Safe Work Procedure for Perforated Pipe Installation

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work procedure (SWP) outlines the safety requirements for the installation of 50 meters of perforated pipe in trenches exceeding 5 feet in depth within a Vancouver boulevard. It specifically addresses hazards associated with overhead power lines and ensures compliance with relevant safety regulations.

2. Definitions

Competent Person An individual who is qualified because of knowledge, training, and experience to perform the specific task and is familiar with the hazards associated with it. Trench An excavation in which the depth exceeds the width. [2]

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) A device that detects any loss of electrical current in a circuit and turns off the electricity before severe injuries or electrocution can occur. [6]

Lockout/Tagout A safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Identify all hazards and risks before beginning any work. [1]
• Ensure all buried services are located and marked. Contact the owners of any underground utilities/services that may be in that location and ask them to identify and mark the location. [1]
• Identify and locate overhead power lines and ensure they are de-energized as necessary. [1]
• Ensure workers are educated and trained about all existing and potential hazards and risks and appropriate safety measures. [4]
• Prepare an emergency plan and rescue procedures. [4]

3.2 Workers

• Participate in pre-job briefings and understand the hazards and control measures.
• Inspect tools and equipment before use and report any defects.
• Use required PPE at all times.
• Follow safe work procedures and instructions.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Cave-in or Collapse [2]	Serious injury or death due to crushing or entrapment.	Ensure trenches are adequately sloped, shored, or shielded. A competent person must inspect the trench daily or as conditions change. Do not store excavated material or equipment near the edge of the trench.
Contact with Buried Services [1]	Electrocution, explosion, or exposure to hazardous materials.	Locate and mark all buried services before digging. Contact utility companies for location of cables, wires, and pipes before digging. Use safe digging practices, such as hand digging within the tolerance zone of marked utilities.
Contact with Overhead Power Lines [1]	Electrocution or serious burns.	Identify and maintain safe distances from overhead power lines. If work is required near power lines, contact the utility company to de-energize or insulate the lines. Use non-conductive tools and equipment.
Slips, Trips, and Falls [1]	Injuries from falling into the trench or on uneven surfaces.	Maintain good housekeeping practices. Provide safe access and egress, such as ladders or ramps. Ensure adequate lighting.
Struck by Moving Machinery [1]	Serious injury or death.	Use spotters when operating machinery near the trench. Establish exclusion zones. Ensure equipment operators are trained and competent.
Hazardous Atmosphere [2]	Asphyxiation, explosion, or poisoning.	Test the atmosphere in the trench for hazardous gases, vapors, and oxygen deficiency before entry. Provide adequate ventilation. Use a confined space program if required.
Falling Objects [1]	Head or other injuries from falling tools or materials.	Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling into the trench. Use toe boards on trench boxes.
Adverse Weather Conditions [5]	Heat stress, hypothermia, or lightning strikes.	Monitor weather conditions and adjust work schedules as needed. Provide shelter from the sun or rain. Ensure workers are properly hydrated and dressed for the weather. Follow lightning safety procedures.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hard Hat: Provides head protection from falling objects and impacts. Must meet CSA standards.
• Safety Glasses: Protects eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.
• High-Visibility Safety Vest: Ensures visibility to equipment operators and vehicular traffic. Must meet CSA Z96 standards, Class 2 or 3. [4]
• Safety Boots: Provides foot protection from punctures, impacts, and electrical hazards. Must meet CSA standards with steel toe and shank.
• Gloves: Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Select appropriate glove type based on the task.

6. Equipment and Tools

• Shovels and Hand Tools: Used for excavation and pipe installation. Inspect for damage before use. [7]
• Trenching Machine or Excavator: Used for trench excavation. Ensure operators are trained and equipment is inspected daily.
• Trench Box or Shoring System: Provides cave-in protection. Must be installed according to manufacturer's instructions and inspected by a competent person.
• Gas Detector: Used to test for hazardous gases and oxygen levels in the trench. Calibrate before use.
• Ladder or Ramp: Provides safe access and egress to the trench. Must be secured and in good condition.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Pre-Job Briefing: Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers to discuss the scope of work, hazards, and control measures. Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
2. Locate Underground Services: Contact utility companies to locate and mark all underground services in the work area. [7]
3. Excavate the Trench: Excavate the trench to the required depth and width. Use appropriate excavation equipment and techniques.
4. Install Trench Protection: Install trench box or shoring system according to manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the system is properly installed and inspected by a competent person.
5. Test Atmosphere: Test the atmosphere in the trench for hazardous gases and oxygen levels before entry. Continue monitoring the atmosphere during work. [4]
6. Install Perforated Pipe: Install the perforated pipe according to the project specifications. Ensure proper alignment and connections.
7. Backfill the Trench: Backfill the trench with appropriate material. Compact the soil in layers to prevent settling.
8. Restore the Work Area: Restore the work area to its original condition. Remove all equipment and debris.
9. Overhead Power Line Safety: Maintain a minimum clearance distance of 10 feet from overhead power lines. If work is required closer than 10 feet, contact the utility company to de-energize or insulate the lines. Use a safety watcher to monitor the distance from power lines. [3]

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Never work under suspended loads.
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and inspected regularly.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Be aware of surroundings and potential hazards.
• Report any unsafe conditions or near misses to the supervisor immediately.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Cave-in: Immediately evacuate the area. Contact emergency services (911). Do not attempt to rescue anyone without proper training and equipment.
• Contact with Buried Service: Immediately evacuate the area. Contact emergency services (911) and the utility company. Do not attempt to repair or move the damaged service.
• Contact with Overhead Power Line: Immediately evacuate the area. Contact emergency services (911) and the utility company. Stay away from the equipment and any conductive materials.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to the supervisor immediately.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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