Drill Rig Safety

Introduction – Drill Rig Defined

 A drill rig is a machine designed to create boreholes or shafts
in the ground.

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Introduction – AECOM Operations
 AECOM does not typically own our own drill rigs. We employ
drill rig contractors to install borehole for:
– Environmental Sampling – To determine if soil and/or
groundwater contamination is present at refuse, commercial, or
industrial sites.
– Geotechnical Investigations – To determine soil properties that
must be considered during the design and completion of
construction projects.
– Constructing Caissons – To create large diameter holes used to
build caissons.
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Introduction – Drilling Incidents
 Drilling carries inherent risks because drilling operators work:
– With complex equipment.
– Under varying conditions.
– Sometimes within each striking distance of power lines and underground utilities.
– Doing physical work with time pressures.
 Factors that contribute to serious accidents.
– Injury or Death – Unintended human contact with moving machinery can cause severe injury or
death.
– Environmental Pollution – Puncturing petroleum (gas, diesel, or oil) product lines or underground
storage tanks can contaminate soil or ground water.
– Utility Service Impact – Drills and drill rigs can contact underground or overhead utilities causing
service disruption.
– Adverse Business Impact – Health and safety related drilling incidents caused by AECOM
employees or drilling contractors can result in lost client business, governmental agency scrutiny,
and/or their party lawsuits.
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Introduction – Fractured Skull Incident
 A drilling subcontractor was using a direct
push rig when the probe met resistance,
causing the rig to lift off the ground. The rig
tilted as it was lowered. The drill rod broke
and sprang away from the rig, striking the
driller in the hard hat and forehead.
 He suffered a hairline skull fracture, a
laceration on his forehead, and briefly lost
consciousness.
 The driller lost several days of work but was
very lucky to be alive.
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Introduction – Pipe Wrench Incident
 In New Zealand two drilling
contractors were using pipe wrenches
to separate drill rods. During the
process, the hydraulic rotation of the
drill stem was activated by accident.
 Both men were hit by the handle of a
pipe wrench and knocked to the
ground. They suffered severe
bruising but were lucky to avoid
broken ribs and the chance of death
from a punctured lung.
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Drill Rigs – Course Objectives
 This course is an introduction to drilling hazards, risks and
safety actions. If you will be supervising subsurface
investigations, you will need additional training.
 This course covers:
– Drill Rig Parts and Operations
– Drilling Hazards
– Drilling Safety

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Drill Rigs – Drill Rig Parts and Operations
 This section introduces drilling terminology and drill rig
operations for hollow stem augering. AECOM frequently uses
this drilling method for environmental and geotechnical
investigations.
– Drill Rig Parts and Operations: Defines key parts of a drill rig
and the basic procedures used to drill bore holes.

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Drill Rigs - Overview
 There are many drill rig types and techniques used to create
boreholes.
 A complete description of all drill rig types and methods is
beyond the scope of this course.

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Drill Rigs - Overview
 Several rigs discussed in this course use a cage to protect the
workers.
 While use of cages to isolate moving equipment from workers
is considered a best practice, this may not be found on all rigs.

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Drill Rigs – Hollow Stem Augering
 Hollow stem auger drilling uses a spiral screw which is driven
into the ground via rotation and hydraulic pressure.
 The earth is lifted out of the borehole by the rotating screw
blade.
 The auger has a hollow shaft throughout, allowing sampling
devices or monitoring equipment to be lowered to the bottom
of the borehole. Auger drilling is generally used in soft,
unconsolidated material or highly weathered rock.

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Drill Rigs – Drill Parts
 Length of auger can be assembled to create boreholes ranging from a few
feet to several thousand feet (hundreds of meters) in depth. Auger drills are
assembled on-site using several components.
– Drill Stem – Series of auger flights connected together.
– Drill Bit – Connected to the bottom of the first auger. When the drill stem
rotates, the bit cuts and loosens the soil or weathered rock at the bottom of the
boring.
– Auger Pins/Bolts – Connectors used between the drill-bit, auger flights, and
drill power head.
– Auger Flight – A screw like section of pipe that lifts soil out of the bore hole. It
is typically 5 ft (1.5 m) long and 4-16 in (10-40 cm) in diameter.
– Cuttings – Soil or rock brought to the ground surface as the auger is rotated.
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Drill Rigs – Truck Mounted
 Drilling machinery can be mounted on trucks, tracks, or trailers, or set up as more
permanent land or marine-based structures (such as off shore oil rigs). Drillers often
refer to the entire vehicle or structure as a drill rig.
– Cable Hoist System – Raises and lowers drill rods, auger flights, and sampling tools.
– Power Head – Connects the drill rig power source to the drill stem.
– Control Panel – Contains the switches, levers and gauges to monitor and control the
drilling operations.
– Emergency Kill Switch – Located on the control panel and cuts power to the drilling
machine. Secondary switches may also be located elsewhere on the rig.
– Leveling Jacks – Levels a mobile drill rig to ensure the rig is stable (i.e., will not tip
over) and the drill stem is advanced perpendicular to the ground.
– Mast – Supports the drilling mechanism and operation (i.e., allows tools and augers to
be moved). It is often hinged near the bottom to allow it to be raised and lowered.
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Drill Rigs – Tools and Equipment
 Drillers can use many different types of tools and equipment at the work site.
– Personnel Protective Equipment – Worn by workers to protect against hazards.
– Sampling Equipment – Used to obtain soil or groundwater samples. 1) Hammer large
hydraulic or mechanical tool used to advance soil sampling equipment into undisbursed
soil at the bottom of the borehole. 2) Split-spoon – section of pipe used to collect soil
samples that is cut in half (along the long axes), held together at both ends by threaded
caps. 3) Shelby Tube – a one piece hollow tube, used to collect soil samples that gets
driven into the soil.
– Shovel – Used to clear soil cuttings away from the drill stem.
– Drum Dolly – Used to move a 55-gal (208 L) drum full of soil or water at the site.
– Concrete Saw – Used to break concrete or asphalt prior to beginning boring.
– Steam Cleaner – Used to decontaminate augers and sampling equipment.
– Pipe Wrench – Used to connect and disconnect sections of drilling rod.
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Drill Rigs – Drilling Operations Delete slide? No
video
 This video demonstrates drilling with a hollow stem auger.
 Your video will stop periodically after you start it and this text
will be replaced with new text explaining the picture.
 After you have read the text, restart the video by hitting the
Play button again.
 To begin click the gray play button arrow to the right.

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Drill Rigs – Drill Truck Part Practice
 Drag the label to the
corresponding area on the
picture.
Cable Hoist System Delete slide
Cannot drag to
Control Panel picture

Emergency Kill Switch

Leveling Jacks

Mast
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Drill Rigs – Drill Part Practice
 Read the descriptions below, then determine the part name.
1. Advances the boring while raising loosened soil and weathered rock to ground
surface.
2. Cuts and loosens soil or weathered rock at the bottom of the borehole.
3. Connects to the drill rig’s power source to drive or spin the drill system.
4. Two or more flights of augers connected together.
5. Physical connectors used to attach the drill bit, auger flights, and cutting head
together
6. Soil or rock material brought to the ground surface as the auger is rotated.
7. Used to advance soil sampling tools into undisturbed soil at the bottom of the boring

Drill stem Augurs Hammer Drill bit Augur pins and or bolts Soil or rock cuttings Power head

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Drill Rigs – Drill Part Practice
 Answers
1. Augers
2. Drill bit
3. Power head
4. Drill stem
5. Auger pins or bolts
6. Soil or rock cuttings
7. Hammer

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Drill Rigs – Tool and Equipment Practice
 Read the description below, then determine the correct tool or
equipment name.
1. Used to collect soil for lab analysis.
2. Equipment used by workers to protect themselves from work hazards.
3. Tool used to assemble drill components.
4. Used to break concrete or asphalt prior to beginning a boring.
. 5. Used to over 55-gallon (208 L) drums full of soil or water at a site.
6. Used to decontaminate augers and sampling equipment.

Steam cleaner Pipe wrench Sampling equipment Concrete saw PPE Drum dolly/hand cart

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Drill Rigs – Tool and Equipment Practice
 Answers
1. Sampling equipment
2. PPE
3. Pipe wrench
4. Concrete saw
. 5. Drum dolly/hand cart
6. Steam cleaner

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Drill Hazards – Drilling Hazards
 This section introduces common drilling hazards:
aboveground, below ground, with the drill rig itself, and in the
drilling area. Identifying drilling hazards helps maintain a safe
working environment for everyone and minimizes disruptions
to the local community.
– Drilling Hazards: Illustrates common hazards at drilling sites
and explains the danger.

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Drilling Hazards – Above Ground
 To reach some borehole locations, drill rigs must sometimes be driven near
overhead obstructions such as utilities, structures, or the canopy of a tree.
Any contact with these obstructions can create an unsafe condition or
incident.
– Utilities:
:
• Electrical lines – can cause electrocution or electrical burns
• Telephone, TV, and other communication lines – can disrupt service
• Gas and water lines – can disrupt service
: – Structures:
• Roofs, bridges, canopies (at retail sites) – can cause damage to the rig
• Low piping – can cause environmental pollution, explosion, damage to the drill rig
– Trees: can damage trees and rig
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Drilling Hazards – Below Ground
 Underground obstructions such as utilities, structures, etc. pose a risk while
drilling because they are hidden from view. Any drill rig contact with these
obstructions can create an unsafe condition or incident.
– Utilities:
• Electrical lines – can cause electrocution or electrical burns
:
• Telephone, cable, or fiber optic lines – can disrupt service
– Structures:
: • Storage tanks – environmental pollution and damage to the tank
• Gas lines – explosion and utility disruption
• Sewer – utility disruption
– Other:
:
• UXO – unexploded ordinance (bombs) can kill or cause extensive damage
• Mine shafts – can result in a cave-in resulting in death or extensive damage
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Drilling Hazards – Drill Rigs and Equipment
 An operating drill rig is a complex piece of machinery with many hot, moving, and heavy components presenting
hazards to workers. Operator error or equipment malfunction can significantly increase the potential for incident.
– Mast: 1) raising and lowering the mast creates pinch or crush points; 2) raising the mast creates the risk of contact with
overhead obstructions; 3) working on the mast can create a fall hazard; and 4) moving the drill rig with the mast raised
increases the chance that the rig will tip over or contact overhead obstructions.
– Drill Head: attaching the drill head and couplings creates pinch points.
– Augers/Drill Rods: 1) rotating parts creates danger of being pulled in, pinched, or crushed; and 2) lifting heavy auger and
drill rods creates pinch/crush points and a risk of back injury.
– Cable Host System: 1) moving cables create pinch points between the pulley wheel and the cable; 2) lifting heavy auger
and drill rods creates falling object, pinch and/or crush hazards; 3) moving cable creates the risk of cuts and abrasions; and
4) equipment failure (e.g., cables, pulleys, lift rings, d-rings, hooks, shackles) create “struck by” or falling object hazards.
– Control Panel: 1) unauthorized or accidental access to the control panel creates the potential for unsafe drill rig operation;
and 2) AECOM staff should never touch the rig’s control panel (except for the “kill switch” in an emergency situation).
– Leveling Jacks: lowering the leveling jacks creates a risk for crushed feet.
– Hammer: moving equipment can create pinch points.
– Jack Hammer: 1) loud noise can result in hearing loss; and 2) moving equipment can result in pinching.
– Steam Cleaner: Hot and pressurized steam can result in severe burns and cuts.
– Pipe Wrench: Inattention or inappropriate use of a pipe wrench can result in injuries.

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Drilling Hazards – Drilling Site
 The drill site location and condition can present hazards that can contribute to incidents.
– Vehicle Traffic: 1) The general public can enter the work area and hit a site worker or interfere with the
drilling operations; 2) Driving to the worksite creates the potential for car accidents; and 3) Work vehicles
on-site create the risk of being hit.
– Debris and Liquids: 1) Creating the risk of slips, trips, and falls; 2) Flammable, caustic, or toxic
chemicals are stored or used at many sites; and 3) Hydraulic fluids associated with the drill rig can be hot
and are often under high pressure.
– Vapors: 1) Dangerous vapors may be present; and 2) Breathing them in may pose serious health risk.
– Stored Material: 1) Stored drill rocks and augers can shift, creating the risk of crushing; and 2) Moving
55-gallon drums, either empty or full, can be dangerous.
– Boreholes: 1) Creates the risk of vehicles, humans, or animals tripping or falling into the borehole; and
2) Small boreholes also create trip hazards.
– Weather: 1) Poor or inclement weather can create the risk of lightning striking the drill rig.
– Non-AECOM Workers/Equipment: 1) May not be aware of common safety standards and practices;
and 2) Non-AECOM equipment may be faulty.
– Crime: 1) Failure to appropriately secure materials may result in loss due to theft.
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Safety Practices – Drilling Safety
 This section introduces safety practices that protect workers
from drilling hazards. While the drilling contractor has the
immediate responsibility to ensure safe drilling operations,
AECOM employees have a responsibility to promote safety. .
– Drilling Safety: Describes safety “do’s and don’ts” used at a drill
site.

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Safety Practices – Drilling Contractors
 Hiring contractors with a strong commitment to safety, a good
safety record, and employees who use Health, Safety,
Security, Environment (HSSE) “best practices” decreases the
risk of incidents for AECOM workers and others.

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Drilling Safety – Site Health and Safety Plan
 The site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) must
document the specific hazards and mitigation policies and
procedures for the drill site. The HASP should contain all
safety documentation for the site.

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Safety Practices – AECOM Drilling Safety Guidelines
 Guidelines to follow when working at a drill site.
– Introduce yourself to the driller: 1) The driller should be aware of your presence on site and your work plan; and 2) Review the
anticipated scope of work (what you will be doing), the known or expected site-specific hazards, and the process for any
changes to the scope of work or hazards with the entire drilling crew.
– Participate in safety briefings: Safety briefings should include discussions of: 1) Required PPE (the required PPE is often
defined in the site HASP); 2) Exclusion zones (areas protected, usually by fences, to keep people away from hazards); 3)
Safety equipment location (safety equipment often includes drill rig emergency power off button, fires aid kits, and fire fighting
equipment); and 4) Emergency response (procedures to follow in an emergency including the “muster” or gathering zone;
agreement on a “stop work” signal or command; and emergency phone numbers and directions to nearest hospital).
– AECOM Staff must minimize time spent working close to the drill rig: 1) Setup sample tables and work area approximately 10
meters way from the drill rig; 2) Only work near a drill rig when your job duties require it; 3) Ask the driller’s help to bring soil or
water samples over to the sample table; 4) If you must approach the drill rig, face the drill rig to view moving parts and do not
work with your back to the drill rig; 5) Never surprise the drill crew in non-emergency situations, always approach the drill crew
slowly and get their attention without touching them; and 6) AECOM workers are prohibited from operating the drill rig (except
to hit the kill switch or button in an emergency situation) or from assisting with supplies.
– Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): 1) Wear PPE equipment as described by the HASP; and 2) At a minimum, staff
working within 30 feet (10 meters) of drilling operations must wear: hardhats, safety shoes, safety glasses, high visibility
clothing, and hearing protection.
– Maintain a clean and organized work area: 1) Avoid leaving tools and other materials on the ground or “propped-up” in an
unsecure/unstable manner to avoid hazardous situations

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Safety Practices – AECOM Contractor Safety Relationship
 AECOM workers should know and expect safe drilling
practices to be used by the drilling contractor and anyone else
at the drill site. If you see an unsafe condition or practice you
MUST intervene, stop work and engage workers at risk.
 A drilling project can be broken into three phases – before,
during, and after drilling. Each has specific safety practices.

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Safety Practices – Before Drilling
 Driving the drill rig onto the sit and positioning the drill rig at a bore location has several safety considerations.
– Select bore hole location: If drilling multiple borings on a site, speak to the site manager or employees. (WHY: To determine which
borings should be installed first versus last based on factors such as traffic flow, anticipated deliveries, etc.)
– Positioning the drill rig: Site and access road should be level and the drill rig should have access clear of obstructions. (WHY: To
prevent the drill rig from tipping or contacting obstructions.)
– Become aware of utility locations: Clear drilling locations of underground and overhead utility service structures. 1) Call a utility locate
service to find the location of utilities; 2) Underground utility service should be marked on the ground. Use tools to identify the exact
location of the utility. Look for unmarked utilities. If water or gas meter is present but not marked on the ground, this presents a known but
unmarked hazard; and 3) Consider the use of non-destructive digging methods like air knifing to avoid contact with underground utilities.
(WHY: To reduce the risk of injury or death, structural damage or utility outages caused by coming in contact with utilities.)
– Establish the work zone: 1) Provide adequate work space around the drill rig for workers; and 2) Establish an exclusion zone to keep
people away from hazards. (WHY: Prevent workers and public from contacting the drill stem (danger zone) and being crushed or
entangled in the rotating equipment.)
– Determine emergency procedures: 1) Select a “muster” point; 2) Identify a “stop work” signal or command; 3) If working at an
operating retail gas station identify location of emergency cut offs (stops power to pumps); and 4) Provide drill site access for emergency
vehicles. (WHY: Provide prompt medical attention case of injury.)
– Level and stabilize drill rig: Level and stabilize the drill rig with jacks. (WHY: Prevent the drill rig from tipping over which can stress the
drill stem causing it to break.)
– Use air monitoring device: Used to measure toxics present per the HSE plan. For example: 1) PID monitors for organic vapors; 2)
aerosol monitors for dust; and 3) 4-gas monitors combustible gas, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and hydrogen sulfide. ( WHY: Monitoring
gas levels keeps workers from encountering dangerous gas levels.)

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Safety Practices – During Drilling
 After the drill rig has been positioned over the bore hole, the driller assembles the drill stem and begins
drilling. Workers handing the drill rods an auger use several safety precautions.
– Wear proper clothing and PPE: Do not wear loose clothing when working with augers. (WHY: Reduces the
risk of becoming entangled in rotating equipment.)
– When lifting manually: Use proper lifting techniques when manually handling rods, augers, and tools. (WHY:
Improper lifting techniques can cause back injuries.)
– Use proper lifting techniques with heavy items: 1) Use lifting straps to avoid pinch/crush injuries. (WHY:
Decreases the risk of injury from manually lifting heavy objects.); and 2) Use the buddy system when lifting tools
and supplies. (WHY: Decreases the risk of back injury or smashed feet.)
– Pay attention to the drill and drilling activities at all times: All individuals present on the drill site should
maintain awareness of the drill at all times. (WHY: To reduce the risk of serious injury caused by the unexpected
drill or rig movement.)
– Clear cuttings with a shovel: Do not use your foot or hands to clear cuttings. (WHY: To reduce the risk of
getting appendages caught in rotating equipment.)
– Unload and store augers and rods securely: Secure drill rods and augers while stored or transported to
prevent shifting. (WHY: Shifting drilling equipment can strike a person.)
– Maintain a clean work site: Maintain a clear work environment. (WHY: To prevent slip, trip and fall accidents.)

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Safety Practices – After Drilling
 After the bore hole has been drilled, workers prepare the drill rig to move to the
next borehole location and secure the drilling area.
– Fill borehole when drilling is finished: Boreholes should be filed or covered
when drilling is finished. (WHY: To prevent people or animals from tripping on or
falling into the hole.)
– Move the drill rig when drilling is finished: 1) Do not move the drill rig with the
mast in the upright position. (WHY: To avoid contact with overhead structures
and increased risk of tipping over due to the high center of gravity.); and 2) A
spotter must be used when moving a drill rig or equipment. (WHY: To avoid any
risk of hitting an object or person and to avoid the risk of tipping the rig.)
– Secure the drilling area: Remove all tools, equipment, and any debris or soil
cuttings. (WHY: Protects the public from slip, trip, or fall hazards.)

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Safety Practices – Scenario Practice 1a
 Workers are drilling in a confined area next
to a building with underground utility lines
present.
– Identify two potential hazards
demonstrated in this scene. Using the
pictures, choose the correct answer(s) for
this question.
• Manually lifting heavy objects
• Loose we cuttings
• Drilling in close vicinity of underground
utilities
• Drilling in confined area with limited
ingress/egress
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Safety Practices – Scenario Practice 1a
 Workers are drilling in a
confined area next to a
building with underground
utility lines present.
– Answers
• Drilling in close vicinity of
underground utilities
• Drilling in confined area with
limited ingress/egress.

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Safety Practices – Scenario Practice 1b
 Workers are drilling in a confined area next
to a building with underground utility lines
present.
– Identify two potential risks the workers face
by remaining on this site. Using the
pictures, choose the correct answer(s) for
this question.
• Lifting heavy objects risks back injuries
• Explosion/electrocution
• Tipping drill rig
• Limited exit or access rescue if emergency
scenario would occur
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Safety Practices – Scenario Practice 1b
 Workers are drilling in a
confined area next to a building
with underground utility lines
present.
– Answers
• Limited exit or access rescue if
emergency scenario would
occur
• Explosion/electrocution

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Safety Practices – Scenario Practice 1c
 Workers are drilling in a confined area
next to a building with underground
utility lines present.
– What action should be taken. Using the
pictures, choose the correct answer(s)
for this question.
• Intervene to protect against hazard
• Stop work to eliminate imminent danger
• Nothing
• Praise worker for using safe work
behaviors
Drill Rig Safety 38
Safety Practices – Scenario Practice 1c
 Workers are drilling in a confined area next to
a building with underground utility lines
present.
– Answers
• Stop work to eliminate imminent danger

NOTE: Call utility locating service, i.e., “One

Call,” then hand dig as necessary to locate
position of utilities. Make sure the Job Safety
Analysis addresses a plan to avoid the utility line
and considers risk of closed space environment
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