The Government of Alberta says it is partnering with the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors to cut red tape by changing rules for service rig support vehicles.
This follows changes to the rules for service rigs themselves, which were announced by Alberta and Saskatchewan in June 2019.
The provinces reduced commercial vehicle inspection requirements for service rigs from annually to every five years, and excluded them from Safety Fitness Certificate requirements that apply to full-time heavy truck drivers.
Alberta said Thursday these same changes will be applied to service rig support vehicles including equipment trucks, pump and tank trucks and crew trailers, otherwise known as dog houses.
“By removing rules meant for commercial transport vehicles rather than oilfield service and support vehicles, government is cutting red tape that has restricted the movement of service rigs between job sites,” the province said.
“Service rigs will continue to follow all safety standards and have robust safety checks in place, including valid permits for transport and operation, regular vehicle and equipment inspections and compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety requirements.”
