Part 8, Section 68 · Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area Petroleum Operations Framework Regulations

Contents

68Well control#

(1)An operator must ensure that adequate procedures, materials and equipment are in place and used throughout the life cycle of the well to prevent the loss of well control.

(2)The equipment referred to in subsection (1) must include reliable well control equipment to detect and control kicks, prevent blowouts and safely conduct all well operations.

(3)During well operations conducted without a riser, the operator must ensure that measures are implemented to reduce the risk of shallow hazards while drilling.

(4)The operator must ensure that the surface casing of the well is installed to a sufficient depth, and in a competent formation, to establish well control for the continuation of the drilling operations.

(5)After the surface casing has been installed and cemented, the operator must ensure that

(a)a blowout preventer is installed before the casing shoe is drilled out; and

(b)there are at least two independent barrier envelopes — each of which is to be verified by the operator — in place throughout the life cycle of the well.

(6)If there is a failure in a barrier envelope, the operator must ensure that no well operation, other than one that is intended to replace or restore the barrier envelope, takes place until the barrier envelope is replaced or restored.

(7)The operator must ensure that

(a)the barrier envelope is replaced or restored as soon as the circumstances permit;

(b)every effort is made for the replacement or restoration to conform to the original design specifications; and

(c)the barrier envelope is verified after its replacement or restoration.

(8)The operator must ensure that, during well operations, one of the two barrier envelopes is the drilling fluid column, except when drilling under-balanced or if, when a completion or test string is run, the other barrier envelope has already been installed downhole and tested.

(9)The operator must ensure that all pressure control equipment associated with well operations is pressure-tested on installation and as often as necessary to ensure its continued safe operation.

(10)If well control is lost or if safety, the protection of the environment or resource conservation is at risk, the operator must ensure that any necessary corrective measures are taken without delay.

Federal laws of Canada reproduced under the Reproduction of Federal Law Order (SI/97-5); not the official version. Source: Justice Laws Website.