Drillers Beware

Potential hazards are all around quarry sites, as drillers well know.

That means drillers must inspect the assigned work area for potential safety hazards before starting work at the quarry bench. The inspection should focus on the drill bench, the free-face, and the wall or bench (above or behind).

Hazards such as fractures near the edge of the bench; overhanging rocks; or geologic conditions that create an unstable work area must be eliminated before work starts.

Here are other safety tips:

• When drilling the first row of boreholes, stay a safe distance from the edge of the bench.
• Play it safe, and routinely use a safety harness and lifeline when measuring the free-face where back-break fractures are present.
• Dust control devices can prevent exposure to silica. Make sure you’re not breathing in contaminants that you can’t see.
• It should go without saying, but … don’t forget hearing protection.

For more safety tips, visit www.MSHA.gov.