March 25, 2025
The BDA Health & Safety Sub-Committee met virtually on 20th March 2025 via Microsoft Teams. The meeting covered a range of key safety matters and updates across drilling practices, equipment guidance, and mental health.
Key Highlights:
- LOLER Application Paper Progress – Continued work on the draft LOLER Application Position Paper highlighted the need to clarify further application of LOLER. It was agreed that legislative depth should remain in the Safety Manual, while visual aids and a FAQ section will be added. The revised draft will be uploaded to SharePoint for committee review.
- Cable Percussion Guidance and Safety Enhancements – A member-raised query on bailer tipping methods in cable percussion drilling has prompted a wider review of section 6.2 of the current guidance. Video demonstrations and imagery will be shared to facilitate agreement on updated safe practice. Once finalised, a new alert or guidance will be published.
- Winch Operation Incident – An issue during CP rig operation was raised where a winch rope was unintentionally released. Contributing factors included excess rope length and potential interference with the control handle. Committee members agreed to share further visual references and propose mitigations.
- Shackle Labelling Under LOLER – Methods for serialising shackles remain under discussion. Air engraving is currently used, with alternatives such as crimped washers debated. Manufacturer input is being sought.
- Audit Update – February saw record audit activity, with 50 audits conducted. Forty-two remain outstanding, and four failed audits were noted due to wire rope and guarding issues. Member dropouts included Strata and Borehole Solutions.
- BDA Safety Guidance Review – A budget has been agreed with the Finance & Strategy Sub-Committee to outsource the consolidation of safety documents. Equipe has been selected following a tender, with the aim of harmonising BDA and AGS guidance. The committee also clarified that mast capacity should not be listed under safe working load in the lifting equipment form (RMP14) and this will be amended.
- Client Engagement and AGM Reminder – The possibility of clients attending H&S meetings was raised. The committee proposed an annual forum or one-off attendance, to be discussed further with the Management Committee. A reminder was also shared that the BDA AGM and Conference will take place on 21st May 2025.