Safe Working Procedure

Drilling
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 and Percussion Drills

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 area in the drill shack can
cause serious falls. Ensure good
footing. Report slippery area 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.
 • 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, the 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 check or
uncheck 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.
• 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.

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..
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
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:
❖ 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. The following is a general field
practice that apply to all drilling operations
regardless of method:
• Direct water discharge hoses away
from leveling blocks
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.
Near Losses, Incidents and Injuries and
Treatment
• No matter how minor, all near losses,
incidents, and injuries will be
reported to a supervisor immediately.
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 Vis queen 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
Working on Streets or Highways
• Follow state and local laws
concerning traffic control signage,
cones, and barricades.
• Do not work before sun-up, after
sundown, or any time visibility is
poor.
• Position support vehicle(s) between
the work area and oncoming traffic.
• Use safety strobe lights on all
vehicles and equipment.
• Wear appropriate reflective safety
vests.
• Use radios when flagging.

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.