19 OCTOBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® New Technology Leads to Safer Jobsites Adapted from Information by Epiroc Working in mining means navigating an environment where dangerous scenarios can arise daily. As safety has been a major concern for drilling companies, especially in underground and uphole drilling operations, two new safety products will help make work environments safer for the drilling crew. EMESRT (Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table) plays a crucial role in improving safety standards in the mining industry by facilitating collaboration among stakeholders and driving initiatives to enhance vehicle interaction controls. Epiroc, as a collision avoidance systems (CAS) vendor, is involved in EMESRT's initiatives by actively participating in collaborative efforts to improve vehicle interaction controls. This involvement ensures Epiroc's CAS solutions align with industry requirements and standards set forth by EMESRT. The Epiroc Titan CAS uses several sensing technologies and supports safety from Level 7, where operators and pedestrians are warned, to Level 9, where the system takes control of the vehicle and stops it automatically. CAS can improve efficiency and safety, but the key to success is change management. Every site and region has its own workplace culture that must be respected when introducing a new system. Operators are the ones using the system daily, so their support is crucial. “Everyone, from operator to CEO, needs to understand that the goal is to make sure everyone gets to go home safely every day. Leadership needs to take ownership and walk the talk. If safety is a priority, the foundational levels need to be under control. If CAS is deployed just to tick a box, it will likely fail. Involve staff early so they feel ownership. When they understand the system is there to keep them safe, they are more likely to have a positive approach,” said Schalk Janse van Rensburg, General Manager of Epiroc Digital Safety Solutions in South Africa. In uphole drilling, one critical safety risk is the potential loss of water pressure, making it possible for the inner tube assembly to free fall through the rod string. This poses a serious risk of injury or significant equipment damage. The Uphole Brake is engineered to automatically stop a free-falling inner tube assembly by deploying its braking elements against the inner surface of the core barrel or rod string whenever downward movement exceeds the speed of the overshot. This ensures immediate engagement and protection in the event of a pressure drop. In addition, the system is designed for easy retraction after brake activation. By maintaining water pressure and pulling the wireline, the braking elements retract, allowing the operator to easily retrieve the inner tube at any point of the rod string. The Uphole Brake does not interfere with normal drilling operations. It remains disengaged during the pump-in stage or any upward movement. Once the head assembly lands in the core barrel, the Uphole Brake becomes activated and ready to engage. Some benefits and advantages of the Uphole Brake: j Protects drill operators from free fall, or mislatch incidents by stopping the inner tube assembly before it can accelerate down the drill string. j Prevents damage to rods, head assemblies, and overshot components caused by uncontrolled inner tube descents. j Improves safety compliance for steep uphole applications where many drilling companies currently refuse to operate without a certified braking device. j Reliable disengagement thanks to Epiroc’s brake pad geometry and pressure retention design, reducing the risk of jamming or wireline breakage. In addition to standard underground implementation, the use of other technologies allows the Titan CAS system to be applied to any operation. The system's modularity ensures technology implementation can be adapted over time as on-site needs evolve. Multilayered safety system detects and warns the equipped vehicle’s operators and pedestrians of each other’s presence. Uphole Brake module, highlighted in yellow. Time for a Little Fun! September Puzzle Solution: Leadership Determined Techniques Employment Management Win a prize! Send completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 fax: 850-547-0329 or e-mail: michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Match the three-letter words on the right to complete the seven-letter words on the left. TANG_ _ _ AGE TREE_ _ _ HER FOOT_ _ _ TOP FART_ _ _ LED SECT_ _ _ ION
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