Water Well & Geothermal Drillers
Well drillers bore deep holes for drinking water, irrigation and geothermal heat loops. Crews work with heavy rigs, rotating rods, high-pressure air and mud, often at remote sites with soft ground and overhead lines.
- Drillers
- Helpers
- Geothermal Installers
Hazards
- Rotating tools and rods: drill pipe, augers and chucks can catch clothing and hands. See Drill Rigs.
- Mast and overhead lines: a raised mast may contact power lines. See Overhead Power Lines.
- Underground utilities: call 811 before drilling. See Call 811.
- Tip-overs on soft or sloping ground.
- High-pressure air and mud hoses: whip and burst. Use whip checks. See Air Compressors.
- Dust and silica from drilling, plus oil and grease. See Silica.
- Heavy casing and rod handling, pinch points and manual lifting.
- Noise and slips on muddy ground and platforms.
- Gases in some formations such as methane or hydrogen sulfide. See Hydrogen Sulfide.
Before drilling
- Locate utilities and check overhead lines; plan the rig position and mast clearance
- Level the rig on firm ground, set jacks and use pads or mats
- Walk the site for holes, soft spots and hazards
- Set an exclusion zone around the rig and mud pit
- Inspect hoses, wire rope, hammers, guards and emergency stops
- Brief the crew on tasks, signals and emergency steps
Safe practice
- Keep hands off rotating rods and the chuck. Use tools to handle drill pipe, and stop rotation first.
- Wear fitted clothing, gloves that cannot be caught, boots, hard hat, eye and hearing protection.
- Use only the lifting devices designed for casing and tools. Keep fingers out of pinch points.
- Keep mast down when moving the rig. Lower it before traveling under lines.
- Cover or secure open holes and mud pits so people and animals do not fall in.
- Sanitize and grout wells as required, and follow rules for contaminated sites.
Standards & references
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