If you’ve spent enough time in wireline services, you know that safety isn’t just a policy—it’s survival.
I learned this the hard way during a routine logging job that nearly turned into a disaster.
The Setup: A Standard Wireline Run
We were on location for a cased hole logging job. The wireline truck was in position, the logging cable was spooled out, and we were running in-hole at a steady speed.
As usual, the area between the wireline truck and the wellhead was marked off as a Personnel Exclusion Zone (PEZ)—a no-go zone for anyone not directly involved in the operation.
Or so we thought.
The Near Miss: A Rookie’s Mistake
Halfway through the run, we noticed an unexpected tension spike on the logging cable.
Before we could react, a new hire stepped behind the wireline truck to get a closer look.
In that moment, everything could have gone wrong:
- If the cable had snapped, he would have been in the direct path of a high-speed recoil event.
- If the winch operator had adjusted the tension suddenly, the line could have whipped unpredictably.
- If pressure control had failed, the wellhead area could have been compromised.
We shouted a warning, and he immediately stepped back—but that few seconds of inattention was enough to remind us all why Personnel Exclusion Zones exist.
What We Learned: Reinforcing Exclusion Zone Protocols
After the job, we held a safety debrief and reinforced some critical lessons:
- The area between the wireline truck and wellhead is always a high-risk zone.
- No one, except for essential personnel, should ever be inside the Personnel Exclusion Zone during wireline operations.
- Exclusion zones must always be clearly marked.
- We now use caution tape around the zone to create a clear physical barrier.
- Every crew member must respect the PEZ—no exceptions.
- Even experienced hands can get complacent—safety reminders should be a daily habit.
- Communication is key.
- A simple verbal reminder before the job starts can prevent a life-threatening mistake.
Final Thoughts: Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
In wireline logging, perforating, and intervention operations, hazards are always present—but strict safety procedures keep us alive.
That day, a close call was enough of a wake-up call. But next time, it could be worse. That’s why we enforce Personnel Exclusion Zones—not as a rule, but as a lifesaving practice.