When drilling through stone, the following safety precautions are essential to minimize risks:
- Wear Protective Gear: Use safety goggles, a dust mask, protective gloves, a hard hat, and sturdy footwear (e.g., steel-capped boots) to protect against dust, debris, and potential tool mishaps .
- Avoid Cracks and Edges: Do not drill into hairline cracks, fossil-like elements, or within 8 mm of the stone’s edges to prevent breakage .
- Drill Perpendicular to the Surface: Angled drilling reduces accuracy and increases the risk of bit breakage or stone damage .
- Prevent Overheating: Use low speeds and cool the bit periodically with water (if safe for the tool) to avoid thermal shock to the stone or damage to diamond-coated bits .
- Use Appropriate Tools: Select hammer drills or SDS drills for hard stones like granite, and consider flexible shaft drills for precision work .
- Secure the Workpiece: Ensure the stone is stable to avoid slipping, which could cause injury or uneven drilling .
- Control Dust Exposure: Work in a well-ventilated area and use a dust mask to avoid inhaling harmful particles .
By following these steps, you can enhance safety and efficiency while drilling through stone.
