Innovation Guidelines – Camera Recording Systems
By Colin Rice · Colin Rice Exploration Drilling Advisory · www.colinrice.co.za
The exploration drilling industry is undoubtedly experiencing significant pressure to improve levels of safety performance through the implementation of a number of safety innovations such as hands-free rod handling, remote control of drill rigs, above ground sump systems, cameras and wrench-free drill sites amongst others.
Based on interactions with a number of mining companies and contractors, it is clear that there is a lack of clarity about the advantages and disadvantages and the appropriate application of some of these innovations. It has also become apparent that some manufacturers do not have a clear idea of what the ideal camera recording system should look like.
In order to get some clarity and consensus, DrillSafe facilitated a series of workshops to discuss these ideas and to formulate a set of guidelines that could assist manufacturers, mining companies and contractors. Take a look at what the Drill Rig Safety Guidelines Innovation Forum was about here. A summary of the discussions held during the Forums are included below followed by the guidelines that were developed.
Summary of Discussions
1. It was agreed that the installation of cameras could have positive impacts on safety and productivity aspects of all drilling operations.
2. Agreed that there are several possible benefits:
Presence of cameras could change behaviour.
Could assist in incident and accident investigation.
Footage obtained can be used as an aid in safety training.
Could be used a disciplinary tool – this will introduce a number of HR issues.
3. Questions were raised about whether full value can be obtained if cameras are not actively monitored - should cameras stream in real time or should recordings be downloaded on a daily basis?
4. How many cameras should be installed and what parts of the drill site should they focus on?
5. Should the cameras be installed by the contractor or should they be installed by the mining company? If installed by the contractor, then access to footage by the mining company will have to be a condition of the drilling contract.
Guidelines for the Implementation of Camera Recording Systems on Drill Rigs
All drill rigs should have at least one camera installed in a position where it is able to capture an image of the driller’s deck and the work area of the operation.
Cameras may be contractor installed and owned or they can be mining company installed and owned.
Cameras must be of an infra-red type, be high definition and have a field of vision that will allow good visual access of the drillers deck and work area.
The cameras must be powered by a power source independent of the drill rig.
The camera system must be capable of storing footage for at least three days alternatively, the system must be capable of transmitting data to an off-site storage system.
Systems must be fully and completely risk assessed and a copy of the risk assessment must be provided to the mining company.
Full operation and safety, maintenance and parts manuals must be provided for the system.
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The exploration drilling industry is undoubtedly experiencing significant pressure to improve levels of safety performance through the implementation of a number of safety innovations…