When must drills be attended to while in operation?

Drills must be attended to at all times while in operation to ensure the safety of the miners and the effectiveness of the drilling process. Continuous oversight allows for immediate response to potential hazards such as equipment malfunction, unexpected noise, or any signs of distress. This vigilant supervision helps prevent accidents and ensures that the drilling operation runs smoothly.

Constant attendance is crucial because even small issues can escalate quickly if not addressed immediately. For example, if a drill bit begins to overheat or if the drill encounters an unforeseen geological formation, having personnel on-site can help mitigate risks and implement safety measures without delay.

Periodic maintenance checks or scheduled breaks do not provide adequate supervision of the equipment during drilling operations, and simply monitoring drills only when changing bits may pose significant risks. This approach fails to meet safety regulations and standards, emphasizing the necessity of attentive oversight during active drilling.