Abstract

Because of their flexibility and relatively low cost, pneumatic jack-leg drills are widely used in Québec mines. These drills do however generate considerable noise and vibration that exert well-documented ill effects on workers' health. This study was undertaken to compare the acoustic and vibrational performance of the new Twistex™ drill bit to that of conventional drill bits under controlled conditions. The report reviews the study's methodology and results. The results indicate that Twistex™drill bit generates the same levels of noise and vibration as do conventional steel bits.