The potential for a new standard for safe
drill rig operation in construction projects
By CSA Group
Drill rigs are frequently used in construction projects, and the
safe and effective operation of these rigs is a critical component
in ensuring the safety of workers on the job site. Despite
being used hundreds of times per year across Canada, there
currently isn’t a unified set of safety practices that can be
applied nationally for drill rigs.
Responding to this need, CSA Group organized and facilitated
a two-day workshop that included representatives from
the Eastern Canadian and Western Canadian Chapters of the
International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC) to
explore the potential for the development of a new standard
for drill rigs. The workshop engaged stakeholders at a national
level to identify industry needs with respect to harmonized
safety requirements and completed an in-depth review of an
initial ADSC document on drill shaft requirements. The workshop
brought together stakeholders representing owners;
management; contractors; manufacturers; operators; regulatory
authorities; and other stakeholders such as inspectors,
consultants and trainers to participate and share their voice
on this important topic.
The workshop discussed the scope of the current version
of the ADSC document, which is focused on kelly bar drilling
and auger drilling, and identified a number of gaps that
would need to be considered, such as training/operator
qualifications, site conditions, additional equipment types,
stability and drilling procedures.
With respect to the ADSC document, workshop participants
expressed support for the following enhancements:
I. Including/enhancing drilling procedures;
II. Defining minimum competency and minimum operator
qualifications;
III. Addressing soil and effluent management plans;
IV. Including a checklist or content on assessing changing
site conditions; and
V. Addressing drill rig bearing pressure.
It was further agreed that consideration needs to be given
to the development of separate documents and standards on
equipment not currently addressed in the ADSC document
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(such as CFA, micropiles, anchors, soil mixing, cutter soil
mixing, diaphragm walls, displacement piles, etc.).
CSA Group and the Eastern and Western Chapters of the
ADSC will be discussing potential next steps for transitioning
the ADSC document into a CSA National Standard.
If you are interested in participating in the development
of this standard or looking at other opportunities
to support these efforts, please contact Andrea Holbeche
(andrea.holbeche@csagroup.org), project manager, Worker
and Public Safety Program, at CSA Group.
Northstar Sharp’s Foundation Specialists:
An amalgamation of two great companies
On Jan. 1st, 2017, Northstar and Sharp’s Construction
joined forces. The companies still belong to and share the
unparalleled resources of the Valard Group of Companies –
www.thevalardgroup.com
Northstar Sharp’s is the hybrid of two companies that had
much in common – values, skilled and dedicated resources,
unmatched piling and drilling capabilities and a desire to be
the leader within our sector and market. This change provides
customers with a comprehensive value offering unmatched
within the industry, all under one roof.
The senior leadership teams of both the Valard Group and
Northstar Sharp’s decided on the amalgamation in order to
strengthen and improve our capabilities, while increasing
our ability to effectively compete across all lines of service.
Visit the new website to learn more: www.northstarsharps.com.
PILING CANADA 73
/www.thevalardgroup.com
/www.northstarsharps.com
