OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
June 4, 1990
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THROUGH: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
THOMAS J SHEPICH
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin - Earth Boring Machines |
The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard Information Bulletins
(HIB) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65 to provide relevant
information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood safety and health
hazards, inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and engineering
controls. HIB's are initiated based on information provided by the field
staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health
professionals, employers, and the public. Information is compiled based on a
comprehensive evaluation of available facts, literature and in coordination
with appropriate parties. HIB's do not necessarily reflect OSHA policy.
The Boston Regional Office brought to our attention an accident involving an
earth boring machine. This machine is a helical auger drill mounted on a
truck. It is used for soil investigation and sampling. The auger drill
involved in the accident was manufactured by the Mobile Drilling Company of
Indianapolis, Indiana. The machine was not equipped with any guard or safety
device.
The boring action of the machine was accomplished by a hollow-stem auger
section connected to the drive shaft of the drill by an auger cap or bell.
The bell was secured to the drive shaft by a bolt and a cotter pin. The bolt
and pin used on the drive shaft of the machine involved in the accident
protruded approximately 2 1/8" from the drive shaft.
The accident occurred when the injured worker's vest was caught by the
cotter pin. The worker was then drawn into the rotating auger. He sustained
multiple fractures and his right arm had to be amputated.
Because the driller and/or helper must have access to the auger area, a
physical guard for the auger may be impractical. According to Mobile Drilling
Company, the company has developed an emergency shut-off device with a trip
cable to stop the drive shaft's rotary motion instantaneously. Drills
manufactured between 1970 and 1980 can be equipped with the safety device as
an option. Since 1980, the safety device became a standard equipment for
Mobile Drilling Company's drills. Regardless of the manufacturer of an earth
boring machine, it is feasible to protect workers from the hazard of rotating
augers.
Please distribute this bulletin to Area Offices, State Plan States, and
consultation Project Officers.
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