BLACK & VEATCH
Guidance
No.
Plant and work equipment
HAND DRILL SAFETY
Page:
GA455D
1 of 3
GA455D
Plant and work equipment
HAND DRILL SAFETY
(also covering the use of ‘magnetic’ drills)
Related process:
A455
Plant and work equipment
Do not deviate,
Do not improvise,
Operate SAFELY or not at all
Background:
There have been a number of incidents relating to the incorrect use on site of electric hand
drills. These injuries often resulted from using incorrect equipment or technique. Holes
should be pre-formed or drilled off-site where possible.
Similar problems have arisen with ‘Magna’ broach drills — these are designed for drilling
steel components and use an electromagnet to hold themselves to the item being drilled.
Additional guidance items that relate specifically to this type of drill are marked .
This is a mandatory briefing note for all those using hand drills and is to be delivered during:
—
site induction of personnel using hand drills;
—
method statement or risk assessment briefings for work where drills are to be used.
Your own safety and the safety of those around you depends on you using the drill safely.
Please stick to the plan to ensure the safe use of the drill.
1.
Method statement and risk assessment:
Only operate the drill if you have been given a risk assessment (and method
statement) and a briefing which covers the use of the drill and the task you are have
been asked to undertake.
Drilling operations will be planned and assessed to ensure you have the right tool for
the job and that the necessary control measures are in place. These may include, for
example, using a pillar drill or using a vice to hold the work. If you have any
concerns over the safety of the task — tell your supervisor.
If a hammer drill is to be used, you will need to keep track of how long you spend
actually using the tool for drilling operations (not the total time you have the tool in
your possession). This will allow your supervisor to assess, record and monitor your
level of use — to ensure that you do not risk over-exposure to hand-arm vibration.
2.
Manufacturer’s instructions:
You must read and understand the manufacturer’s or supplier’s operating instructions
for the drill that you are about to use.
After you have read and understood the operating instructions, you should return
them to your supervisor for safe keeping — so that they are available for reference
and for eventual return to the supplier.
File name:
bandv-manuals-hand-drillsafety.doc
Date of issue:
12 November 2010
Date printed:
12 March 2014
 Black & Veatch Limited
Prepared by:
A D Gascoyne / J D Gibbs
Reviewed by:
C Arrowsmith
This document is UNCONTROLLED except when accessed in PROSYS or via the BVL Intranet
BLACK & VEATCH
3.
Guidance
No.
Plant and work equipment
HAND DRILL SAFETY
Page:
GA455D
2 of 3
Visual check:
Before using a drill for the first time, you should check the following for any defects
or damage:
—
operating controls;
—
plug and supply cable;
—
handles;
—
casing.
You should check that the drill has had a ‘portable appliance test’ (PAT) within the
last three months.
Where possible, the drill should be fitted with Active Torque Control (ATC) —
which stops the drill in a fraction of a second if the drill body begins to rotate. ATC
operates in addition to the mechanical slip clutch, with sensors detecting the
acceleration of the tool body. If it suddenly begins to rotate, the control unit will
disengage a magnetic clutch immediately and shut off the motor. If ATC is not fitted
and the drill bit jams, the tool will twist with a jolt.
Before using a magnetic drill, you should check the following additional points:

ensure that the magnet is working;

ensure that the metal surface to which the drill is to be attached is clean and
dry;

ensure that the drill has a guard attached;

ensure that the lubricant bottle is attached.
If you are uncertain about the condition of the drill, do not use the tool and notify
your supervisor immediately.
4.
Check the position of the hole:
Ensure that you know exactly where the hole is to be made and verify that the
position has been correctly set out. If it appears that the hole might cause a
significant weakening of a structural member — for example, a large hole through the
flange of a beam — check with your supervisor that the position is correct.
5.
Use the correct PPE:
In addition to the site PPE requirements, goggles must be used when operating a hand
drill; an assessment of the task may indicate the need for additional equipment such
as the following:
—
respiratory protective equipment;
—
hearing protection.
6.
Work area and work position:
Make sure you have a safe work area that allows a safe working position and:
—
is clear of debris and materials with no trip hazards;
—
has clear and adequate access.
If using a magnetic drill above head height or at an angle, an appropriate safety strap
must be used, where it is practical to do so.
File name:
bandv-manuals-hand-drillsafety.doc
Date of issue:
12 November 2010
Date printed:
12 March 2014
 Black & Veatch Limited
Prepared by:
A D Gascoyne / J D Gibbs
Reviewed by:
C Arrowsmith
This document is UNCONTROLLED except when accessed in PROSYS or via the BVL Intranet
BLACK & VEATCH
Guidance
No.
Plant and work equipment
HAND DRILL SAFETY
Page:
GA455D
3 of 3
7.
Ensure the drill bit is correctly fitted:—
—
Ensure it is straight and centred in the jaws.
—
Avoid over-tightening the chuck.
—
Do not exceed the chuck capacity.
—
Check by giving it a short run.
—
Never change settings unless the drill has come to a stop.
—
Before changing accessories, ensure the drill is disconnected from the supply.
—
Always ensure that the drill bit or chisel point is sharp and in good condition.

Ensure the guard is used at all times.
8.
Do the job safely:—
—
Check for embedded cables and pipework before drilling into walls or floors.
—
Hold the drill correctly — using both handles supplied to support the drill as
appropriate.
—
Stand correctly.
—
Do not use the trigger lock.
—
Drill in a straight line at a right angle to the surface, where possible.
—
Do not allow the drill to overheat.
—
Ensure that the air vents are kept clear.
—
Do not force the drill or chisel – let it do the work for which it was designed.

Ensure you can reach the magnet’s off switch.

Ensure the surface to which the drill is being attached is clean and free of
debris.
9.
Specific drilling considerations:—
—
For metal, mark the position of the hole with a metal punch.
—
Drill a pilot hole for larger-diameter holes.
—
For metal, use cutting oil to lubricate the hole during drilling.
—
Exert just enough pressure to achieve a steady rate of progress, allowing the
drill to do the work.
—
Withdraw the bit from time to time (while keeping the drill running) to cool
the bit and clear waste from the hole.
—
If the drill becomes jammed, do not apply more pressure — this may cause
the drill to break.

Let the drill do the work — do not force the drill since this may cause the
drill to lift and the magnet to become detached, thus allowing the drill to turn,
with the risk of causing injury.
10.
Finish the job:—

Switch off magnet and turn off the power.
—
Disconnect the drill from the electricity supply.
—
Never touch bits that have just been used since they could be very hot and
could cause burning — let them cool first.
—
Clean the drill and work area.
11.
Returning the drill:
Do not leave or lend any tool — return it to the stores or stow it in a safe dry place. If
there is any damage or defect, report it to your supervisor.
File name:
bandv-manuals-hand-drillsafety.doc
Date of issue:
12 November 2010
Date printed:
12 March 2014
 Black & Veatch Limited
Prepared by:
A D Gascoyne / J D Gibbs
Reviewed by:
C Arrowsmith
This document is UNCONTROLLED except when accessed in PROSYS or via the BVL Intranet