Drilling Safety procedures

Safe operating practices and procedures are vital in the drilling

business because the work is hazardous, involving massive
machinery, heavy tools and great physical strength.

Diamond Drilling
Drill sites are regulated by the Health and Safety standards set out
in the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines.
Furthermore, Safety and Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS) binders should be supplied to the
Project Manager and available at the work site.
Regular safety meetings are mandatory and should involve drill
crews, helicopter pilots, and geological staff. In addition, it is
important that the driller and the driller’s helper are always aware
of a visitor’s presence at a drill site. Be sure to report any hazard to
the driller or project supervisor.

Principal Hazards
 Loose clothing caught in the drill, particularly when
rotating steel is unguarded, can cause serious or fatal
injuries. All rotating equipment must be guarded.
 Lack of fitness, particularly with drill helpers, can lead
to serious injuries.
 Slippery floors in the drill shack can cause serious falls.
Ensure good footing. Report slippery floors to the
driller.
 Noise can cause serious ear damage. Wear hearing
protection at the drill site. Some drills such as reverse
circulation drills may require double protection (i.e. ear
plugs and muffs).
 Falling objects from the drill mast or upper deck. Hard
hats must be worn in the close vicinity of the drill
shack.
 Sampling in dusty environments, particularly around
percussion rigs, can cause breathing problems. Wear a
 well-fitting dust mask in these
environments. Always wear safety
glasses.
 Licking core without knowing what drill additives are
used is a health risk, as several additives are poisonous.
 Water is available at the drill site to wet the core for
examination.

Drilling Procedures
 Considerations during general operation:

 No visitors are permitted in the vicinity of the work

area without proper protective clothing and authorized
permission.
 Only personnel necessary to achieve drilling objectives
should remain within the exclusion zone. All others
should remain outside the exclusion zone.
 Effective communication (hand signals), especially
under high noise conditions, is essential to safety.
Clarify use of hand signals.
 If the operator of the rig must leave the area of the
controls, he operator should shift the transmission
controlling the rotary drive and the feed control to
neutral.
 All crew members should be familiar with basic
controls of the rig, including how to stop the engines,
align the Kelly with the borehole, raise and lower the
drive head, raise and lower hoists, and chuck or
unchuck the rods.
 Do not climb the rig mast while equipment is running.
Shut down/lock out equipment and use full body safety
harness if climbing mast is necessary.
 The operator of a drilling rig should only operate the rig
from the position of the controls.
 The operator should shut down the drilling engine
before leaving the vicinity of the drilling rig.
 Drilling should always proceed cautiously, especially at
depths less than ten feet.
 Operation of drilling equipment should be limited to
qualified personnel.
 Do not exceed the manufacturers'
technical specifications for items such as
speed, force, torque, pressure, and flow.
 If drilling in an enclosed area, make certain the exhaust
fumes are vented from the work site.
 If drilling with air, direct the exhaust and cuttings away
from the workers.
 Never operate the drill rig with any of the machinery
guards removed.
 Drill rods and sampling barrels should never be left
unsecured, leaning against or balanced across the drill
rig.
 Never exceed the pipe and rod racks design maximum
load.
 Always make provisions to prevent stock from
accidental rolling.
 When core is being extruded from a core barrel, hands
should be kept out of line of the end of the barrel.
 Attach safety chains or cables swivel, air, and other
pressure hoses.
 When cranking pumps or other motors keep head well
back of the crank area to avoid being hit when motor
turns over.
 Fugitive dust control is to be used during dry drilling,
especially in potential areas of naturally occurring
asbestos.
Safety Precautions on Drilling Machines
 Drilling machines' safety

Drilling machines are one of the most dangerous hand

operated pieces of equipment in the shop area. Following
safety procedures during drilling operations will help
eliminate accidents, loss of time, and materials.

Listed below are safety procedures common to most types of

drilling machines found in the machine shop:

 Do not support the workplaces by hand. Use a holding

device to prevent the work piece from being tom from
the operator's hand.
 Never make any adjustments while the machine is
operating.
 Never clean away chips with your hand. Use a brush.
 Keep all loose clothing away from turning tools.
 Make sure that the cutting tools are running straight
before starting the operation.
 Never place tools or equipment on the drilling tables.
 Keep all guards in place while operating.
 Ease up on the feed as the drill breaks through the work
to avoid damaged tools or workplaces.
 Remove all chuck keys and wrenches before operating.
 Always wear eye protection while operating any
drilling machines.

Near Losses, Incidents and Injuries and Treatment

 No matter how minor, all near losses, incidents, and

injuries will be reported to a supervisor immediately
Housekeeping On and Around the Drill Rig
Good housekeeping is a proactive approach to keeping the job-site
clean which in-turn reduces accidents and injuries. A clean work
environment adds to drilling speed and efficiency. Customers like
it when you keep and leave a work-site clean because it shows
professionalism. Together, good housekeeping improves working
conditions and safety practices. Every crewmember should inspect
the work site upon his arrival to assure that equipment is in safe
condition and the job site is in proper order. Return the job site to
proper order prior to proceeding with work.

NOTE: The right time to clean-up is immediately after a mess is

made.

Housekeeping means cleaning-up, which is an ongoing part of

drilling, rather than an occasional activity. Follow these
suggestions to make your housekeeping efforts more efficient:

 Identify where to unload equipment and supplies

 Put materials in a convenient place where they can be
safely handled without hitting or falling on anyone
 Find a safe place for tools you pick up, not on the edge
of a truck bed
 Drill rods, casing, augers, and similar tools should be
orderly stacked on racks to prevent sliding, rolling,
spreading, or falling
 Place fire extinguishers and first aid kits in easily
accessible locations
 Decide on a location for trash collection: All trash
should be placed in bags and stored in areas outside of
the immediate work area.
 Determine a steam cleaning site that reduces the mess
 Every crew member is responsible for site clean-up
 Good housekeeping can eliminate most trip hazards

NOTE: When you are not given a task to do, clean-up something.
Equipment Inspection
 Inspect equipment at the start of each shift (pre-op) and
at the end of each shift (post-op).
 Correct all major defects and safety defects prior to the
start of work.

General Inspection Routine

 Inspect drilling equipment, cranes, winches, generators

and compressors prior to use - correct any identified
problem before proceeding with work
 Verify that the emergency shutoff switch works
 Verify that preventative maintenance has been
conducted
 Wear proper PPE: Hardhat, safety glasses with side
shields, and steel-toed boots as a minimum
 Conduct tailgate safety meetings and facilitate a safe
work culture
 Pre-qualify drilling subcontractors

 Verify that Drillers and Helpers have proper training

and experience
 Refer to company specific Drilling Safety Guidelines,
Subcontractor Health and Safety Requirements, and
Behavior Based Safety procedures.
SET-UP
 See details below for set-up precautions related to
proximity to power lines.

All Drillers will:

 All personnel should know location and use of

emergency shut-down/kill switch.
 Identify potential pinch points and hazards which could
injure fingers and toes.
 Traffic barricades should be positioned.
 Operate as a team in which every crewmember is
responsible for their own safety and that of each of the
other crewmembers.
 Know their individual duties so that work can progress
smoothly, efficiently and safely.
  Stay alert with their minds on their jobs.
 Stay observant for safety problems and
correct them as they occur or report the problem to the
lead worker.
 Use all required and recommended safety equipment.
 Refrain from engaging in practical jokes/horseplay
around the drilling rig and work site.
 Get proper rest and nutrition so that they report to work
in a physically and mentally fit condition.
 Never work under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
whether legal or illegal.
 Pass an operational capability test administered by the
employee's supervisor or supervisor's representative on
each type of equipment the employee will operate on
state business prior to operating the equipment
unsupervised.
 Always use the buddy system whenever working near
areas of vehicular traffic, public roads or public
property.
 Remove cuttings with a long-handled shovel, not your
hand or foot.
Drilling cont.:
 When adding and removing drill rod:
 Only the drill operator will break or set the chucks, to
eliminate the possibility of engaging the transmission
prior to removing the chuck wrench.
 Do not use the chucks as a brake on a string of drill
rods that are being lowered into a hole. Braking the drill
string with the chuck will result in metal slivers on the
drill rod and consequent hand injuries, and could result
in losing the drill rod down the hole.
 Check the chuck jaws periodically and replace them as
necessary.
 Never place hands on wrenches where they can get
trapped between the wrench and the drill rig.
 Ensure that wrenches are removed from rods before
starting to drill.
 Do not take hold of the male thread end of drill rod.
Watch for sharp burrs on rods and casing, and file sharp
edges off rods when necessary.
 Do not use extension leverage (cheaters)
on pipe wrenches to break drill rod. If
extension leverage is needed, the wrong tool is being
used.
 Clean drill rods with a rubber wiper or other suitable
device when being removed from a hole.
 Allow drilling fluids to drain from drill rods into the
mud pit before setting the rod to the side, to minimize
the amount of mud around the work area.
 The operator knows the capacity of the hoist and mast,
and the weight of the drill rod, to prevent the hoist
capacity from being exceeded.
 The drill rig operator must exercise care to lower the
hoist slowly while the drill rod is being carried away
from the hole.
 There should be at all times at least three wraps of
hoisting line on the hoist drum to prevent a line load
from being applied directly to the fastening clamp.
 Do not guide or hold onto moving wire line work cables
with bare hands.
Positioning Pipe and Casing
When positioned in the mast, drill pipe or casing should be secured until
attached and in the drilling position If work stops during positioning of drill
pipe or casing into the mast, lower any suspended load to the ground or lay it
down on the support vehicle.

Pressurized Systems

 No repair or maintenance will be performed on pressurized

systems unless all pressure has been relieved
 Extreme caution will be used when opening any valve
 All relief valves will be installed so that any discharge will be
directed away from workers and equipment
 Any extensions necessary for proper venting of relief valves will
be secured against whipping and incorporate whip checks.

Most Common Injuries

 Slipping and falling.

 Getting dirt in the eye while steam cleaning or while hitting auger
and rods with hammer.
 Cutting fingers from handling augers and heavy objects.
 Injuring back from improper lifting.

First Aid Kits/Fire Extinguishers

 Each rig will be equipped with a fully supplied, approved first aid
kit and fire extinguisher of suitable size for the fire hazard to be
encountered at the job site.

Environmental Contamination (if applicable)

 Before Visqueen or other plastic is laid down, the site will be

cleared of trip hazards, obstacles or debris such as rocks, sticks,
ruts and holes.
 Contain cuttings in drums or plastic sheeting
 Wear proper PPE and minimize contact with soil, sediment,
groundwater, or other contamination.
 Work upwind of the boring
 If unusual soil discoloration or odors are encountered, stop work,
evacuate area and contact the safety manager. The approach will
need to be re-evaluated and a PPE upgrade may be required
 Follow all provisions of the Health and Safety Plan
Operating the Drilling Rig
 Only employees will operate the drilling rig or handle equipment
associated with drilling operations, including winches, augers,
drive rods, ropes, and cables. Technicians, field personnel and any
visitors must be aware of the location of the emergency shut-
down/kill switches and operation of these devices, and the devices
must be in safe working condition prior to the start of the project
and thereafter.
 The Technician should never leave the controls of the drilling rig
while the tools are rotating unless all employees are clear of
rotating equipment.
 During drilling operations the Well Technician at the controls must
be aware of the Assistant Technicians position and actions at all
times. Operation of the winches and or rotary actions should only
occur once the Well Technician has visually or verbally confirmed
that the Assistant Technician is all clear. During assembly
operations (auger attachment or rodding connection) no
mechanical operations should occur until body position or hand
placement is confirmed to be in a non-pinch or crush position.
 Only employees necessary to run the rig are allowed in close
proximity, except during essential sampling and other activities.
 Technicians will not reach into or near pinch points, the borehole,
or the rotating equipment, unless the drilling rig has been shut
down.

Special Precautions for Drilling in Landfills

In addition to the usual physical hazards of drilling, employees drilling in landfills may
experience an increased hazard from methane gas. Methane, a decomposition product of
organic materials is a very flammable gas, which may accumulate in the borehole or in
the general work area. To help reduce the hazards due to the presence of methane while
drilling in landfills, the following procedures should be implemented:

 No smoking within 75 feet from the drilling area.

 The drilling rig should be equipped with a spark-arresting muffler; a diesel
engine can sometimes be preferred.
 All ignition sources should be at least 75 feet from the borehole and, if
possible the rig should be located upwind of the borehole,
 Monitor methane concentrations as frequently as possible using a
Combustible Gas Indicator (CGI)
 The frequency of monitoring must be established in the Site-Specific
(HASP)
 The meter should be kept near the rig.
 Results of the monitoring data should be entered into the field log,
 Calibrate the CGI against a reference gas at least weekly.
 All work will stop if gases are detected at 10 percent or greater of the
lower explosive limit (LEL) in the hole being drilled.
  Under such circumstances it may become necessary to
inert, ventilate, or flood the borehole with water
during drilling to reduce the risk of down-hole explosions.

Work at Height
In every rig site if people work at the rig machine in the height then in every site the full
body harness is present and worker use them if they work in heighted area.

Lighting
Lighting around a drilling operation should be sufficient to provide illumination at all
times. See the table below for guidance.

Minimum Illumination Intensities in Foot-Candles

Foot-Candles Area of Operation
5 Foot-Candles General construction area lighting.
3 Foot-Candles General construction areas, concrete placement, excavation
and waste areas, access ways, active storage areas, loading
platforms, refueling, and field maintenance areas.
5 Foot-Candles Indoors: warehouses, corridors, hallways, and exit ways.
5 Foot-Candles Tunnels, shafts, and general underground work areas:
(Exception: minimum of 10 foot-candles is required at tunnel
and shaft heading during drilling, mucking, and scaling.
Bureau of Mines approved cap lights shall be acceptable for
use in the tunnel heading)
10 Foot-Candles General construction plant and shops (batch plants, screening
plants, mechanical and electrical equipment rooms, carpenter
shops, rigging lofts and active store rooms, mess halls, and
indoor toilets and workrooms)
30 Foot-Candles First aid stations, infirmaries, and offices.

Name of Site Staff Signs

Muhammad Awad
Ahmad Elshabrawy
Ashfaq Ahmad
Sylivester Richard Athuman
Mohammad Ahmad Zaki Salim
Ferit Koca
Mannyaurang Kamma