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 outlines the requirements for the safe installation of 50 meters of perforated pipe within a Vancouver city boulevard, specifically addressing trenching operations exceeding 5 feet in depth. It includes excavation safety, shoring requirements, and confined space entry protocols where applicable.
2. Definitions
Excavation Any cut, cavity, trench or depression in the earth's surface resulting from rock or soil removal Trench An excavation less than 3.7 m (12 ft) wide at the bottom, over 1.2 m (4 ft) deep, and of any length [8]
Temporary Protective Structure A structure or device in an excavation, trench, tunnel or excavated shaft that is designed to provide protection from cave-ins, collapse, sliding or rolling materials, and includes shoring, trench boxes, trench shields and similar structures.
3. Responsibilities
3.1 Supervisors
- Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform the task.
- Conduct pre-job briefings and hazard assessments.
- Ensure that the excavation is properly sloped, benched, or shored before any worker enters.
- Inspect the excavation daily or after any event that could affect its stability.
- Ensure that all underground utilities are located and marked before excavation begins.
3.2 Workers
- Participate in pre-job briefings and hazard assessments.
- Follow safe work procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor.
- Use required PPE and inspect it before use.
- Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
- Do not enter any excavation over 1.2 m (4 ft.) in depth unless it is adequately sloped or shored.
4. Potential Hazards and Risks
| Hazard | Risk | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Contact with underground utilities (electrical, gas, water) [4] [4] | Electrocution, explosion, flooding | Locate and mark all underground utilities before excavation. Use safe digging practices near utilities. Ensure utilities are de-energized as necessary. |
| Trench collapse [4] | Serious injury or death | Ensure proper sloping, benching, or shoring is in place before entry. Inspect excavation daily. Have a competent person monitor the excavation. |
| Hazardous atmosphere (low oxygen, toxic gases) [5] | Asphyxiation, poisoning | Test the atmosphere before entry. Provide adequate ventilation. Use a harness and lifeline with a standby person. |
| Falling materials (excavated soil, equipment) [6] | Injury to workers below | Keep excavated materials at least 60 cm (2 ft) from the edge of the excavation. Use barriers or guardrails. |
| Mobile equipment operation [3] | Struck by equipment, crushing injuries | Use proper lifting techniques. Ensure equipment operators are qualified. Establish exclusion zones. |
| Vehicular traffic [5] | Struck by vehicles | Provide and enforce the use of high-visibility apparel. Implement traffic control measures. |
| Slips, trips, and falls [6] [6] | Injuries from falls | Provide safe access and egress (e.g., ladders). Keep access routes clear of obstructions. |
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
- Hard Hat: Protect workers from head injuries due to falling objects or contact with equipment. [5]
- Safety Glasses: Protect workers from eye injuries due to dust, debris, or chemical splashes. [7]
- Safety Boots: Protect workers from foot injuries due to falling objects or punctures. [7]
- High-Visibility Apparel: Ensure high visibility clothing is worn by all workers exposed to vehicular traffic. [7] [5]
Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.
6. Equipment and Tools
All equipment and tools must be inspected before use to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Excavator: Used for excavation and trenching. Ensure the excavator is in good working condition and operated by a qualified operator.
- Compactor: Used for compacting backfill material. Ensure the compactor is appropriate for the soil type and compaction requirements.
- Shoring System: Used for shoring the excavation. Ensure the shoring is appropriate for the soil type and depth of the excavation. Refer to Table 20-1 for shoring requirements based on soil type. [1]
- Atmospheric Testing Meter: Used for atmospheric testing in confined spaces. Ensure the meter is calibrated and in good working condition.
Ensure hydraulic shoring does not have any visible leaks in hoses or cylinders, bent bases, or cracked, split, broken or cracked equipment. Ensure timber shoring is the right equipment as required for the depth of the trench or excavation and type of soil and is not damaged (e.g., cracked, crushed, split, or bowed) and that there are no loose or missing cleats and that the struts are level. [9] [9]
7. Pre-Job Requirements
7.1 Training and Competency
Training and Competency: All workers must be trained and competent in excavation safety, shoring procedures, confined space entry, and the use of required PPE.
7.2 Pre-Job Briefing
Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted to discuss the scope of work, identify potential hazards, and review safe work procedures.
7.3 Work Area Preparation
Work Area Preparation: The work area must be inspected for hazards and obstructions. Underground utilities must be located and marked. Traffic control measures must be implemented.
8. Safe Work Procedure Steps
- Locate Underground Utilities: Contact BC One Call to locate and mark all underground utilities in the area. Wait for all utilities to be marked before proceeding. [4]
- Site Inspection and Hazard Assessment: Conduct a thorough site inspection to identify potential hazards, including soil type, overhead power lines, and nearby structures.
- Excavation and Shoring: Ensure that the excavation is properly sloped, benched, or shored according to regulations and site-specific conditions. Refer to Table 20-1 for shoring requirements based on soil type. [1]
- Shoring Installation: Install shoring from the top down, ensuring firm contact with the faces of the excavation. Voids between the shoring and excavation face must be backfilled or blocked. [2] [2] [2]
- Entry and Exit: Ensure a safe means of entry and exit is provided within 8 meters (25 feet) of all workers in the trench. The excavation must be safely supported or sloped to the entry and exit location. [6]
- Pipe Installation: Install the perforated pipe according to the manufacturer's instructions and project specifications. Ensure proper alignment and connections.
- Backfilling: Backfill the excavation in layers, compacting each layer to ensure stability. Keep excavated material at least 60 cm (2 ft) from the edge of the trench. [6]
- Shoring Removal: Remove shoring from the bottom up, ensuring that the excavation remains stable. Do not enter an excavation to remove shoring materials if ground conditions have deteriorated. [2] [2]
- Site Restoration: Restore the boulevard to its original condition, including landscaping and paving.
9. Precautions and Safety Measures
- Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation. - Ensure that sloping, benching, or shoring is always in place before entering an excavation deeper than 1.2 meters (4 feet).
- Maintain a safe distance from the edge of the excavation. - Keep excavated materials and equipment away from the edge to prevent collapses.
- Use a spotter when operating heavy equipment near the excavation. - Ensure clear communication between the equipment operator and the spotter.
- Control water accumulation in the excavation. - Use pumps or other methods to remove water and prevent erosion. [3] [3]
10. Emergency Procedures
10.1 General Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency, immediately evacuate the excavation area and ensure all personnel are accounted for. Administer first aid as required and contact emergency services.
10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios
- Damage to Underground Utility: If an underground utility is damaged (e.g., gas line, electrical cable),: Evacuate the area immediately. Contact emergency services and the utility company. Do not attempt to repair the damage yourself.
- Trench Collapse: In the event of a trench collapse,: Evacuate the excavation immediately. Ensure all personnel are accounted for. Contact emergency services and administer first aid.
- Confined Space Emergency: If a worker experiences a medical issue or is exposed to a hazardous atmosphere in a confined space,: Remove the worker from the confined space immediately, if safe to do so. Provide first aid and call emergency services. Ensure proper confined space entry procedures are followed before re-entry.
10.3 Emergency Contact Information
Emergency contact numbers should be readily available on site, including numbers for emergency services (911), the site supervisor, and local utilities.
11. Incident Reporting and Investigation
All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A formal incident report must be completed and submitted to the safety department within 24 hours.
A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]
Date: [APPROVAL DATE]
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