In last month’s National Driller, we touched on geotechnical and environmental field work. This month, I discuss safety in a wrap-up to a three-part series on limited access drilling.
The most important aspect of any drilling job, whether limited or unlimited access, is safety. With a bigger rig and taller tower, it can be much more obvious when drilling near overhead power lines as to whether or not you are too close to them. With a smaller rig, it may not be so easy. Minimum distances from overhead electrical lines should be enforced by both the drill crew and the consultant. Also, any drillers should have the backbone to say no if they believe they aren’t at a safe working distance. No job is too important that it should be undertaken less than the minimum distance from overhead lines without specific safety precautions taken by the power company. That may include covering overhead lines with sheathing to prevent arcing or even shutting down power, if possible, to the lines closest to the work area.