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Create a safe work practices and procedure for hammer drills in British Columbia

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Published by SALUS

Safe Work Procedure for Operating Hammer Drills ===============================================

Document Number: \[SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: \[DATE]

Next Review Date: \[NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: \[DEPARTMENT NAME]

1\. Scope

This safe work procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary steps and safety precautions for the safe operation of hammer drills in various work environments in British Columbia. It applies to all workers who operate hammer drills as part of their job duties. This SWP is designed to comply with WorkSafeBC regulations and industry best practices, focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures to minimize the risk of injury or incidents.

2\. Definitions

Hammer Drill A power tool used for drilling holes in hard materials such as concrete, brick, and stone. It combines rotary motion with a hammering action to break up the material being drilled. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Equipment worn by workers to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Competent Person A person who is qualified because of knowledge, training, and experience to organize the work and perform the work safely. Risk Assessment The process of identifying potential hazards and evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm that could result from those hazards. [3]

Safe Work Procedure (SWP) A written document that outlines the steps required to perform a specific task safely, identifying potential hazards and the control measures to mitigate those hazards.

3\. Responsibilities

3\.1 Supervisors

  • Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent in the safe operation of hammer drills.
  • Conduct regular site inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure that control measures are in place and effective.
  • Enforce the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Provide workers with the necessary tools and equipment in good working order.
  • Ensure that pre-job safety briefings are conducted and documented.
  • Investigate all incidents and near misses related to hammer drill operations and implement corrective actions.

3\.2 Workers

  • Participate in required training and demonstrate competency in the safe operation of hammer drills.
  • Conduct pre-use inspections of hammer drills and associated equipment to ensure they are in good working order.
  • Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times while operating hammer drills.
  • Follow all safe work procedures and instructions provided by supervisors.
  • Report any hazards, incidents, or near misses to supervisors immediately.
  • Do not operate a hammer drill if you are not feeling well or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

4\. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
Exposure to dust (Silica, concrete, etc.) [3] [4]Respiratory illnesses, silicosis, lung cancerUse hammer drills with dust extraction systems. Ensure adequate ventilation. Provide and enforce the use of respirators (minimum N95\) when dust extraction is insufficient. Implement water suppression methods where appropriate.
Noise exposureHearing lossProvide and enforce the use of hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs). Implement engineering controls to reduce noise levels where feasible. Conduct regular noise monitoring to assess worker exposure.
VibrationHand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)Use anti-vibration gloves. Limit the duration of hammer drill use. Ensure proper tool maintenance to minimize vibration. Rotate tasks to reduce exposure to vibration.
Flying debrisEye injuries, cuts, and abrasionsProvide and enforce the use of safety glasses or face shields. Ensure that the work area is clear of other personnel. Use barriers or screens to contain flying debris.
Electrical shockElectrocution, burnsInspect power cords and tools for damage before use. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Avoid working in wet conditions. Ensure proper grounding of electrical equipment.
Slips, trips, and fallsSprains, fractures, and other injuriesMaintain a clean and organized work area. Use appropriate footwear with good traction. Identify and mark potential tripping hazards. Ensure adequate lighting.
Musculoskeletal injuriesStrains, sprains, back injuriesUse proper lifting techniques. Avoid awkward postures and repetitive motions. Take frequent breaks to stretch and rest. Use ergonomic tool designs where available.
Contact with underground utilities [6]Electrocution, explosion, service disruptionBefore drilling, identify and mark the location of underground utilities. Use appropriate detection equipment. Follow safe digging practices. Maintain safe clearance distances from underground utilities.

5\. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Safety Glasses or Face Shield: Provides protection against flying debris and dust particles. Must meet CSA Z94\.3 standards. [1]
  • Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against noise exposure. Select hearing protection with an appropriate noise reduction rating (NRR).
  • Respirator (N95 or higher): To protect against inhalation of dust particles, especially when drilling concrete or other materials containing silica. Ensure proper fit testing and training. [1]
  • Gloves (Anti-vibration): To reduce the risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Select gloves that are specifically designed to reduce vibration.
  • Steel-toed Boots: To protect feet from falling objects and punctures. Must meet CSA Z195 standards. [1]
  • Hard Hat: To protect the head from falling objects. Must meet CSA Z94\.1 standards. [1]

Inspect all PPE before each use for any signs of damage or wear. Replace any damaged or worn PPE. Clean and store PPE properly after each use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and care.

6\. Equipment and Tools

  • Hammer Drill: Select the appropriate size and type of hammer drill for the task. Ensure the drill is in good working condition and properly maintained. [2]
  • Drill Bits: Use drill bits that are appropriate for the material being drilled. Inspect drill bits for wear and damage before use. Replace worn or damaged bits.
  • Dust Extraction System: If available, use a dust extraction system to minimize dust exposure. Ensure the system is properly connected and functioning correctly.
  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): Use a GFCI to protect against electrical shock. Test the GFCI before each use.
  • Extension Cord (Heavy Duty): Use a heavy-duty extension cord that is in good condition and of the appropriate length for the task. Inspect the cord for damage before use.

Inspect hammer drills before each use for any signs of damage or wear. Check the power cord, drill bits, and guards. Replace any damaged or worn parts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and lubrication. [2]

7\. Pre-Job Requirements

7\.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers who operate hammer drills must receive adequate training and demonstrate competency in the safe operation of the equipment. Training should include the following topics: hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, safe work procedures, use of PPE, and emergency procedures. [4]

7\.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the hammer drill operation. Discuss the scope of the work, potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures. Ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7\.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Before starting work, inspect the work area for any hazards, such as slip, trip, and fall hazards, electrical hazards, and underground utilities. Implement control measures to eliminate or minimize these hazards. Ensure that the work area is adequately lit and ventilated.

8\. Safe Work Procedure Steps

  1. Pre-Use Inspection: Inspect the hammer drill, drill bits, and power cord for any signs of damage or wear. Check that all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning correctly. Ensure the work area is clear of obstructions and hazards. [2]
  2. Set Up Work Area: Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation. Barricade the work area to prevent unauthorized access. Protect nearby workers and equipment from flying debris.
  3. Don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear all required PPE, including safety glasses or face shield, hearing protection, respirator, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Ensure that all PPE is in good condition and fits properly. [1]
  4. Prepare the Hammer Drill: Insert the correct drill bit into the hammer drill and secure it properly. Adjust the drill settings according to the material being drilled and the size of the hole required.
  5. Start Drilling: Position the drill bit at the desired location and apply steady pressure. Start the drill and maintain a firm grip. Avoid forcing the drill bit, and allow the drill to do the work.
  6. Use Dust Suppression: If using a dust extraction system, ensure it is turned on and functioning correctly. If using water suppression, apply water to the drilling area to minimize dust generation. [4]
  7. Monitor Drilling Progress: Check the depth and alignment of the hole periodically. Remove any debris or obstructions from the hole as needed. If the drill bit becomes stuck, stop the drill and carefully remove the bit.
  8. Complete Drilling: Once the hole is drilled to the desired depth, stop the drill and remove the bit from the hole. Clean up any debris or dust from the work area.
  9. Post-Use Inspection: Inspect the hammer drill and drill bits for any damage or wear. Clean the drill and bits and store them in a safe and secure location.

9\. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • Never operate a hammer drill if you are not properly trained and authorized.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the safe operation of the hammer drill. [5]
  • Be aware of the location of underground utilities before drilling. [6]
  • Use a spotter when drilling in confined or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Keep the power cord away from the drilling area to prevent damage.

10\. Emergency Procedures

10\.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation. Evacuate the area if necessary. Provide first aid to any injured workers. Contact emergency services if required.

10\.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Electrical Shock: Immediately shut off the power source. If the worker is still in contact with the electrical source, do not touch them. Use a non-conductive object to separate the worker from the electrical source. Provide first aid and call emergency services.
  • Eye Injury: Flush the affected eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Fall from Height: Do not move the injured worker unless there is an immediate danger. Provide first aid and call emergency services.

11\. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will complete an incident report and submit it to the safety department. The incident report should include a detailed description of the event, the cause of the event, and any corrective actions taken.

The safety department will investigate all reported incidents and near misses. The investigation will include interviewing witnesses, reviewing the work area, and examining any equipment involved. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the root cause of the incident and to identify corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Approved by: \[NAME AND POSITION]

Date: \[APPROVAL DATE]

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6 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Page 454

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Defective explosives (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 21 - Blasting Operations (b) in accordance with the Explosives Act (Canada) and the regulations under that Act. [en. B.C. Reg. 207/2021, App. A, S. 31.] ## Cold temperatures 21.38 If the sensitivity of an explosive is affected by cold temperatures the explosive may be brought to a working temperature in a manner recommended by the manufacturer, but must not be warmed near an open fire or a steam boiler nor by direct contact with steam or hot water. ## Disposal of explosives 21.39 Explosives must not be abandoned and must be placed in suitable storage or disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. [en. B.C. Reg. 207/2021, App. A, S. 32.] ## Ignition sources prohibited - 21.40 (1) Smoking is prohibited within 15 m (50 ft) of where explosives are stored, being handled, or are in loaded holes. (2) Open flame ignition sources must not be permitted within 15 m (50 ft) of where explosives are stored, being handled, or are in loaded holes, unless the blaster of record gives consent. ## Containers - 21.41 (1) Containers, known or suspected to contain explosives or explosive residue, must be handled with care to prevent undue impact or exposure to excessive heat or flame. (2) All empty original disposable packaging for explosives must be destroyed safely or as recommended by the manufacturer. [am. B.C. Reg. 207/2021, App. A, S. 33.] ## Division 6 - Drilling ## Predrilling requirements - 21.42 Before drilling begins (a) in a previously blasted area, the surface to be drilled must be exposed and examined for misfires, (b) faces or slopes must be cleared of loose material, or otherwise stabilized to prevent slides or falls of rock, and (c) the location of utility services must be determined and clearly marked. [am. B.C. Reg. 207/2021, App. A, S. 35.] #…

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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Open source document

Source excerpt

# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Drilling equipment (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 12 - Tools, Machinery and Equipment (a) a rock drill is not used unless equipped with a water jet or other device capable of suppressing rock dust, and (b) adequate restraining devices are installed on hose connections under pressure, if inadvertent disconnection could endanger workers. ## Control location 12.86 Operating controls must not be installed on the feed slide of a top-hammer percussion drill. ## Boom hazard 12.87 A worker must not proceed beyond the front of the drill controls of a drill jumbo if the drills are in operation, unless the drilling equipment is specifically designed and certified for that purpose. ## Drill jumbos - 12.88 (1) A drill jumbo that contains decks must be (a) fitted with guardrails and toeboards, meeting the requirements of Part 4 (General Conditions), around the upper decks, (b) equipped with a rack or receptacle for securely storing drill rods and other equipment, (c) provided with safe access to each working level, (d) provided with a visual warning system to warn workers located below the upper decks, before a worker above collars a hole or removes the boom stabilizer from the face after finishing a hole, and (e) securely fixed in position at the face to prevent inadvertent movement during drilling operations. (2) Explosives must not be brought onto or under a drill jumbo during a drilling operation, nor may holes be loaded until drilling is complete. ## Drilling procedures - 12.89 A driller must ensure that (a) the cut is not drilled in the same location as the previous round, (b) holes are not drilled within 15 cm (6 in) of any part of a bootleg as defined in section 21.1, and (c) there is no drilling at a face when a hole is loaded or being loaded with explosives except in conformity with the requirements on drilling …

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Page 161

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# Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements (cont.) ## Housekeeping (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements ## Instruction and training 6.112.7 An employer must ensure that a worker who is or may be exposed to RCS dust receives adequate instruction and training in all of the following: (a) the hazards and health effects of inhaling RCS dust; (b) safe work practices and procedures; (c) the correct operation and use of any required equipment and engineering controls; (d) the purpose and limitations of personal protective equipment, and the correct selection, fitting, use, care and maintenance of that equipment; (e) housekeeping practices as described in section 6.112.6. [en. B.C. Reg. 9/2017, App. G, S. 2.] ## Rock drills 6.113 A rock drill, other than a manually-powered rock drill, must be equipped with a dust suppression system, acceptable to the Board, that (a) uses water jet, spray, or other equally effective means to suppress drilling dust effectively, and (b) operates whenever the drill is in use. ## Crushing plants 6.114 Crushing plants must be equipped with the following dust controls: (a) crushers, including jaw, roll, cone, or hammer-mills must have an effective mechanical exhaust system; (b) screens releasing dust must be partially covered and have an effective mechanical exhaust system or an effective water spray system; (c) the screen discharge hopper must be enclosed and if dust is released must have an effective mechanical exhaust system or an effective water spray system; (d) material transfer points releasing dust must have an effective mechanical exhaust system or an effective water spray system; (e) a suitable dust collector must be installed on a mechanical exhaust system; (f) dust discharged from a mechanical exhaust ventilation system must not be recirculated into work areas; (g) when practicable, the operator must be enclosed in…

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Page 5

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION B.C. Reg. 296/97 (cont.) ## Contents (cont.) <table><tr><th>Safety Headgear</th><th>172</th></tr><tr><td>Eye and Face Protection</td><td>173</td></tr><tr><td>Limb and Body Protection</td><td>175</td></tr><tr><td>Footwear</td><td>176</td></tr><tr><td>High Visibility and Distinguishing Apparel</td><td>177</td></tr><tr><td>Buoyancy Equipment</td><td>179</td></tr><tr><td>Flame Resistant Clothing</td><td>180</td></tr><tr><td>Respirators</td><td>180</td></tr><tr><td>Schedule 8-A - WorkSafeBC Standard - Leg Protective Devices</td><td>186</td></tr><tr><td>PART 9 - CONFINED SPACES [sections 9.1 - 9.51]</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>General Requirements</td><td>190</td></tr><tr><td>Responsibilities</td><td>191</td></tr><tr><td>Hazard Assessment and Work Procedures</td><td>192</td></tr><tr><td>Identification and Entry Permits</td><td>193</td></tr><tr><td>Lockout and Control of Harmful Substances</td><td>194</td></tr><tr><td>Verification and Testing</td><td>197</td></tr><tr><td>Cleaning, Purging, Venting and Inerting</td><td>198</td></tr><tr><td>Ventilation</td><td>199</td></tr><tr><td>Standby Persons</td><td>200</td></tr><tr><td>Rescue</td><td>201</td></tr><tr><td>Lifelines, Harnesses and Lifting Equipment</td><td>202</td></tr><tr><td>Personal Protective Equipment and Other Precautions</td><td>203</td></tr><tr><td>PART 10 - DE-ENERGIZATION AND LOCKOUT [sections 10.1 - 10.12]</td><td>205</td></tr><tr><td>PART 11 - FALL PROTECTION [sections 11.1 - 11.40]</td><td>209</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">PART 12 - TOOLS, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT [sections 12.1 - 12.183]</td></tr><tr><td>General Requirements</td><td>214</td></tr><tr><td>Guarding Mechanical Power Transmission Parts</td><td>216</td></tr><tr><td>Conveyors</td><td>218</td></tr><tr><td>Power Presses, Brake Presses and Shears</td><td>219</td></tr><tr><td>Feed-rolls and Metal-forming Rolls</td><td>220</td></tr><tr><td>Machine Tools</td><td>220</td></tr><tr><td>Abrasive Equipment</td><td>22…

[5] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Page 156

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Source excerpt

# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements (d) blasting, cutting, crushing, drilling, grinding, milling, scaling, splitting or sieving, or other mechanical pulverizing or shattering, of rock, siliceous stone or gravel; (e) concrete or asphalt milling, shotcreting, pneumatic drilling, tunnelling or other large-scale mechanical processes that may generate RCS dust; (f) using heavy equipment or pneumatics to transfer sand, earth, aggregate or other material that contains silica, and associated transport, recycling and disposal operations; (g) a process in which silica flour is used, including using it as an additive in product manufacturing; (h) manufacturing, dismantling, demolishing or repairing of concrete, masonry or other material that contains silica; (i) using power tools or equipment to abrade, cut, grind, core or drill concrete, masonry or other material that contains silica; "siliceous" means any group of sedimentary rocks that consist largely or almost entirely of silicon dioxide (SiO2), including diatomite. (2) In this section, a reference to concrete, masonry or other material refers to a hard stone-like building material made (a) of clay, or (b) by mixing, with water or another liquid, (i) cement, or (ii) a combination of cement, sand, gravel, broken stone or another aggregate. [en. B.C. Reg. 9/2017, App. G, S. 2.] ## Application - 6.111 Sections 6.112 to 6.112.7 apply to a workplace where a worker is or may be (a) engaged in a silica process, or ## Risk assessment (b) exposed to potentially harmful levels of RCS dust. [en. B.C. Reg. 9/2017, App. G, S. 2.] - 6.112 (1) In this section, "existing monitoring data" means data (a) gathered under section 5.53 or 6.112.3, or (b) as described in section 6.112.4 (2) (b). (2) An employer must not permit workers to engage in a work…

[6] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Avalanche risk assessment and safety plan exception (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 4 - General Conditions (d) work carried out to develop an avalanche safety plan. (3) Before a person carries out work to which subsection (2) applies, the employer must ensure that (a) written safe work procedures are in place to minimize the risks associated with an avalanche, and (b) the person (i) understands the risks associated with an avalanche, and (ii) is trained in the procedures referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection. (4) The safe work procedures required under subsection (3) must be developed by a qualified person and must set out the following: (a) the qualifications and training a person must have in order to be eligible to carry out work to which subsection (2) applies; (b) the procedures the person referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection must follow to identify and address risks associated with an avalanche; (c) the requirements the person referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection must comply with when using equipment. (5) A person carrying out work to which subsection (2) applies must comply with the safe work procedures required under subsection (3). [en. B.C. Reg. 199/2014, App. A, S. 1.] ## Safe buildings and structures 4.2 The employer must ensure that each building and temporary or permanent structure in a workplace is capable of withstanding any stresses likely to be imposed on it. - Safe machinery and equipment - 4.3 (1) The employer must ensure that each tool, machine and piece of equipment in the workplace is (a) capable of safely performing the functions for which it is used, and (b) selected, used and operated in accordance with (i) the manufacturer's instructions, if available, (ii) safe work practices, and (iii) the requirements of this Regulation. (2) Un…

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