Product Overview

Summary: This Fire Prevention and Control in Drilling SOP sets out clear, practical steps to prevent, detect and respond to fire incidents during drilling operations on Australian worksites. It helps drilling contractors and operators manage ignition sources, flammable materials and emergency response so that workers, plant and the environment are protected, and legal WHS duties are met.

Drilling operations often combine diesel-powered plant, hydraulic systems, electrical equipment and flammable materials in remote or high‑risk environments. Without a structured approach to fire prevention and control, a minor fuel leak, hot work activity or electrical fault can rapidly escalate into a serious incident, threatening lives, damaging expensive rigs and causing significant project delays. This Fire Prevention and Control in Drilling Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for identifying fire hazards, implementing controls and responding effectively if a fire does occur.

Developed for Australian drilling, mining, civil and geotechnical environments, the SOP translates WHS and fire safety requirements into practical actions that drilling crews can follow on site. It covers planning and pre‑start checks, safe handling and storage of fuels and flammables, control of ignition sources, hot work permitting around drill rigs, housekeeping, separation distances, and the correct selection and use of portable fire equipment. It also defines roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, emergency response procedures and post‑incident reporting, helping your business demonstrate due diligence and maintain a consistent, defensible standard across all drilling projects.

By implementing this SOP, organisations can standardise fire prevention practices across multiple rigs and locations, improve crew readiness for emergencies, and reduce the likelihood and severity of fire events. The document is designed to integrate easily with existing WHS management systems, site emergency response plans and client requirements, supporting both compliance and operational continuity.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of fire incidents around drilling rigs, support vehicles and fuel storage areas.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation, fire safety obligations and client site requirements.
• Standardise fire prevention checks, controls and emergency actions across all drilling crews and shifts.
• Improve worker competence and confidence in using fire extinguishers and responding to fire emergencies.
• Minimise downtime, equipment damage and project disruption resulting from uncontrolled fires.

Who is this for?

• Drilling Supervisors
• Rig Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Drillers and Offsiders
• Site Managers
• Project Engineers
• HSE Coordinators
• Operations Managers in Mining and Resources
• Geotechnical and Environmental Drilling Contractors
• Emergency Response Team Leaders

Hazards Addressed

• Ignition of flammable liquids and vapours from diesel, petrol and solvents
• Fires caused by hot work (welding, grinding, cutting) near drilling operations
• Electrical fires from faulty cables, generators, lighting towers and control panels
• Hydraulic fluid spray ignition on hot engine or exhaust surfaces
• Combustion of accumulated combustible waste, rags and packaging around the rig
• Vehicle and plant fires associated with mobile drilling equipment
• Bushfire ignition from drilling activities in dry or remote areas
• Explosion risk in confined or poorly ventilated drilling locations
• Burns and smoke inhalation injuries to workers during a fire event

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Site Management, Supervisors, Drilling Crew)
• 4.0 Fire Risk Assessment for Drilling Operations
• 5.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Fire Prevention Checks
• 6.0 Control of Ignition Sources (Electrical, Mechanical, Hot Surfaces)
• 7.0 Management of Fuels, Oils and Flammable Substances
• 8.0 Hot Work Controls and Permit Requirements Near Drilling Activities
• 9.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Vegetation Control
• 10.0 Fire Protection Equipment – Selection, Inspection and Maintenance
• 11.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure for Fire Prevention During Drilling Operations
• 12.0 Emergency Response to Fire (Raising the Alarm, Evacuation, Initial Attack)
• 13.0 Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
• 14.0 Communication, Training and Competency Requirements
• 15.0 Interface with Site Emergency Response Plans and External Services
• 16.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of the SOP
• 18.0 Document Control and Recordkeeping

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 2444: Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location
• AS/NZS 60079 (series): Explosive atmospheres (where applicable to drilling environments)
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities