Dear Fellow Forumites,

I was wondering if any safety experts on here can tell me if there is a maximum depth that an operative can safely drill into concrete (or similar material) with a "hand held" drill? I couldn't find any code or regulation on this in any country that I searched.

I ask because as the depth of the drill bit increases it must be that the likelihood of the drill bit sticking, and the drill itself spinning in the operatives hands, increases dramatically with injuries of broken fingers and wrists very likely.

I have seen operatives drilling into concrete with drill bits of excess 1 meter length. I thought that surely a mounted drill would be needed. That is one that is fixed with bolts to the concrete, so it cannot spin.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated.