Getting the Job Done with Construction Contractors

Getting the Job Done with Construction Contractors

Two safety precautions that should be taken when using core drills during a construction project

by Audrey Ramos

Many construction projects involve core drilling; this is where a piece of equipment called a core drill is used to create a long, cylindrical hole in a hard surface (such as concrete or stone, for example).

Core drills are incredibly powerful and as such, it is important to take certain safety precautions when using them. Here are two such precautions.

Wear safety gear

Wearing safety gear when performing core drilling work can drastically reduce a person's chances of sustaining an injury.

First and foremost, every core drill operator should be given a dust mask. This item will reduce the quantity of dust that they inhale whilst working (core drilling generates a huge amount of dust which, if inhaled, can cause lung irritation and respiratory problems).

Secondly, they should be provided with a pair of safety goggles. These goggles will prevent dust from getting into their eyes; this is important, as even a momentary bout of impaired vision could affect their ability to hold onto and point the drill in the right direction; this, in turn, could result in them accidentally wounding themselves or someone nearby with the equipment.

Thirdly, core drill operators should be given two forms of ear protection; specifically, a set of pliable earplugs and a pair of ear muffs. The reason for this is that core drills generate an extremely loud noise when in use, which could potentially cause permanent hearing loss if the operator is not wearing appropriate ear protection.

Put a barrier around the work area

Whilst the person operating the core drill is the one most likely to be hurt by it, those in the vicinity of the equipment are also at risk of injury.

For example, construction workers walking past the area where the core drilling is taking place, who are not wearing the above-mentioned safety gear, could sustain a wound as a result of being struck by an airborne piece of concrete, could inhale toxic dust, or may suffer hearing loss as a result of being exposed to the loud noise created b the equipment.

As such, it is important for the individual who intends to use the core drill to set up a barrier (using construction tape or a portable fence) around the area where they will be working. This barrier should be positioned at least ten or twenty metres away from the spot which is to be drilled, to ensure that no other unprotected workers accidentally get too close to the drilling site.


Share

About Me

Getting the Job Done with Construction Contractors

Hello, my name is Carl and this is my construction and contractor blog. I do not work in the construction business but last year, my wife and I had a lot of work carried out on our summer home which is located on the Gold Coast. Winter storms had damaged the roof and a couple of seabirds had made a nest in there. The place was a real mess but thankfully the contractors did a great job of repairing the roof and fixing up the damage to the loft space. I learn a lot during the repairs so I decided to start a new blog. Enjoy!