

Solution: Inverted Drill Press

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	Description:	An inverted drill press in an engineering control that can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders from overhead work and stressful hand and wrist activities. A drill is mounted on a saddle and a telescoping vertical column positions the drill for overhead drilling. The extension and retraction of the vertical column is manually powered by a handwheel. A dust suppression system captures dust during drilling operations to control silica and other dust exposures. The inverted drill press includes these features: Drill saddle – supports and secures the drill, and is located at the top of the drill press, Adjustable column – allows the drill to be raised and lowered to the desired height Trigger switch – activates the drill from ground level Base – supports the drill on the ground Power source – supplies power to the drill Wheels – mobility The drill can be assembled on-site in about 30 seconds and weighs 90 pounds. It can reach up to heights of 15 feet. They are compatible for set-up and use in scissor lifts to increase the reach for high overhead drilling projects. A proprietary dust suppression system for the tool has also been engineered to help capture dust during drilling operations. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Overhead drilling puts strain on the shoulders, arms, neck, and back. Force is increased at the shoulder since the weight of the power tool is held away from the body. Drilling into concrete and metal ceilings adds extra strain to these body parts. When drilling overhead, the arms are away from the body and support the weight of the drill. Using an inverted drill press allows the upper arms to be held below the shoulder and closer to the waist. Inhaling silica dust may cause silicosis or lung scarring with prolonged exposure. Exposure to silica also causes lung cancer and other lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis, and has been linked to renal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Capturing dust containing silica before it becomes air-borne reduces the risk to workers and by-standers.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Inverted drill presses reduce a worker’s chance of developing muscle and joint injuries. Workers benefit from not having to hold a heavy tool above their shoulders for long periods of time. The need for ladders is decreased or eliminated.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Independent published studies have found a risk reduction. Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	Independent studies have shown that working overhead increases the incidence of injury to the shoulder, arms, neck, and back. Reducing the vertical and/or horizontal distance that the tool is away from the body lessens the stress on worker’s shoulders and arms. An inverted drill press allows the operator to keep the arms near the body and the hands near waist level. Using an inverted drill press also eliminates the need for ladders and step stools. Most drilling tasks can be accomplished while standing on the ground. Due to the development of the column-leveling feature it is not necessary to climb a ladder to mark the drill holes. The risk of falling is decreased or eliminated with the use of an inverted drill press. Worksite feedback reports that workers prefer the inverted drill press to traditional drilling techniques. Worker also report less fatigue and pain when drilling into concrete and metal ceilings with the inverted drill press.
	Effects on Productivity:	An inverted drill press increases productivity by decreasing drilling time.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity. Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity. Safety and health experts believe there is a decrease in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	With early prototypes of the inverted drill press, workers reported that productivity was decreased due to the increased time for set-up; it was also perceived to have an increase in time to move between holes and a decrease in accuracy. However, with recent models, workers report that drilling time is significantly shorter despite little change in set-up time. Productivity has increased four-fold on worksites using the inverted drill press. The most dramatic changes in productivity have been observed for strenuous drilling jobs previously done by hand. Workers are able to complete more work in less time with less pain and fatigue.
	Return on Investment:	To find out the potential return on investment (ROI) for this solution, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. “Click to Begin", then “Load an Example” and select "Overhead Drill Press - Annual".
	Availability:	Telpro Inc. Drillrite For purchasing information (subject to availability), visit http://www.telproinc.com/ or http://ergo.berkeley.edu/research/overhead_drill.php
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	Roofing Inspect and use scaffolds and ladders Overhead work