Chapter 1501:9-9 | Safety Regulations

Rule 1501:9-9-02 | General.

• Effective: January 31, 1983
• Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

All owners, contractors and persons or organizations in control of wells being drilled, reworked, reconditioned, deepened, plugged back, produced, shut-in, or plugged prior to abandonment shall use all reasonable means to safeguard against hazards to life, limb and property and are subject to and shall comply with safety rules herein specified. Chapter 1501:9-9 of the Administrative Code with the exception of paragraphs (A)(10) and (D) of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code shall not apply to operations extant prior to the effective date of these rules. The chief or inspectors, as authorized under section 1509.03 of the Revised Code, may issue orders to any owner, contractor or person or organization who is in violation of Chapter 1501:9-9 of the Administrative Code. Such orders must specify the nature of the violation and what steps are required by the chief or inspectors to remedy the violation. The chief, as authorized in section 1509.04 of the Revised Code, may apply for an injunction to the court of common pleas in the county in which any violation occurs. Any operator, contractor or person or organization who is in violation of Chapter 1501:9-9 of the Administrative Code shall also be subject to penalties prescribed in section 1509.99 of the Revised Code.

Last updated April 12, 2024 at 4:07 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 1/3/1969

Rule 1501:9-9-03 | Drilling and deepening operations.

• Effective: August 11, 2005
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) No fires are permitted within fifty feet of a drilling well when oil and/or gas are exposed to the atmosphere at the well, unless the oil or gas is properly vented or controlled.

(B) A chemical fire extinguisher in good working condition must be on location of a drilling well at all times.

(C) When drilling with cable tools, a valve in good working condition of sufficient size and working pressure to control normal hydrostatic pressure for the deepest pool to be penetrated must be installed on the casing through which drilling is proceeding when drilling within two hundred feet of an inhabited structure or when drilling in urbanized areas unless the chief finds that a blow-out preventor (BOP) is not needed. The requirements of paragraph (C) of rule 1501:9-9-03 of the Administrative Code shall be considered fulfilled if sufficient fluid is contained in the borehole which is calculated to be one and one-half times the normal hydrostatic pressure for the deepest pool penetrated.

(D) When drilling with rotary tools and using a liquid as a drilling medium, a BOP in good working condition of sufficient size and working pressure rating to control normal hydrostatic pressure for the deepest pool to be penetrated must be installed on the casing through which drilling is being performed when drilling within two hundred feet of an inhabited structure or when drilling in urbanized areas, unless the chief finds that a BOP is not needed. Blow-out preventors must be capable of closing off the annulus between casing and drill pipe as well as completely closing off the casing when drill pipe is not in the hole. Blow-out preventor systems must include a device which will permit bleed-off of hydrostatic pressure. Upon request of the chief or his inspectors, the owner, contractor or person or organization in control of a well must demonstrate that the BOP is in good working condition. In addition, the chief may require a blow-out preventor in other cases when he deems it necessary.

(E) When drilling with rotary tools using air or other gaseous material as a drilling medium, a rotating air-head in good working condition with stripper rubbers of proper size and sufficient working pressure rating to control normal hydrostatic pressure for the deepest pool penetrated must be installed on the surface casing. Upon request of the chief or his inspectors, the owner, contractor or person or organization in control of a well must demonstrate that the air-head and stripper rubber are in good working condition. The discharge line from the annulus between the casing and drill pipe must be vented not less than sixty feet from the well into a pit of sufficient size to contain drill cuttings, foam, produced water, oil and/or casing-head gas.

If drilling with air or other gaseous material as the drilling medium within two hundred feet of an inhabited structure, a (BOP) in good working condition of sufficient size and working pressure rating to control normal hydrostatic pressure for the deepest pool to be penetrated must be installed on the casing through which drilling operations are being performed beneath the rotating air-head or when drilling in urbanized areas, unless the chief finds that a BOP is not needed. Blow-out preventors must be capable of closing off the annulus between the casing and drill pipe as well as completely closing off the casing when drill pipe is not in the holes. Blow-out preventor systems must include a device which will permit bleed-off of hydrostatic pressure. Upon request of the chief or his inspectors, the owner, contractor or person or organization in control of the well must demonstrate that the BOP is in good working condition. In addition, the chief may require a BOP in other cases when he deems it necessary.

In urbanized areas, the division inspector or supervisor shall receive direct notification of the BOP test no less than twenty-four hours in advance. The inspector or division representative may waive witnessing the BOP test.

(F) A pit or pits of sufficient size and shape must be constructed adjacent to each drilling well to contain all the drilling muds, cuttings, salt water and oil flowed into same. No oil or salt water will be permitted to overflow the pit.

(G) No oil, water or gas from a drill stem test will be permitted to flow uncontrolled.

(H) During drilling in an urbanized area a temporary fence no less than three feet in height shall be placed to restrict access to the drilling location. The fence shall have "Danger Stay Out" (or similar) posting at no less than one hundred fifty foot intervals along the outside of the fence. All access to the rig, associated drilling equipment and pits must be restricted. The temporary fence shall be maintained until the drilling pits have been removed.

(I) Drilling, well servicing and well site maintenance operations in urbanized areas shall be conducted in a manner to mitigate noise, including the reasonable use of screening and appropriate mufflers on drilling and servicing equipment.

(J) In urbanized areas where there is a known occurrence of shallow gas or H2S, drilling on air may not be permitted, fluid drilling shall be required. During drilling, the state inspector shall require converting to fluid drilling where there is an imminent threat to safety of the rig crew and/or the public.

(K) In urbanized areas where flaring is expected, the permittee shall notify the local emergency response officials that such may occur. It is recommended that notice be provided if possible just prior to the expected flaring and/or immediately upon flare ignition.

(L) In urbanized areas, once total depth has been reached and the rig has been removed from the drilling location, all drilling pits shall be closed within thirty days or sooner if required by the chief.

Last updated April 12, 2024 at 4:07 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 1509.03, 1509.23
Amplifies: 1509.02, 1509.23
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025

Rule 1501:9-9-04 | Workover, reconditioning, plugging back, completion, and plugging operations.

• Effective: January 3, 1969
• Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

(A) No fires are permitted within fifty (50) feet of a well which is being worked over, reconditioned, plugged back, completed or plugged if oil and/or gas are exposed to the atmosphere at the well.

(B) A rig used in workover, reconditioning, plugging back, completion or plugging must be equipped with a chemical fire extinguisher in good working order.

(C) Pits or tanks of sufficient size and shape must be constructed adjacent to each operation to contain all the drilling muds, cuttings and oil flowed into same. No oil will be permitted to overflow the pit.

(D) No well will be permitted to flow oil or gas uncontrolled.

Last updated April 12, 2024 at 4:07 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:

Rule 1501:9-9-05 | Producing operations.

• Effective: August 11, 2005
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code with the exception of paragraphs (A)(10) and (D) of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code applies to all wells completed after the effective date of this chapter. Paragraph (E) of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code applies to all urbanized area wells where the permit was issued after the effective date of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code with the exception where the chief finds it necessary for protection of public health or safety or to prevent damage to natural resources, as provided by section 1509.23 of the Revised Code, the chief may apply any portion of paragraph (E) of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code to any well in an urbanized area. If additional tanks are added to a tank battery established prior to the effective date of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code, the placement of the new tank(s) must comply with paragraph (E) of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code.

(A) Surface equipment:

(1) All wells must be equipped so that no oil, gas or condensate is allowed to escape with the exception of gas flares as per paragraph (B) of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code.

(2) Oil production tanks shall be set a minimum of fifty feet from the traveled portion of a public road and a minimum of one hundred feet from existing inhabited structures and a minimum of three feet between tanks and a minimum of fifty feet from any well.

(3) Indirect fire heaters shall be set a minimum of fifty feet from the well and a minimum of fifty feet from oil production tanks and a minimum of one hundred feet from existing inhabited structures. Direct fire heaters, excluding under tank and internal tank heating, shall be a minimum of fifty feet from the well and a minimum of fifty feet from oil production tanks and a minimum of one hundred feet from existing inhabited structures and a minimum of fifty feet from mechanical separators.

(4) Portable heaters may be closer than fifty feet to the oil production tanks providing an attendant is on hand and a chemical fire extinguisher in good working condition is provided.

(5) Mechanical separators shall be set a minimum of fifty feet from the well, a minimum of ten feet from oil production tanks and a minimum of one hundred feet from existing inhabited structures.

(6) Under tank oil and internal tank heating are prohibited while oil is being produced into the same tank.

(7) All oil production tanks must be located in a position so that any escaping oil cannot drain onto public roads or towards existing inhabited structures or other areas which could cause a safety hazard.

(8) All surface equipment must be pressure rated to withstand operating pressures to which it is subjected.

(9) In order to protect life, health, and property the chief may require where a clear and present hazard exists that any producing equipment at the well-head and related storage tanks be protected by an earthen dike or earthen pit which shall have a capacity sufficient to contain any substances resulting, obtained, or produced in connection with the operation of the related oil or gas well.

The dike or pit shall be maintained for the purpose for which it was constructed, and the reservoir within shall be kept reasonably free of water and oil.

(10) All producing leases shall be legibly identified in a conspicuous place on or near the well-head or the storage tank(s) as to owner, lease name, well number, permit number where available, county, and an emergency telephone number. If multiple wells are being produced into the common tank(s) each well-head shall be identified as to owner, permit number where available, well number and lease name.

Any change of ownership shall be shown at the well-head or storage tank(s) not later than sixty days after the date of the assignment or transfer.

(B) All gas vented to the atmosphere must be flared, with the exception of gas released by a properly functioning relief device and gas released by controlled venting for testing, blowing down and cleaning out wells. Flares must be a minimum of one hundred feet from the well, a minimum of one hundred feet from oil production tanks and all other surface equipment, and one hundred feet from existing inhabited structures and in a position so that any escaping oil or condensate cannot drain onto public roads or towards existing inhabited structures or other areas which could cause a safety hazard.

(C) Pits, pumps and flares must be safely fenced if within one hundred fifty feet of an existing inhabited structure and if in the opinion of the chief, such fence is necessary to protect life and limb.

(D) In order to protect life, health, and property the chief may require that valves on storage facilities shall be kept secured by locks, bull plugs, or other similar devices in such a manner as to discourage vandalism. When the chief determines that valves on storage facilities should be secured, he shall so notify the owner(s) and include the reason why securing said valves will protect life, health, and property.

(E) Urbanized areas:

(1) Each identification sign, in lieu of the identification required under paragraph (A) of rule 1501:9-9-05 of the Administrative Code, posted by the owner or their authorized representative shall include, at a minimum, the following information in two inch or larger letters:

(a) Well owners name, address, and telephone number.

(b) County, township, name of village - city - town (where applicable).

(c) Property street address (or nearest address to the access road entrance. If "nearest" is used, it should be reflected on sign).

(d) State permit number, lease name, and well number.

(e) Local emergency response phone number and company emergency phone number.

(f) Where a gate exists on the access road, the identification sign shall be placed on the gate as well as the tank battery.

(g) The identification shall be posted securely on the outside of the fence for the wellhead and tank battery fence in a conspicuous location.

(h) The identification shall be on a metal or wooden sign with the sign maintained to remain legible at all times. The sign may be placed on a post securely placed in the ground at the gate and/or adjacent to the fence at the wellhead or tank battery in lieu of on the fence/gate.

(i) "Danger, Keep Out" (or similar wording) and no smoking signs shall be securely attached to each side of the fencing used to screen the tank battery and wellhead.

(2) Prior to placing the well in production, the owner shall install a fence around the wellhead and tank battery/separator and associated production equipment. The fence shall be a chain link fence no less than eight feet in height, nine gauge and topped with three strands of barbed wire, if necessary. In lieu of chain link fence, a cedar board on board (or similar material) fence, eight feet in height may be used. All fence shall be securely anchored in the ground.

(a) The fence shall be placed no closer than four feet to the wellhead or any portion of the tank battery/separator. The wellhead may be "caged" or vaulted. The cage or vault cover shall provide for easy removal for well servicing and/or emergency access. Clearance between the cage or vault cover or sides and the wellhead should be sufficient to maintain safe operations.

(b) The gate to the wellhead and tank battery/separator shall be no less than four feet in width and lockable. Where there are two or more tanks in a tank battery, two gates on opposite sides of the facility shall be placed.

(c) Where a lease/access road to the wellhead and/or tank battery extends a significant distance from the ingress access point a locked gate made of tubular steel or material similar in strength shall be placed near the entrance to the access road restricting access to the well site. Keys or the combination to the lock shall be provided to the state inspector or local emergency response officials on request.

(d) The well owner may request in writing to the chief, a variance to placing a fence and/or to the specifications for fence placement around the wellhead, tank battery/separator and associated equipment. In the future where a variance has been granted or if site conditions warrant, the chief may require the placement of a fence.

(3) All gates, electrical boxes and brine/oil pick-up lines shall be locked unless in use, under repair, or company staff or representatives are on-site. Keys or combinations to the locks shall be provided to the state inspector and local emergency response staff on request.

(4) Tanks:

(a) Tanks shall not be buried.

(b) Activated charcoal filters shall be installed on the vent stack and filters replaced as needed.

(c) Vent stacks shall have a functioning low-pressure relief valve.

(d) Tank hatch lids shall have a functioning seal and the hatch shall be secured at all times the well owner or his representative is not on-site.

(e) Each oil storage tank shall have a functioning lightning arrestor.

(f) Low profile tanks are recommended and the tanks shall not extend more than three feet above the highest portion of the fence.

(g) Storage tanks shall not be equipped with glass or plastic sitting tubes.

(h) The tank battery, separator and associated equipment may not be placed closer than seventy-five feet from any property not part of the drilling unit unless the property owner and resident of the property grants approval in writing of any proposed location closer than seventy-five feet, or the chief waives the seventy-five foot set-back requirements.

(i) Where more than six tanks (total capacity exceeding seven hundred bbl) are to be located nearer than seventy-five feet to property not included in the drilling unit, the adjacent property owner and resident of the property shall approve the location of the tanks in writing including a reference to the total number of tanks or, the chief may waive the seventy-five foot set-back requirement.

(5) Operations and maintenance:

(a) Servicing and maintenance of the well shall occur between the hours of seven a.m. and seven p.m. (emergency repairs may occur at any time).

(b) Equipment not used in the production of the well shall not be stored at the well site. Replacement equipment or replaced equipment shall not be stored on-site for more than thirty days.

(c) Equipment and vegetation shall be maintained consistent with reasonably prudent operations, including being free of refuse, in order to assure protection of public health or safety or to prevent damage to natural resources.

(6) Landscaping

(a) All landscaping placed to screen the tank battery or wellhead shall be placed to permit reasonable access for well servicing and emergency access.

(b) Evergreen or similar stock no less than six feet in height placed no more than ten feet on center shall be placed around the tank battery and wellhead fence.

(c) The chief, upon request by the well owner, may grant a variance on the placement of screening around the tank battery and/or wellhead.

Last updated April 12, 2024 at 4:07 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 1509.02, 1509.03, 1509.23
Amplifies: 1509.02, 1509.03, 1509.23
Five Year Review Date: 10/13/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 1/3/1969

Rule 1501:9-9-06 | Exceptions.

• Effective: January 3, 1969
• Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

1501:9-9 with the exception of 1501:9-9-05(A)(10) and (D) shall not apply to any operations extant prior to the effective date of 1501:9-9. However, the Chief and inspectors have the authority to issue orders to correct operating practices on wells extant prior to the effective date of 1501:9-9 if such practices are in violation of 1501:9-9 and have proved by actual incident to be hazardous or dangerous.

Exceptions to 1501:9-9 may be granted by the Chief or his inspectors.

Last updated April 12, 2024 at 4:07 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date: