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Drilling Safely with Vehicle-Mounted Rigs

Safeguarding Your Health for Future Compensation

As a worker operating vehicle-mounted drilling rigs for rock and concrete, your job is essential in the construction and manufacturing industry. However, it's crucial to understand the potential health risks associated with your role and the importance of this section in securing future compensation payments in case of workplace accidents or injuries.



Recognizing the Risks

Drilling into rock or concrete with vehicle-mounted rigs can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. Inhaling these fine silica particles over time can lead to irreversible lung damage. Hence, implementing exposure controls is not just about your well-being but also protecting your future.



Complying with Exposure Controls

The Managing respirable crystalline silica in construction and manufacturing of construction elements code of practice 2022 provides essential guidelines to ensure your safety:



Step 1: Implementing Engineering Controls

Dust Collection Systems

Choose one of the following engineering control options to minimize exposure:

  • Dust collection system with a close capture hood or shroud around the drill bit and low-flow water spray to wet the dust at the discharge point.
  • Operate from within an enclosed cab and use water for dust suppression on the drill.

Dust Collection Systems Explained

Dust management equipment for vehicle-mounted drills involves a movable duct attached to a close capture hood or shroud around the drill bit and a flexible rubber skirt that encloses the drill hole opening to capture cuttings.

Air is drawn from inside the shroud through a flexible duct to primary and secondary filter media. The primary filter or dust separator typically includes a self-cleaning back-pulse feature that releases collected particles to the ground.

Minimize secondary release of particles into the air by using a low-flow water spray at the discharge point. Retrofitting these components is possible.

Dust collection systems are most effective when skilled and properly trained operators implement good design and maintenance practices.

Wet Methods

Drill operators using vehicle-mounted rigs with enclosed cabs can reduce silica exposure by staying inside the cab during drilling. The cab should:

  • Be well-sealed and well-ventilated using positive pressure.
  • Have properly functioning door jambs, window grooves, powerline entries, and other joints that are tightly sealed.
  • Include heating and air conditioning to enable operators to keep windows and doors closed.
  • Be regularly maintained and cleaned to prevent settled dust from becoming airborne inside the enclosure.

Step 2: Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

RPE is not required while using vehicle-mounted drilling rigs for rock or concrete, provided the aforementioned exposure controls are effectively implemented.



Secure Your Future

In the event of workplace accidents or injuries, it's essential to be well-informed about your rights regarding potential compensation payments. These payments can cover lost wages, medical expenses, and more. Understanding your rights is key to securing your future.



Seek More Information

For comprehensive information, resources, and support related to work-related respiratory conditions, exposure controls, and compensation, please refer to the following sources:

Your health is non-negotiable. Staying informed and proactive ensures your well-being in the workplace and secures your rights.


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