Equipment Control

Equipment/ Control

(vii) Handheld and stand-mounted drills (including impact and rotary hammer drills)
CONTROL: ventilation (local exhaust ventilation or LEV)

Hammer drill, Rotohammer, Roto-hammer

OSHA1 requires the employer to ensure that:

The equipment is equipped with a commercially available shroud or cowling with a dust collection system that provides at least the minimum air flow required by the manufacturer
The shroud or cowling is intact and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
The hose connecting the tool to the vacuum is intact and without kinks or tight bends
The filter(s) on the vacuum are cleaned or changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
The dust collection bags are emptied to avoid overfilling
A HEPA-filtered vacuum is used when cleaning holes; compressed air can be used in conjunction with a HEPA-filtered vacuum or hole cleaning kit designed for use with compressed air
Additional exhaust is provided as needed to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne dust when operating indoors or in an enclosed space (area where airborne dust can build up)

Other tips:

Check the air flow rate to ensure it is equal to or greater than recommended by the manufacturer
Visually inspect the drill, hood (shroud or cowl) and the dust collection system to ensure they are properly connected
Visually inspect the drill, hood (shroud or cowl) and the dust collection system for missing or damaged parts
Check the drill, hood (shroud or cowl), and dust collection system regularly to ensure the system is operating so that no visible dust2 is emitted from the process once the drill has entered the substrate (material)
Check and replace the filter and empty the dust collection unit, and use filters and collection bags for collecting silica dust
If applicable, regularly check the automatic filter cleaning system to ensure it is operating properly to maintain maximum air flow and suction power and can be used in conjunction with the HEPA filter