Performance Pipe Installation in Vancouver Boulevard

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers the installation of 50 meters of performance pipe within a Vancouver boulevard. The scope includes all activities from excavation to backfilling and reinstatement. Exclusions include tie-ins to existing infrastructure, which will be covered under a separate permit and risk assessment.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. Likelihood is assessed on a scale of Rare, Unlikely, Possible, Likely, and Almost Certain. Severity is assessed on a scale of Negligible, Minor, Moderate, Major, and Catastrophic. The risk rating is then determined by the combination of likelihood and severity, resulting in a rating of Low, Medium, High, or Extreme. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Trench collapse due to unstable soil conditions.

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or death due to burial or crushing.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Establish exclusion zones around the excavation area using barriers and signage.
• Implement a shoring system designed by a qualified engineer.
• Regularly inspect the trench for signs of instability.
• Provide safe access and egress points (e.g., ladders or stairs) every 25 feet.
• Ensure a competent person is on site to monitor trench conditions.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Contact with overhead power lines.

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, burns, or equipment damage.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Catastrophic	Medium

Control Measures

• Contact BC Hydro to identify and insulate or de-energize overhead power lines.
• Maintain a minimum safe distance from overhead power lines as specified by regulations.
• Use spotters to monitor equipment movement near power lines.
• Provide insulated tools and equipment.
• Implement a 'no-go' zone around power lines.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

3. Vehicle strikes due to inadequate traffic control.

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or death to workers or members of the public.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Implement a traffic management plan to divert traffic away from the work area.
• Use signage and barriers to clearly delineate the work zone.
• Provide flaggers to direct traffic safely around the work area.
• Ensure adequate lighting during evening or early morning hours.
• Regularly inspect traffic control devices to ensure they are effective.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

4. Exposure to sewage and contaminated soil.

Potential Consequences: Infection, illness, or skin irritation. [1]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide appropriate PPE, including gloves, coveralls, rubber boots, and eye protection.
• Implement strict hygiene practices, including regular handwashing.
• Provide training on the health hazards associated with sewage and contaminated soil.
• Ensure workers are vaccinated against tetanus and other relevant diseases.
• Decontaminate equipment after use.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. Musculoskeletal injuries due to manual handling of heavy pipes and equipment.

Potential Consequences: Strains, sprains, or back injuries. [3]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide training on safe lifting techniques.
• Use mechanical aids (e.g., hoists, dollies) to move heavy materials.
• Encourage workers to take frequent breaks and rotate tasks.
• Ensure adequate space for movement and lifting.
• Implement a buddy system for lifting heavy or awkward loads.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Low

6. Struck by falling objects (tools, materials, or debris).

Potential Consequences: Head injuries, lacerations, or fractures.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure all workers wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.
• Implement a tool management system to prevent dropped objects.
• Store materials securely to prevent them from falling.
• Regularly inspect tools and equipment for defects.
• Provide training on the proper use of tools and equipment.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

7. Heat stress due to working outdoors in hot weather.

Potential Consequences: Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or dehydration. [1]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide regular breaks and access to shaded areas.
• Encourage workers to drink plenty of water.
• Schedule work during cooler times of the day.
• Provide training on the signs and symptoms of heat stress.
• Implement a buddy system to monitor workers for signs of heat stress.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

8. Electrical shock due to contact with underground utilities or faulty equipment.

Potential Consequences: Electrocution or burns.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded and inspected regularly.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in wet or damp locations.
• Provide training on electrical safety.
• Maintain a safe distance from underground utilities.
• Use non-conductive tools and equipment.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

9. Slips, trips, and falls due to uneven surfaces, clutter, or spills.

Potential Consequences: Sprains, strains, or fractures. [1] [2]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure workers wear appropriate footwear with non-slip soles.
• Implement good housekeeping practices to keep work areas clear of clutter and spills.
• Provide training on slip, trip, and fall hazards.
• Use signage to warn of potential hazards.
• Ensure adequate lighting in all work areas.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Negligible	Low

10. Noise exposure from equipment operation.

Potential Consequences: Hearing loss or tinnitus.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide appropriate PPE, including hearing protection.
• Use equipment with noise reduction features.
• Limit exposure time to noisy equipment.
• Provide training on the hazards of noise exposure.
• Conduct regular noise monitoring.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct daily toolbox talks to review planned activities, potential hazards, and control measures.

Toolbox talks should be documented and attended by all personnel involved in the task.

• Ensure all workers are trained and competent in the tasks they are assigned.

Maintain records of training and competency assessments.

• Implement and enforce a strict housekeeping policy to maintain a clean and organized work site.

Regularly inspect the work area and address any identified hazards, such as tripping hazards or improperly stored materials.

• Provide adequate lighting for all work areas, especially during evening or early morning hours.

Ensure lighting meets or exceeds applicable standards.

• Ensure all equipment is inspected daily before use and maintained in good working order.

Remove any defective equipment from service until it is repaired or replaced.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In the event of a utility strike (e.g., gas, electrical), immediately evacuate the area and contact emergency services (911) and the utility company.
• For trench collapses, implement emergency shoring procedures and contact emergency services. Ensure all personnel are accounted for.
• In case of contact with overhead power lines, immediately cease all operations, evacuate the area, and contact emergency services and the utility company. Do not approach the affected area until authorized by the utility company.

7. Training Requirements

• Electrical Safety Training: Workers must be trained in the recognition and avoidance of electrical hazards, including overhead and underground power lines. Training should cover safe approach distances, proper use of insulated tools, and emergency procedures in case of contact.
• Excavation Safety Training: Workers must be trained in safe excavation practices, including shoring systems, slope stability, and confined space entry procedures. Training should cover the requirements of WorkSafeBC regulations regarding excavation safety.
• Manual Handling Training: Workers must be trained in proper lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Training should cover the principles of ergonomics, proper lifting posture, and the use of mechanical aids. [3]
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training: Workers must be trained in the proper selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE). Training should cover the types of PPE required for specific tasks, how to inspect PPE for damage, and how to properly don and doff PPE.
• Hazard Awareness Training: Workers must receive training on hazard recognition, risk assessment, and control measures. This training should cover the specific hazards associated with the pipe installation project and the control measures implemented to mitigate those hazards.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Daily	Site Supervisor	Regular inspections of the excavation site to ensure shoring is intact and soil conditions remain stable.
Environmental Monitoring	Daily	Site Supervisor	Monitoring of weather conditions for potential impacts on slope stability and worker safety.
Audit	Weekly	Safety Officer	Review of traffic control measures to ensure effectiveness and compliance with the traffic management plan.
Performance Indicator	Daily	Foreman	Observation of work practices to ensure compliance with safe work procedures and use of PPE.
Incident Review	Monthly	Safety Committee	Review of incident reports and near misses to identify trends and implement corrective actions.

9. Special Circumstances

• Work near overhead power lines requires strict adherence to safe approach distances and coordination with BC Hydro.
• Deep trench excavation (greater than 6 feet) requires engineered shoring systems and competent person monitoring.
• Weather conditions (rain, snow) can affect soil stability and increase the risk of slips and falls.
• Working during evening or early morning hours requires adequate lighting and increased awareness of surroundings.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident or when significant changes occur.

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