based
format.
Written procedures should be based on manufacturer’s operating manuals or work procedures
created by the Service Company or Prime Contractor. They should address the required order of
tasks and important safety information, including energy isolation.
On-site job safety meetings should include an inspection of the work site to identify hazards, confirm
equipment issues and discuss the work plan, including equipment placement and lay down before
work starts. Required documentation should be completed following the review.
Recommended site safety planning guidelines for beam pump operations is included in Appendix 3. A high level
overview of the hazards and key learnings that have resulted in fatalities is provided in Appendix 4 to be used at
on-site job safety meetings.
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 18
1. Confirm that the prime mover is shut down. In the cases of engines, the power take-off must be
disengaged and the fuel gas supply must be closed and locked. Electric motors must be switched
off at the electrical panel and the disconnect switch locked in the “off” position.
2. Using the brake control, gently stop the pumping unit in the desired position. API strongly
recommends that the cranks and counterweights are oriented in the downward “six o’clock”
position. Once stopped, the brake can be fully engaged.
3. Engage positive stop devices such as the brake pawl (if so equipped) or hydraulic sheave lock as
per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. If practical, install a polished rod clamp directly above the wellhead stuffing box as an additional
measure to prevent any downward rod motion.
5. Additional measures must be used to ensure that the beam and counterweights do not move during
the work process. In some cases, a chain or hydraulic sheave lock can be used to immobilize a
drive sheave. In some cases, an engineered strap device may be installed over the beam and
attached to the beam pump base. It is critical to develop and follow safe work procedures to protect
workers until the beam pump is effectively immobilized.
6. Workers must be aware when a beam pump unit may be in an unbalanced condition, such as when
the polished or sucker rods have parted or when the horsehead has been removed. Some cases
may require the use of a mobile crane to lift or lower counterweights; this allows for correct beam
positioning in order to complete service work.
An example work procedure is included in Appendix 4 – Short-term Shutdown and Lockout.
1 Reference: OGP Report #452, Shaping Safety Culture through Safety Leadership
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 22
Communication between the project foreman and the beam pump crew must be effective. Consistent use of hand
signals will improve communication during crane lifts. Use of a remote control on picker trucks will allow the
operator and service technician to maintain eye contact.
8.0 References
1. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety: Fatality Report:
a. Worker Crushed by Pumpjack Counterweight, November 9, 2009
b. Worker Crushed by Oilwell Pumpjack’s Rotating Counterweight, May 14, 2009
2. American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practices
a. API 11E, 18th Edition, November 2008
b. API Specification 11ER: Recommended Practice for Guarding of Pump Units, 3 rd Edition, November 2009
c. API 11G, Recommended Practice for Installation, Maintenance and Lubrication of Pumping Units, 5th
Edition, November 2013
3. Dictionary for the Oil and Gas Industry, University of Texas
4. EHS Partnerships Ltd., An Occupational Health and Safety Hazard Assessment and Task Analysis of Beam
Pump Operations in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, Report prepared for Enform November 2012
5. HDC Human Resource Development Consultants Ltd., Describe and Operate Beam Pump, Module C: Describe
Beam Pump Operations, February 2009.
6. International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP), Report #452, Shaping Safety Culture through Safety
Leadership
7. Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 25
Appendices
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 26
Date Description*
Saskatchewan: A worker was pinned between the walking beam on the beam pump and the
May 1997 bottom of the tubing board on the rig. The worker then became unpinned resulting in a fall of 20-
25 feet to the ground.
Saskatchewan: A worker was on site obtaining inventory serial numbers when he was pinned in
July 1999
between the counterweight arm and the beam pump’s base.
British Columbia: A worker was removing a safety chain on the beam pump when the
1999
counterweight came down and struck the worker.
British Columbia: An operator was on site to thaw an ice plug/hydrate which formed in the piping
between the wellhead and the Presco switch. The beam pump, operating with no high pressure
February 2001
shutdown, over-pressurized a rebuilt ratigan end cap. The operator was overcome by H2S
released from the failed equipment.
Alberta: As a worker was picking up debris, he was struck in the head by one of the beam
May 2009
pump’s rotating counterweights, knocked to the ground and then crushed by the counterweight.
Alberta: While installing insulation on the fuel gas line supplying the beam pump, a worker was
June 2010
killed when the arm of the counterweights struck the worker in the head.
Alberta: A worker was performing maintenance on a beam pump brake assembly at an oil
lease. While working in close proximity to the beam pump unit he was crushed under the
November 2011
counterweights (part of the beam pump structural assembly). The beam pump was stopped but
not locked out at the time of the accident.
Saskatchewan: An experienced well operator entered the area between the drive motor and the
January 2012 gear housing to check the oil site glass on the beam pump engine. The worker slipped and fell.
He was fatally injured when struck by the counterweights.
Saskatchewan: The derrickman on a service rig was pinned between the horsehead and the
June 2012
monkey board of a service rig.
October 2014 Manitoba: A worker died after being struck by a beam pump arm.
*As cited in various occupational health and safety jurisdiction fatality reports in Western Canada.
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 27
Types* of
Wellsite sources Recommended control (lockout)
hazardous energy
Electrical energy low-voltage and high- move power disconnect handle at motor starter cabinet
voltage equipment and to off position; lock out and tag power disconnect handle
conductors, including lock out and tag cathodic protection system
cathodic protection systems use correct tools and grounding devices as required
disconnect and/or lock out temporary power sources
Kinetic energy moving equipment (e.g. shutdown/lockout and tag main fuel gas supply valve to
engine, gear reducer, engine
cranks, counterweights, install brake pawl, encage sheave lock and/or chain
beam) brake drum to prevent brake release or slippage
install slings and chains to restrain beam,
counterweights, horsehead
install lock to prevent sling/chain removal
moving materials: isolate and lock out wellhead valves
production and fuel gas lock out fuel supply to engine
flows lock out pneumatic energy sources (e.g., nitrogen supply
pneumatic (air, fuel gas, to clutch, instrument air supply)
nitrogen) systems
Potential energy coiled, suspended, or clamp or chain components to prevent movement
elevated components (e.g., install locks to prevent clamp/chain removal
horsehead, polished rod,
counterweights)
Chemical energy energy released by close/lock out chemical injection supply lines
chemical reaction
Thermal energy heat energy (e.g., in steam, close, lock out, and tag steam supply lines
hot water, fire, gases, and close, lock out, and tag propane, diesel supply lines
liquefied gases)
Radiation ionizing or non-ionizing isolate/lock out/shield radiation source when not in use
radiation sources (e.g.,
wireline equipment)
*Types as cited in WorkSafeBC: Lockout: Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia, 2008.
Always:
follow your company’s specific lockout/tagout procedures
fully document the lockout
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 28
Table A2.2––Types of hazards associated with work related to beam pumping operations
Methanol continuous methanol injection read MSDS and take recommended precautions to
system (local tank, methanol minimize exposure
injection pump)
Beam pump coolant system (beam pump read MSDS and take recommended precautions to
engine coolant engine, coolant tank) minimize exposure
Glycol for line heat tracing system read MSDS and take recommended precautions to
heater minimize exposure
Production sample Solvent/demulsifier for read MSDS and take recommended precautions to
test reagents measuring basic (bottom) minimize exposure
sediment and water
Non-ambient conditions
Pressure pigging lines use PPE (safety glasses, etc.)
before opening pig trap door, make sure trap is
completely drained and at 0 kPa
stand to one side when opening trap door
open/close valves slowly
Weather: extreme working outdoors during winter wear properly insulated winter clothing, including hats,
cold, extreme months gloves, and footwear
heat, rain, snow maintain radio/phone contact with central control room
muddy, slippery roads or drive at correct speed for road conditions and visibility
slippery ground install tire chains during winter months
hot/cold metal surfaces use PPE (insulated gloves, etc.)
frozen brake cable mount brake cable horizontally and/or seal cable housing
on vertical mounts
grease brake cable by way of grease nipples
Oxygen-deficient tanks, containment dikes, follow company’s Confined Space Code of Practice
atmospheres, buildings, pits, etc. use SCBA and provide safety watch
confined spaces monitor oxygen and other gas concentrations
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 31
© 2009 Reprinted with the permission of HDC Human Development Consultants Ltd.
The information in the above tables is designed to provide general guidance regarding the subject matter covered.
Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and that the instructions contained in this
publication are clear and reflect sound practice. The user understands that Enform and HDC Human Development
Consultants Ltd. (HDC) are not providing engineering services. The user understands that any procedures (task
steps) that are published or referenced may have to be modified to comply with specific equipment, work
conditions, company standards, company policies and practices, legislation, and user qualifications. Enform and
HDC do not make any representations, guarantees, or warranties of any kind whatsoever with respect to the
content hereof and the results to be achieved by implementing the procedures (task steps) herein. To the
maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Enform or HDC be liable for any damages
whatsoever (including without limitation, direct or indirect damages for personal injury, damages to the
environment, damages to business property, loss of business profit, or any other pecuniary loss). The use of the
information and procedures (task steps) herein is undertaken at the sole risk of the user.
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 33
• Review and confirm construction plans issued by engineers for planned project activities.
• Notify field operations of pending construction work. Identify any area-specific operating or communication requirements.
Complete • Complete and sign-off Notice of Worksite Supervisor.
Pre-Job • Review Worksite Safety Plan Checklist
Planning • Confirm insurance and WCB coverage for contractors prior to commencing work.
• When applicable, obtain work clearance from operations. Can use either a Work Permit or a Lease Turnover Statement.
• Review project roles and responsibilities. Project Supervisor/operations/contractors.
• Confirm who is responsible for shutting in site, lockout/tagout, purging out-of-service, hot work permits etc.
Obtain • Confirm any potential operating/lease hazards with operations. Discuss any landowner issues.
Work
Clearance • If required, develop Simultaneous/Concurrent Operations Plan for sites with operating facilities or multiple-activity sites.
• Obtain and review copy of Corporate/Site-Specific Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Confirm emergency call-down.
• Confirm and post local emergency numbers. Confirm muster point and evacuation route, especially in operating facilities.
Emergency • Confirm need for Injured First Aid Transportation Plan. Ensure required safety services and equipment are available.
Planning • Maintain a Worker/Visitor Sign-in Log to track all personnel on location.
• Provide a Site-Specific Worksite Safety Orientation with contractor supervisors and/or workers.
• Confirm worker orientations and training certifications.
• Identify lead contractor when conducting multi-contractor, high-risk jobs.
Orientation • Assign responsibility for leading Pre-Job Safety Meeting. ***
& Meetings
• Confirm contractors are completing Daily Tailgate Safety Meetings. ***
• Identify and communicate job and worksite hazards with contractors. Review applicable regulations.
• Review lease access. Confirm road safety practices and communicate to all contractors.
• Confirm equipment spectications and manufacturer standards (when available).
Hazard ID • Confirm contractors are completing hazard assessments and equipment inspections. Request Hazard Alerts. ***
& Control
• Complete a high-risk hazards control plan if needed. Prepare a Task-specific Hazard/Job Safety Assessment. ***
• Equipment Lockout/Tagout: Confirm equipment lock out requirements and need for additional hazardous energy isolation.
• Confined Space Entry***: Whenever entering a confined space. Also consider use for restricted spaces.
• Electrical: Identify any work near overhead powerlines. Also consider cathodic protection and heat tracing. Ensure required
Review • Fire and Explosion Prevention (Hot Work)***: If fire/explosion hazard identified. Work Permits are
High-Risk • being issued.
Critical Lifts: Identify any critical lifts and prepare an appropriate lift plan.
Procedures
• Fall Protection***: Written fall protection plan required if working over 3 meters.
• Monitor operations for changing hazards and operating conditions. Review with workers and address as required.
• Monitor operations for compliance. Complete Health and Safety Forms as required. Specific considerations include the following:
Monitor • Stakeholder Concern: Complete for any landowner complaints including noise, use of access, off lease odours.
Operations • Incident Investigation Report***: Complete for any incidents on location.
***Acceptable to use either Prime Contractor or Service Provider forms to document activities as noted.
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 34
Recommended procedure for the short-term shutdown and lockout of a beam pump unit
This section describes locking out the beam pump with the counterweights in the 6 o’clock
position. If the counterweights are stopped in a different position, more stringent lockout methods
(e.g., using load-rated slings and chains) may be required. Follow your company’s lockout
procedures.
Beam pumping systems are often shut down for up to one day for routine maintenance or minor
repairs. The oil well operator shuts down and locks out the system in preparation for the work.
In a short-term (up to a day) shutdown:
specific parties may need to be notified
the beam pumping system is shut down and locked out
if required, valving at the wellhead and on flowlines to downstream production facilities is
closed and locked out
the shutdown is documented
Before the Shutdown
If necessary, notify:
– your company’s production engineer
– the fluid hauling contractor
Shut down beam pumping system
For an engine driven system:
disengage the clutch
set the brake (counterweights in 6 o’clock position)
let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool down
close the main fuel gas supply valve to the engine
For motor-driven system:
switch the local motor control switch to OFF
set the brake (counterweights in 6 o’clock position)
After shutting down the motor and beam pump, lock out the motor:
at the motor starter cabinet, install a padlock and tag on the power disconnect handle
for extra assurance (optional), also lock out the local motor control switch
After locking out the motor, perform all other lockouts needed to work safely (e.g., mechanically lock
out beam pump components as described below).
Stay out of the crank arm’s swing path and away from any other potentially moving parts when
securing and/or locking out beam pump components. If the crank arm moves, the counterweights
could move and crush you.
The methods used to immobilize and lock out beam pump components vary, depending on the
reason for the shutdown, the equipment, and the company’s specific lockout procedures. For
example, sometimes:
a chain is wound through the gear reducer sheave and around the crank arm, tightened,
and locked in position
load-rated slings and/or chains are used to secure the walking beam to anchor points at
the base of the beam pump; the chain is tightened and locked in position
Slings and chains can fail. Use more than one mechanical lockout method to ensure beam pump
components will not move during the work.
After completing all types of lockout needed to prevent injury or equipment damage during the work,
record details of each lockout in the daily log.
© 2009 Reprinted with the permission of HDC Human Development Consultants Ltd.
The information in the above procedure is designed to provide general guidance regarding the subject matter
covered. Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and that the instructions contained in
this publication are clear and reflect sound practice. The user understands that Enform and HDC Human
Development Consultants Ltd. (HDC) are not providing engineering services. The user understands that any
procedures (task steps) that are published or referenced may have to be modified to comply with specific
equipment, work conditions, company standards, company policies and practices, legislation, and user
qualifications. Enform and HDC do not make any representations, guarantees, or warranties of any kind
whatsoever with respect to the content hereof and the results to be achieved by implementing the procedures
(task steps) herein. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Enform or HDC be
liable for any damages whatsoever (including without limitation, direct or indirect damages for personal injury,
damages to the environment, damages to business property, loss of business profit, or any other pecuniary loss).
The use of the information and procedures (task steps) herein is undertaken at the sole risk of the user.
Enform » Beam Pump - Safe Operation 37
Hydraulic Sheave Lock is a hydraulic fork inserted into the sheave to stop the rotation of the gear box and
can be engaged from outside the swing area.
Pawl is a device inserted into the brake ratchet to stop the rotation of the gear box.
Pitman is the link that connects the pumping unit mechanism between the cranks and the
equalizer.
Prime Mover is the main driving mechanism imparting rotary motion on the pumping unit system.
Normally it is connected to the speed reducer via a belt drive. It is often an electric
or internal combustion engine.
Pumping Unit is the equipment that has been designed to mechanically lift liquid out of the wells.
It converts the rotary mechanism of the motor to a vertical reciprocating motion to
drive the pump shaft.
Rod Clamp is the clamping device that is attached to the polished rod of the well for the
purpose of transmitting loads to other components or constraining motion.
Samson Post consists of three or four legs of rolled steel, sufficiently strong enough to support
the walking beam, horsehead, equalizer, pitman arms, and more than twice the
peak sucker road load.
Sheave is a rotating component of a V-belt drive that is designed to transmit power from
the belts to the rotating shaft.
Skidding is a horizontal movement which results from dynamic forces from rotating cranks,
counterweights.
Speed Reducer the mechanism located between the belt drive and the cranks to transmit rotary
power while reducing speed and increasing torque.
Tie-down clamp is a clamping device that is used to attach the pumping unit base to the foundation.
V-Belt is a method used to transfer power from one rotary piece of equipment to another.
It typically connects the output sheave of the prime mover to the input sheave of
the speed reducer.
Walking Beam transmits energy from the prime mover to the sucker rod string.
Wireline is a strong flexible cable connecting the well’s polished rod to the horsehead.
39