Drilling of any type, on any drill rig, can be dangerous if you are not practicing your best safety on the drill. Not only are you dealing with a rotating shaft, that can rotate extremely fast at times, you are operating a heavy piece of machinery and dealing with extreme weather.
I have designed a short list of some of the possible safety precautions you should take when operating a drill rig. This is just a few of many, hopefully everyone already follows these requirements at a minimum. For specific auger drilling guidelines, visit my page Auger Drilling Safety Guidlines.
- Drill crew must be present during all active operations.
- Drill crew and other site personnel must know emergency
shut off procedures.
- Drill string should be fully guarded and drill crew trained on operation of guard.
- Ensure jewelry is removed, loose clothing is buttoned and loose
PPE is secured close to the body in order to avoid being caught in moving
parts.
- Unauthorized personnel must be kept clear of the drill rig.
- Area of drilling operation must have proper delineator markings
providing a prominent outline of the work zone.
- When hazardous conditions are deemed present, operation must be
shut down until it is safe to proceed.
- Never climb the mast when it is erect.
- Never mobilize the drill when the mast is erect.
- Pipe, drill rods, casing, augers should be stacked to prevent
spreading, rolling, or sliding.
- Work areas, platforms, and walkways should be kept free of
materials, debris, and obstructions such as ice, grease or oil that could
make the surface slick or otherwise hazardous.
- Shut down drill rig to make repairs or adjustments to drill
rigor or to lubricate fittings.
Release all pressure on the hydraulic systems, the drilling fluids,
engine fluids, and the air pressure systems of the drill rig equipment
prior to performing maintenance.
- For start up, all gear boxes must be in neutral, all hoist
levers disengaged, all hydraulic levers are in the correct non-actuating
positions.
- Before raising the
mast, check for overhead obstructions.
- Clean mud and grease from your boots before mounting a drill
platform. Watch for slippery ground
when dismounting.
- Always maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches between the operating hand and the cathead drum when driving samples, casing, or other tools with the cat head and rope method.
- Use a long handle shovel to move auger cuttings away from the auger.
- Obtain all locates that are legally required and that ensure your safety
- Do not drill if you don't have all underground utilities located on your site.
These are a few of thousands of safety topics on construction or the drilling industry. For more drilling specific safety talk sheets and information, www.drill-safe.com has some of the most drilling safety information on the web.
