Skip to Main Content


This information is provided free of charge by the Department of Industrial Relations from its web site at www.dir.ca.gov. These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. See full disclaimer at https://www.dir.ca.gov/od_pub/disclaimer.html.
 
Subchapter 17. Mine Safety Orders
Article 16. Drilling Operations and Jumbos
Return to index
New query

§7005. Drilling Operations.


GENERAL

(a) (7-2) Drilling machines shall b in good condition. The drill chucks shall be the proper size to keep the drills secured therein.

(b) Iron or steel hammers used for removing detachable bits shall be malleable or annealed, so that they will not readily chip or break while being used.

(c) It is strictly prohibited to drill in or deepen any hole that contains or may have contained explosives.

SURFACE

(d) No hole shall be drilled within 5 feet of any hole or chamber that contains or has contained explosives, and no hole shall be drilled at such an angle as to approach within 5 feet of such hole or chamber.

(e) (7-13) Drill holes for primary blasting shall be adequately covered or plugged to prevent injury to persons and keep materials from falling therein.

(f) (7-4) Men working on erected drill masts shall be safeguarded with elevated work platforms, standard railings, and toe-boards and protected by an approved safety belt and life line.

(g) (7-3) The drilling area shall be inspected for hazards before starting the drilling operations.

(h) (7-5) Drill crews and others shall stay clear of augers or drill stems that are in motion. Persons shall not pass under or step over a moving stem or auger.

(i) (7-8) When a drill is being moved from one drilling area to another, drill steel, tools, and other equipment shall be secured and the mast placed in a safe position.

(j) (7-10) In the event of power failure, drill controls shall be placed in the neutral position until power is restored.

(k) (7-12) While in operation, drills shall be attended at all times.

(l) (7-18) Men shall not hold the drill steel while collaring holes, or rest their hands on the chuck or centralizer while drilling.

(m) (7-11) The drill stem shall be resting on the bottom of the hole or on the platform with the stem secured to the mast before attempts are made to straighten a crossed cable on a reel.

(n) (8-2)-(8-5) The mandatory standards for rotary jet piercing of the U.S. Bureau of Mines for metal and nonmetallic open pit mines as published on July 31, 1969, February 25, 1970, and December 8, 1970, are adopted for control of surface rotary jet piercing hazards.

Go BackGo Back to the Mine Safety Orders, Article 16 Table of Contents