Diamond Drilling RAMS Guide for UK Contractors

Key Topics in a Diamond Drilling RAMS

Service detection

Before drilling, the RAMS must confirm: as-built drawings reviewed; CAT/Genny scan carried out by a trained operator; reinforcement (rebar) location confirmed using a cover meter or GPR survey where required for structural integrity. A strike on a live electrical cable, pressurised pipe, or gas service must be treated as an emergency — the RAMS must include a strike response procedure.

Core drop risk

When drilling through a floor slab, the core plug will drop at completion unless restrained. In areas with people or activity below, the RAMS must require: notifying the area below and establishing an exclusion zone, core restraint device or catch bag fitted to the drill barrel, and a spotter below for horizontal drilling through walls. This is the diamond drilling-specific hazard that other trades do not face.

Silica dust (RCS)

Drilling concrete generates respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Engineering controls must be used before RPE: water suppression through the drill (through-drill water feed) eliminates airborne dust at source; wet drilling is the primary control. Where dust cannot be fully suppressed, RPE to FFP3 minimum. Operators must be under the HAVS and health surveillance programme.

HAVS

Diamond drilling machines produce significant hand-arm vibration. The RAMS must state the EAV (2.5 m/s² A(8)) and ELV (5 m/s² A(8)), the HAV magnitude for the specific drill used, and the daily exposure time limit based on the tool’s measured vibration level. Operator health surveillance under COSHH is required where EAV is regularly reached.

Slurry management

Water-cooled drilling produces significant slurry. Uncontrolled slurry creates slip hazards and can cause environmental pollution via drainage. The RAMS must describe containment (vacuum slurry collection or bunded area), disposal route, and drainage protection measures.