Answer :
Final answer:
Review silica exposure standards and wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves and goggles, before drilling into concrete to prevent inhaling harmful dust and to guard against flying debris. Confirm the location of coworkers to avoid accidents. Use a dust pan and broom for cleaning hazards, and not bare hands.
Explanation:
Before using a hammer drill or rotary hammer to drill into concrete, the most important precaution to take is to review silica exposure standards. When concrete is drilled, it can release respirable crystalline silica dust which can be harmful if inhaled. Therefore, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles is crucial to prevent inhaling dust and to protect against flying debris.
Additionally, it is vital to confirm the location of coworkers to ensure that they are not in the line of any potential hazards, such as debris from the drilling process. While it is not standard practice to spray down the concrete surface with water before drilling unless dust suppression is needed, taking steps to control silica dust at the source can be important. A flying debris guard is not commonly mentioned in safety standards for drilling concrete.
In accordance with general safety rules, one should always use safety aprons when required and be cautious when cleaning up materials like broken glass, using a dust pan and broom rather than bare hands to prevent injury.
Final answer:
To safely drill into concrete, it is important to install a flying debris guard, review silica exposure standards, confirm the location of coworkers, and spray down the concrete surface with water.
Explanation:
Before using a hammer drill or rotary hammer to drill into concrete, it is important to take several safety precautions:
- Install a flying debris guard on the drill chuck: This helps prevent debris from flying back towards the user and causing injury.
- Review silica exposure standards: Concrete drilling can create silica dust, which can be hazardous to health. Understanding the standards and taking necessary precautions can protect against potential health risks.
- Confirm the location of coworkers: It's important to ensure that coworkers are at a safe distance and out of harm's way to avoid accidents or injuries.
- Spray down the concrete surface with water: Wetting the surface helps to minimize dust production during drilling and reduces the risk of inhaling harmful particles.
Following these steps can help ensure safe drilling practices when working with concrete.
