New safe drilling guidance on managing the risk of hazardous gases when drilling or piling through coal

July 19, 2019

The Coal Authority has recently updated its guidance to the geotechnical industry on the management of hazardous gases when drilling or piling through coal, and the British Drilling Association (BDA) is encouraging its members and the wider drilling community to view the document.

The new document is designed to provide guidance with respect to drilling and piling through coal measures in an effort to protect drilling operatives, the public and surrounding property.   Serious incidents have occurred in the past, one of which, may have contributed to the deaths of 2 people through carbon monoxide poisoning.

The guidance updates an original document produced in 2012, which was developed following collaboration between the Coal Authority, the Health and Safety Executive, the British Drilling Association, the Federation of Piling Specialists, and the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists, promoted by a number of serious incidents that resulted in a series of toxic gas leaks into houses during the investigation and treatment of former coal mine workings.

In fact, serious incidents have occurred in the past, one of which, may have contributed to the deaths of 2 people through carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide, together with Methane, Hydrogen Sulphide and Carbon Dioxide, are the most common hazardous gases found in mine workings. Less common is Hydrogen together with Oxygen deficient Air.

To read the full article visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-safe-drilling-guidance-published