F.A.Q.

-Bailing is the transportation and removal of drill cuttings from the hole by high velocity air.

– Drilling efficiency is improved when holes are cleaned (i.e. clear of cuttings)-  Insufficient bailing cause cuttings to recirculate in the hole until cuttings become fine enough to be carried out of hole

                -The capacity of the compressor,

                -The bit diameter and

                -Drill pipe diameter.

             When calculating Bailing Velocity, we must make adjustments to the air volume, to compensate for altitude and temperature.

-Cobalt, amongst other substances, makes part of the hardmetal powder that is used in creating hard, durable equipment in mine-type drilling.

-Exposure to cobalt occurs under the following circumstances: dust or mist, sintered hardmetal products, hardmetal scrap or sludge or pure cobalt powder. The label below indicates you are at risk to potential cobalt exposure.

-The effect of cobalt exposure on your health can potentially occur quickly, after only a short time of exposure while others develop after many years of exposure, but it can vary;

 Through breathing in cobalt, you are exposed to the risk of the following (concerning the lungs):

• Asthma
• Lung Fibrosis
• Lung Cancer

Fortunately, our body has its own way of filtering bad air particles being breathed in, such as with our natural defense system like mucosa. But smaller particles can still pass through and potentialy cause harm, if preventative initiatives aren’t being used. Be sure to implement these precautions and watch for suspicious signs of bad cobalt exposure.

Another way of potential cobalt exposure can be through contact with your skin; signs of contact can include:

Allergic contact dermatitis, which can occur in individuals who are sensitive to cobalt; may not necessarily appear on the area of the skin that has been in contact with cobalt.

Irritant contact dermatitis, which can appear on areas of the skin that have had a lot of exposure to cobalt over a long period of time.

Symptoms to cobalt exposure through the skin: red, inflamed skin that can become dry, cracked, blistered and itchy.

All potential health risks above depend on different circumstances and can be prevented by following simple guidelines, such as wearing protective PPE, such as dust masks, wearing protective gloves and other overall protective gear (glasses, correct clothing, etc.) also:

Avoid prolonged contact with your skin.

Wear long sleeves and gloves;

Wear Safety glasses to avoid contact with your eyes

Wash hands/face when they become dirty during your work day;

Use a barrier hand cream before work to create a barrier to contact with cobalt;

Change out of work clothes if they become dirty;

Use conditioning hand cream to keep your skin in good condition;

Avoid oral contact through: Washing your hands regularly/ before you eat, rub your skin or touch any surface/area on your body.

If you experience symptoms, tell your health care provider and your supervisor.