Safety Minute: 5 Tips for Safe and Productive Drilling with Your Digger Derrick

To stay safe and perform the job efficiently, utility crews make many important decisions when performing drilling operations. Here are 5 tips to follow for safe and productive drilling with your digger derrick.  

1. Call Before You Dig 

Before putting a digger derrick to work, be aware of what’s below the dig location. In the US, “Call before you DIG” by calling 811 can help protect you and others from unintentional contact with existing underground utilities. Canada also has a similar program, but the phone number will vary by province. 

2. Always Hold Your Safety Tailgate Meeting 

Tailgate safety meetings should include reminders for personnel to stand at least 15 feet away from drilling operations, to be aware of moving parts and open holes, and to wear proper PPE, including gloves, goggles, hard hats, hearing protection and hi-vis clothing. If work continues around open holes, either cover the holes or wear fall protection and tie off to an approved permanent structure.  Always follow your employer’s work rules for PPE and working around open holes. 

3. Inspect Your Jobsite, Equipment and Tools 

Jobsite Inspection 

When arriving, always inspect the work area for overhead lines to prevent powerline contact and electrocution. The job site inspection should also include inspection of the equipment and tools you plan to use.  

Equipment and Tool Inspections 

It’s important to check auger tooling teeth to ensure they are in good condition. For example, if rock teeth don’t turn freely, they may wear flat on one side decreasing life and efficiency.  

It is just as important to look to make sure all the teeth are there and in the proper location. As well as making sure the pilot bit is in good condition and in place. 

Also look for wear in the teeth pockets and the carbide on the bullet tooth. If the carbide on a bullet tooth has worn away, it’s time to replace the tooth. Not changing worn teeth can severely damage the tooth pocket, which can be costly to repair.  

Check the hard-face edges of auger flighting and barrel tools for wear or the diameter of the hole may be affected. Re-hard facing the edges prevents a reduction in the hole diameter and can often be done in the field. Follow manufacturer’s and your employer’s instructions for daily pre-shift equipment and tool inspections. 

4. Repair Auger Tooling as Needed 

Always follow manufacturer instructions for any auger tool repairs. Follow correct tooth installation and removal procedures, using the proper tools.  

Many tools are designed to make tooth replacement easy, but it can be a dangerous task if not done correctly. For example, never strike the carbide face with a hammer. Anytime you strike a hardened surface there is risk of metal shattering off, which can cause bodily injury.  

Finally, remember to grease teeth upon installation. This is very important for maintaining free movement during operation and it makes it easier to remove the teeth when replacing them.  

5. Use Outrigger Pads 

Digger derricks use a variety of types of stabilizers or outriggers, such as—A-frame, out-and-down, and radial. Regardless of the type of outrigger, always use outrigger pads underneath the footing. This prevents one side of the machine from sinking into the ground.  

When the machine is out of level, it can cause your hole to not be plumb. Digger derrick operators must continuously monitor the boom position, to make sure the auger remains vertical by extending or retracting and rotating as needed. 

If you need assistance with replacing your auger teeth or inspecting your equipment, reach out to us– we’d love to help!