In hard rock mining and quarrying, this is achieved through a controlled process of drilling and blasting. A blast hole drill rig is a specialised piece of equipment that creates a series of holes in a specific pattern, depth, and diameter across a section of rock known as a “bench.”
[pdf] Keep hands off the stump of pipe in the rotary or mouse hole. Only place hands on tong handles. Keep hands off of the tong latch except to open the tongs. Keep an eye on swinging tongs at all times. Stand clear of the spinning chain. Never put your hand on top of the drill pipe or collar box at any time.
[pdf] Many accidents on the drill floorwhile pipe tripping involve using tongs. Injuries result from being caught between tongs and being struck by swinging tongs. All tongs should be securely attached and anchored.
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