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What happened?
Workers were installing a spacer on a beam pump.
The equipment brake failed, which caused the counterweights to start to fall slowly.
The horse head rose and the clamps separated from the polished rod.
No one was injured, and the beam pump was not damaged.
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Why did it happen?
Brake system was not tested before starting the task. Safe work analysis and work permit did not require a brake system test.
Use of the safety lock as an additional measure for the brake system was not specified in the procedures.
As testing the brake system and installation of the safety lock were not included in the procedures, the personnel were not aware and were not trained for this steps.
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What did they learn?
Braking system should be tested according to manufacturer’s guidelines before starting work.
Security locks on brake systems should be mandatory.
All workers should be aware of the procedures and trained for the tasks.
If procedures are updated, communicate this to all involved personnel and ensure they are aware of the changes and additional security measures.
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Ask yourself or your crew
- Has anything like this ever happened to you or a fellow worker?
- Does your safe work analysis/work permit include all the tasks that you might need to carry out?
- Is everyone working fully trained and competent to do so? How do you know?
- What are the other risks when carrying out maintenance on beam pumps?
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What happened?
Workers were installing a spacer on a beam pump.
The equipment brake failed, which caused the counterweights to start to fall slowly.
The horse head rose and the clamps separated from the polished rod.
No one was injured, and the beam pump was not damaged.
Why did it happen?
Brake system was not tested before starting the task. Safe work analysis and work permit did not require a brake system test.
Use of the safety lock as an additional measure for the brake system was not specified in the procedures.
As testing the brake system and installation of the safety lock were not included in the procedures, the personnel were not aware and were not trained for this steps.
What did they learn?
Braking system should be tested according to manufacturer’s guidelines before starting work.
Security locks on brake systems should be mandatory.
All workers should be aware of the procedures and trained for the tasks.
If procedures are updated, communicate this to all involved personnel and ensure they are aware of the changes and additional security measures.
Ask yourself or your crew
- Has anything like this ever happened to you or a fellow worker?
- Does your safe work analysis/work permit include all the tasks that you might need to carry out?
- Is everyone working fully trained and competent to do so? How do you know?
- What are the other risks when carrying out maintenance on beam pumps?
Workers were installing a spacer on a beam pump when the equipment brake failed, causing the counterweights to descend uncontrollably. The horse head rose, and the clamps separated from the polished rod. No one was injured and the pump was not damaged.
