What is the first step in soft shut-in procedures while drilling?

The first step in soft shut-in procedures while drilling is to pick-up off bottom and space out for tool joints. This action is crucial as it helps ensure the safety and stability of the wellbore before proceeding with further operations. Picking up off the bottom effectively reduces pressure on the formation by relieving some of the weight of the drill string from the wellbore, which is essential during a shut-in to prevent sudden pressure changes that could lead to a blowout or damage to the well.

Spacing out for tool joints ensures that there is enough space to safely manipulate the equipment without creating unwanted pressure in the annulus. This step effectively prepares the rig for the following actions in the shut-in process by securing the drill string’s position, hence mitigating risks associated with well control. It establishes a safer environment before subsequent actions, such as closing the blowout preventer (BOP) or shutting down pumps, which are critical steps but follow after this initial positioning.