Drilling and rotary jet piercing

• Pages: 43-44

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13. Drilling and rotary jet piercing

13.1. General safety precautions

13.1.1. Before the commencement of drilling operations, the area should be

carefully inspected for misfires, sockets and other hazards.

13.1.2. After a hole has been drilled, it should be closed off by a plug.

13.1.3. The manager should be responsible for ensuring that standard instructions

are prepared and followed for each type of drilling employed.

13.2. Drilling rigs

13.2.1.1. Drilling rigs should be operated on a level surface. If working on a

bench, the rig should be located at a distance of not less than 3 m from the bench crest,

especially when drilling the nearest hole to the crest – in this case, the operator should

have his back to the crest.

13.2.1.2. Whilst in operation, a drilling rig should be so arranged that its

longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the bench crest.

13.2.2.1. When a drill is being moved from one drilling area to another, drill steel,

tools and all other parts of the machine should be secured, and the mast placed in a safe

position.

13.2.2.2. If a drill helper assists the drill operator during the movement of a drill to

a new position, the helper should be in sight of, or in communication with, the operator

at all times.

13.2.3.1. No person should be on a rig mast while the drill-bit is in operation

unless he is provided with a safe platform from which to work and is wearing a safety

belt.

13.2.3.2. When the rig mast is being raised or lowered, persons should not be

permitted to remain in front of or behind a drilling rig.

13.2.3.3. Tools or other objects which might cause injury to personnel should not

be left loose on the mast or drill platform.

13.2.4. With rotary drilling rigs for which the assembly and dismantling of the

drilling set and the cleaning of the mouth of the hole are not mechanised, the augers

should be enclosed and they should be interlocked with the electric power supply to the

rotary driving motor.

13.3. Rotary jet piercing

13.3.1. Jet piercing drills should be provided with: