There are many different options in rock drills on the market today. There are some smaller systems that are manually operated rock drills, typical to a jackhammer or similar device. There are also larger systems that are mounted to a skid steer or a larger piece of excavation equipment, both with are commonly found on construction, mining, road work and other types of similar large projects.
For the equipment mounted hydraulic rock drill models, there are important safety issues that need to be carefully considered before, during and after use. By reviewing the safety requirements and developing operator policies for maintaining and using the equipment, the risk of any type of damage or injury during use can be minimized.
Pre-Use Check
It is critical to ensure that all hydraulic rock drill equipment has a pre-use inspection or maintenance check with every use. This includes checking the hydraulic hoses and connections and ensuring there are no signs of leaks or other equipment issues.
Always check to make sure any parts installed on the hydraulic system, including hoses and couplers, are the correct size for the system. The manufacturer will provide this information in the manual, online or with a quick phone call. Using the incorrect size can result in incorrect flow rates to the equipment that will not only shorten the life cycle but may result in high-pressure leaks when under load.
In Use Considerations
As with any type of drilling equipment, it is critical to ensure the equipment is level and stabilized before use of the hydraulic rock drill. Always check to make sure there are no electrical or gas lines in the area that may be impacted by the drilling process. Check that everyone in the area is aware of the drilling and is positioned away from the drill before starting.
It is also highly recommended to ensure that the operator and all observers to the process are wearing full safety gear including safety glasses, hard hats and protective clothing. Ear protection is also a must for everyone in the vicinity of operation of the equipment.
