Why is safety during drilling so important?

Neglecting safety rules when working with a drill is a straightforward path to serious health issues and material losses. The hazards are twofold: they concern both the operator and the material being worked on as well as the tool itself. The most serious, although often invisible, enemy is dust – especially fine silica dust generated when drilling into concrete or brick, which can lead to irreversible lung diseases. A proper approach to drilling safety is the foundation of any renovation work.

In addition to dust, the risk comes from material splinters, which can damage eyesight, as well as the risk of electric shock if hidden wires in the wall are accidentally drilled through. One must not forget about noise and vibrations, which negatively affect health in the long run. From a technical perspective, improper technique leads to drill destruction, surface damage, and even tool failure. Therefore, awareness and prevention are crucial.

Respiratory protection: masks and filters

Invisible dust particles suspended in the air during work are one of the biggest threats. A regular surgical mask is insufficient as it does not filter the smallest and most harmful fractions. Effective protection against drilling dust requires the use of certified half-masks that provide an adequate level of respiratory protection against dust, fumes, and aerosols.

FFP filtration classes – what do they mean?

Filtering half-masks are divided into three basic classes, which determine their effectiveness. For most renovation work, especially when working with concrete, gypsum, or brick, the absolute minimum is an FFP2 mask, which filters at least 94% of particles. It provides good protection against moderately toxic dust. In the case of working in a very dusty environment or with materials containing hazardous substances (e.g., old mineral wool), it is recommended to use the highest class masks, FFP3. They filter at least 99% of particles and are the standard in professional applications. It is also crucial that the mask fits perfectly to the face, as any leaks undermine its protective function.

Eye protection: what glasses to choose for drilling?

The eyes are extremely sensitive to mechanical injuries, and during drilling, the risk of getting a material splinter in them is very high. Even a small fragment of plaster, wood, or metal moving at high speed can cause serious and permanent eye damage. Therefore, wearing eye protection is absolutely mandatory for every, even the shortest, task with a drill. The choice of appropriate protective gear depends on the type of work being performed and potential hazards.

For basic applications, where the risk of splinters is limited, standard safety glasses with polycarbonate lenses that shield the eyes from the front and sides are sufficient. They must meet the EN166 standard. However, when drilling into ceilings or brittle materials where dust and debris can enter the eye from all sides, tightly fitting protective goggles are a much better solution. They provide complete isolation of the eyes from the external environment, guaranteeing the highest level of safety.

Drilling techniques that minimize dust

The most effective method of protecting health is to act at the source of the problem, which is to reduce the amount of dust generated during work. There are several proven ways to drill safely and cleanly, which translates not only to health but also to work comfort and less need for cleaning up afterward. Using these techniques in conjunction with personal protective equipment creates a comprehensive safety system.

The basic and very effective method is to use an industrial vacuum cleaner with the appropriate dust extraction attachment, mounted directly at the drill hole. Many modern power tools have dedicated dust extraction systems. Other techniques, although less universal, also yield good results. The following list presents the most popular methods for reducing dust.

• Using a vacuum cleaner with an attachment: The most effective method, which extracts dust directly from the source.
• Wet drilling: A technique primarily used with hard materials like porcelain tiles or concrete. Water binds the dust, preventing it from becoming airborne.
• Using special covers: Simple rubber or plastic covers for the drill bit are available on the market, which collect most of the debris falling from the hole.
• Regularly emptying the hole: For deep holes, it is worth pulling the drill out every few centimeters to remove the debris, which limits its dusting outside.

How to avoid damaging the drill and material?

Safety is not only about protecting health but also about taking care of the equipment and the workpiece. Proper technique and equipment selection help avoid costly mistakes, such as broken drills, cracked tiles, or overheated drill motors. The key to success is understanding how the material, drill, and tool settings affect each other. Minimizing the risk of damage during drilling starts even before the tool is turned on.

The foundation is selecting a drill designed for the specific material – different drills are used for wood, metal, and concrete. Using the wrong drill leads to rapid dulling or destruction and surface damage. Equally important is the proper rotational speed – generally, the harder the material and the larger the drill diameter, the lower the RPM. It is also essential to remember to turn off the hammer function when drilling into brittle materials (tiles, hollow bricks) and in metal and wood. The hammer function is intended solely for solid, hard building materials like concrete or solid bricks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)