Effects and Hazards of Drilling Fluids on Well Drilling Workers and the Administrative Processes Adopted in Iraqi Fields

Abstract

Drilling fluids are any fluids which are circulated through a well while drilling in order to
remove cuttings from a wellbore. During drilling, large volumes of fluids are circulating through
the well and into open, partially enclosed or completely enclosed systems at high temperatures.
When these drilling fluids are agitated during a circulating process there is significant potential
for chemical exposure to workers and subsequent health effects. This study seeks to identify
major areas of exposure to drilling fluids and the health hazards associated with the use of
drilling fluids. The study also presents some challenges in setting the standards of exposure to
the drilling fluids which have always not been given the same attention or concern as the effects
and risk management of drilling fluids. Some exposure indicators are also presented.
Questionnaire has been done on seven Iraqi fields (Nahran Omar,Nasiriya ,Zubair,East Baghdad,
North Rumaila, Humrain and Jambur ) to determine the administrative and protective processes
adopted by our national companies in order to minimize the drilling fluid exposures. The
questionnaire has been done also to get know the most important conclusions and use the reliable
recommendations that achieve the research objective.
According to the data obtained from the questionnaire, there are no clear, standard and unique
administrative and protective processes adopted by Iraqi drilling company in different sites. The study
recommended the necessity of evaluating their processes related with reducing the risks of drilling fluid
exposures and establishing a specialized committee to develop such drilling fluid systems.