The National Drilling Association reports new appointments, as well as a new safety video that will be incorporated into a national training program for drill rig operators.

The National Drilling Association (NDA) board of directors has appointed Larry Gibel its new president. P. Don Ulses, who had served as president since early 2004, announced his retirement from Boart Longyear and the drilling industry as well as his resignation from the position of NDA president. In response to this vacancy, NDA's executive committee nominated Gibel to fill the remainder of the term expiring in 2007. Gibel, owner of Ohio TestBor Inc. in Hinckley, Ohio, has spent his entire career in the geotechnical and environmental drilling industry. He began drilling part-time in 1969, worked as a drilling department manager for several years and then started his own company in 1986.

In other NDA personnel news, a vacancy on the board of directors prompted the appointment of Peggy McGee to the board. McGee, president of Ranger Consulting Inc. in Rome, Ga., will fill out the remainder of the term that expires in 2007.

NDA also announces the release of the new “NDA Drilling Safety Video,” which will be incorporated into a national training program for drill rig operators that is being developed by Parsons Brinckerhoff for the National Highway Institute/Federal Highway Administration. The NDA drilling safety video highlights job hazards and outlines safe practices beginning with mobilization and the set-up process and continuing through drilling operation and shut down procedures. Topics such as personal protective equipment, government regulatory issues and maintenance also are addressed. “The video has been designed to cover everything a drill crew encounters from the time they load up the truck in the morning to the time they arrive back at the shop,” says Dan Dunn, chair of the NDA safety committee. “The focus is on preventing accidents by consistently following the proper procedures.” Dunn says the video is especially useful for new, inexperienced drill crews but also is a valuable tool for reinforcing safety fundamentals with experienced drillers. For management, the video raises awareness of how critical safety and training are to effective company operation. Drilling contractors also can use the video to introduce clients to the safety and performance capabilities of the industry. Single DVDs cost $75 for members, $150 for non-members. To order, or for more information, telephone 727-577-5006 or e-mail pat@nda4u.com.