Monkey boards are a type of platform found on oil rigs. Also known as monkey bridges, they provide an elevated platform for workers to access the derrick and other working areas at heights up to 50 feet (15m). Monkey boards are typically constructed from steel and suspended from the derrick crown block. The board is equipped with toe-holds, handrails, and a safety harness for operators. Monkey boards often feature adjustable platforms that can be lowered or raised depending on the needs of the job. They provide a secure platform which allows personnel to safely inspect or repair equipment without having to use ladders or scaffolding. By providing safe access to hard-to-reach equipment, monkey boards help reduce downtime associated with maintenance operations while also protecting personnel from potential hazards associated with falls.
Definition & History
Monkey boards are a type of platform found on an oil rig. They are typically located between the derrick and the floor of the rig and provide workers with a safe area to stand while working near the top of the derrick. Monkey boards were first used in British offshore drilling in 1864, when they were known as monkey stages. These early versions consisted of a simple platform held up by ropes or chains and suspended from the cross-tree at the top of the derrick. Over time, these platforms evolved into more complex designs that included handrails, wooden planks, and other safety features to protect workers from falling objects and debris while they worked on or around the derrick. Today, monkey boards are standard equipment on most oil rigs; they are made out of metal or wood and feature guardrails for added safety.
Uses of a Monkey Board
A Drill rig safety table walkway mat is a platform on an offshore oil rig that provides access to the derrick, enabling safe and efficient operations from the deck. It is usually located at the top of the derrick and connected to other parts of the rig. The monkey board is used for several purposes, such as inspecting and repairing equipment above ground level, moving cargo onto and off of the rig, raising tools into place, guiding drill pipes in place with slings or chains, loading or unloading materials such as mud pumps or pipe racks, and accessing emergency shut down valves.
When not in use by personnel on the monkey board platform itself, it may also be used to install specialized pieces of equipment like air hoists or winches that can be used for moving heavy loads up and down within a given area. In addition to providing access to areas high off the deck surface while minimizing potential safety hazards associated with working at height from scaffolding or ladders, these platforms can also provide a stable working surface away from water-level waves which could otherwise affect operators' abilities to perform work safely.
Challenges with Monkey Boards
Monkey boards on the rigs are used to store and transport tools. They are located near the derrick floor, providing workers with easy access to tools from any side of the rig. Monkey boards can also be used as staging areas for equipment and supplies during a drilling operation. Despite their benefits, there are some challenges associated with using monkey boards on rigs.
One major challenge is space constraints – monkey boards have limited space for storing tools and supplies, making it difficult to store larger items or more than a few tools at once. As a result, multiple trips may be needed to get all necessary equipment onto the rig in order for operations to proceed smoothly. Additionally, since many of these items must be transported up high on the rig, safety becomes an issue as workers climb ladders or scaffolding to reach them. This can create hazardous working conditions and increase risk of injury if proper precautions are not taken.
A further challenge is ensuring that all necessary tools and supplies are kept organized so that they can easily be found when needed by personnel on site. Poor tool organization can lead to delays in operations due to wasted time spent looking for specific equipment or components that may have been misplaced or lost in transit onto the rig deck area due to improper storage on monkey boards prior departure from shore base storage facilities.
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Monkey boards are an important part of the drilling rig. They consist of a board mounted to the mast that provides access to components and systems related to the hoisting, rotation, circulation, and other functions of the rig. The monkey board is usually made out of steel or aluminum and is designed with safety in mind, providing workers with protection from falling objects while they work on specific parts of the rig. Monkey boards also allow for easier access during maintenance operations such as lubricating moving parts or welding repairs. Additionally, some monkey boards are equipped with handrails so that personnel can be safely moved up and down between different levels of the drill floor without having to use ladders or scaffolding.
In conclusion, monkey boards are essential for ensuring safety when working at heights on a drilling rig because they provide a secure platform for accessing parts and systems components associated with hoisting operations. Furthermore, since many monkey boards have handrails attached to them, personnel can be easily transported between various levels on the drill floor without having to use ladders or scaffolding equipment. This makes it much easier for crew members to reach their destination safely and quickly when performing necessary maintenance tasks on a rig.
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