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News Release from: Health and Safety Executive | Subject: Guarding on mobile drilling rigs
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 18 May 2006
Lack of guarding on mobile drilling rigs
HSE warns over lack of guarding on mobile drilling rigs.
HSE is issuing a warning to operators and those in close proximity of mobile drilling machinery, to adequately guard the rotating parts of drilling rigs The warning comes following a recent investigation into an incident in which an operator became entangled in the rotating drill string of the rig he was using
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 13 Jul 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The drill was completely unguarded, the position of the controls placed him at particular danger and there was no suitable emergency stop device; the operator suffered horrific injuries as a result.
HSE's investigation found the company's risk assessment was not suitable or sufficient.
During the investigation HSE approached two independent manufacturers of guards who estimated that the suitable level of protection for this machine would have cost approximately £5,000 to design, supply and fit.
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As a result of the subsequent prosecution the company concerned was prosecuted for breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, for failing to ensure the safety of their employee.
The company pleaded guilty in a magistrates' court in April of this year, was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay a further £30,000 towards the prosecution costs.
It has been established during this and similar investigations, that it is not uncommon for the rotating drill string in such machinery to be inadequately guarded.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers to take effective measures to prevent access to a dangerous part of machinery.
The same Regulations, give a hierarchy of protective measures with the highest being a fixed guard.
In August 2000, the British Drilling Association (BDA), with input from HSE and industry, published "Guidance Notes for the Protection of Persons from Rotating Parts and Ejected or Falling Material Involved in the Drilling Process" which gives industry-specific advice on how to comply with PUWER, the hierarchy of protection as well as other relevant legislation.
HSE's opinion is that a fixed or moveable, interlocked guard would be a practicable method of preventing access to the rotating drill string in all but a very few cases.
The highest level of protection for workers should be sought, not the most convenient or the cheapest.
Stephen Williams, Chief Inspector of Construction said, "HSE urges all employers whose employees use these machines to review their risk assessments ensuring they are robust, with the prime consideration being the safety of those using, or in close proximity to, the machine".
"Where a lower level of protection is the only practicable solution this must be fully justified with further management measures put in place".
"The risks from becoming entangled in these machines are well known and there is available guidance written by the British Drilling Association in association with the drilling industry and HSE on how these risks can and should be addressed".
"The hierarchy of protective measures laid out in legislation is just that, a hierarchy, and companies must realise that their employees are entitled to the highest practicable level of protection available".
HSE, with the cooperation of the BDA (British Drilling Association), will shortly be contacting all firms in the UK undertaking work known to be using such machines to remind them of their legal duties, enquire about their current standards and identify areas for improvement.
We will be seeking assurances that companies are complying with the requirements of PUWER or have robust action plans to ensure compliance within a reasonable period.
HSE will follow up those companies who are unable to demonstrate that they have taken sufficient action to ensure that people are not being put at risk.
British Drilling Association - 01327 264622.
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