The properties, use and testing of drilling fluids and the conduct of related drilling procedures shall be such as are necessary to prevent the blowout of any well. Sufficient drilling fluid materials to ensure well control shall be maintained in the field area readily accessible for use at all times.

1. (1) Drilling fluid control. Before pulling drill pipe, the drilling fluid shall be properly conditioned or displaced. The hole shall be kept reasonably full at all times, however, in no event shall the annular mud level be deeper than 30 meters (100 feet) from the rotary table when coming out of the hole with drill pipe. Mud cooling techniques shall be utilized when necessary to maintain mud characteristics for proper well control and hole conditioning. The conditions contained herein shall not apply when drilling with air or aerated fluids.

2. (2) Drilling fluid testing. Mud testing and treatment consistent with good operating practice shall be performed daily or more frequently as conditions warrant. Mud testing equipment shall be maintained on the drilling rig at all times. The following drilling fluid system monitoring or recording devices shall be installed and operated continuously during drilling operations, with mud, occurring below the shoe of the conductor casing:

   1. (a) High-low level mud pit indicator including a visual and audio-warning device, if applicable,
   2. (b) Degassers if applicable, and desilters and desanders if required for solids control,
   3. (c) A mechanical, electrical, or manual surface drilling fluid temperature monitoring device. The temperature of the drilling fluid going into and coming out of the hole shall be monitored, read, and recorded on the driller's or mud log for a minimum of every 9 meters (30 feet) of hole drilled below the conductor casing, and

   4. (d) A hydrogen sulfide indicator and alarm shall be installed in areas suspected or known to contain hydrogen sulfide gas which may reach levels considered to be dangerous to the health and safety of personnel in the area.

      No exceptions to these requirements will be allowed without the specific prior permission of the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 79.76.050(2). WSR 79-02-001 (Order), § 332-17-130, filed 1/4/79.]