(1)The owner, agent or manager of a mine shall ensure that the following control equipment for the drilling mud system are installed and kept in use during drilling operations, namely:-(a)a pit level indicator registering increase or reduction in the drilling mud volume and a visual and audio warning device near the driller's stand;(b)a device to accurately measure the volume of mud required to keep the well filled at all times;(c)a gas detector or explosimeter at the primary shale shaker and connected to audible or visual alarm near the driller's stand;(d)a device to ensure filling of well with mud when the string is being pulled out; and(e)a control device near the driller's stand to stop the mud pump when the well kicks.(2)If the control equipment referred to in sub-regulation (1) indicates that formation fluid is entering the well, immediate steps shall be taken to control the well.(3)The manager of every mine in which blow out preventer assembly is installed, shall, immediately after such installation, frame standing orders specifying the action to be taken when a well kicks and the duty of each person employed on the rig and of such other persons as may be necessary.(4)A copy of standing orders referred to in sub-regulation (3) shall be posted at conspicuous places near the rig.(5)Every person employed on a rig shall have an adequate understanding of the warning sign of a kick, the standing orders mentioned under sub-regulation (3) and the blowout preventer assembly, and competent person on the rig shall have knowledge to operate the controls for blowout preventer; and blowout prevention drill shall be conducted for this purpose once in seven days.(6)Suitable control valves shall be kept available near the well which may be used in case of emergency to control the well.(7)When running in or pulling out string, a suitable mechanism shall be kept readily available at the derrick floor to prevent uncontrolled flow from the string.
