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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 25. Department of Energy
Chapter 150. Virginia Gas and Oil Regulation
3/14/2025

4VAC25-150-330. Swabbing, perforating and wireline operations.

A. All wells and coreholes shall be cleaned into properly constructed pits or containers at a safe distance from the rig floor and from any potential fire hazard.

B. Possible sources of ignition, such as all engines and motors not essential to the swabbing operation, shall be shut down while swabbing operations are being conducted.

C. Swabbing operations shall be conducted only during daylight hours or with adequate illumination.

D. Swabbing shall be conducted so that fluids are routed through a closed-flow system to the maximum extent possible.

E. All oil savers shall be of the type that do not require a person to be near the lubricator or wellhead to control the oil saver.

F. All swabbing lines, blow down lines or flow lines to pits or tanks shall be securely anchored. Whenever hydrocarbons or other volatile fluids may be expected, these lines shall extend a safe distance from the well and away from any other source of ignition.

G. On wells where there is a possibility of flow during swabbing or other wireline operations, a lubricator shall be used that will allow the removal of the swabbing or other tools without venting gas from the well.

H. There shall be no radio or radio-phone transmitters operated where perforating operations are in progress. Warning signs shall be conspicuously placed at entrances to work sites, which shall be at a minimum, 200 feet from the operation where perforating is being done.

I. Upon the conclusion of perforating operations, the work area shall be inspected and all explosive material and scraps shall be placed in containers and removed from the site.

J. Electrical grounding between the well head, service unit, and rig structure shall be made prior to operating tools using explosives.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-361.27 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR480-05-22.1 § 1.33, eff. September 25, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 15, Issue 2, eff. November 11, 1998.

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