

Where necessary, use mechanical aids, e.g., when lifting heavy, suspended loads such as pipelines and fittings to prevent back injury. Operators must adhere to manufacturer recommendations for equipment handling and avoid overloading. While working with heavy equipment such as pipelines, always use the correct handling procedures. Repair or replace defective or broken-down tools immediately to prevent unsafe working conditions and harm to employees. Regularly monitor and inspect tools used at the site such as hand and power tools for cracks, signs of aging, or wear and tear to ensure they are in safe working conditions. Avoid interchanging roles between workers to prevent unsafe conditions due to incorrect operation. Workers who have adequate training with one kind of machine do not necessarily have the skill to use the other.
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Also, place Operations and Maintenance manuals (OMMs) of the types of machinery they work with within reach of employees at all times. Ensure Adequate Training for Operators of Heavy-Duty MachineryĪll workers operating heavy-duty machines such as excavators, forklifts, and trucks should be adequately trained and briefed on the correct job procedure and practices at the job site. PPE can be especially important during pipeline cleaning services such as pipeline pigging or nitrogen purging in pipelines where both equipment and chemical dangers are present. Every employee has a responsibility of managing their safety and that of others by using appropriate PPE to mitigate risks while working with pipelines. Standard PPE for ensuring onsite safety includes safety goggles, hard hats, safety boots (with steel toes), and gloves. Some parts of the body PPE should cover include the face (eyes), hands, and feet. Although PPE is widely considered to be the last line of defense against hazards, they can be the difference between a safe and an injured or dead employee. When working with heavy equipment like pipelines, employees must use appropriate and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Use Appropriate and Adequate PPE While Working Onsite OSHA specifies that employees working in trenches that are 5 feet deep or more (4 feet deep in some states) should use a Trench Protecting System. Proper benching and sloping techniques are essential during excavation. Operators can also call 181 to confirm when it is safe to begin excavation. Therefore, all utilities buried underground must be identified and marked before commencing operations. Explosions or environmental contamination can occur when an excavator damages an underground pipeline. Excavators used should be serviced as at when due and operators adequately trained.

Proper pipeline excavation procedures must be followed judiciously to prevent hazardous conditions at the site. Ensure Proper Pipeline Excavation Procedures Managers and supervisors have a responsibility to instill this consciousness in employees by showing the example, giving rewards, and applying consequences where necessary.Īll employees working on the site should possess STOP WORK authority to enable them to halt a procedure they identify as unsafe. Safety must come before the job, and not the other way around. Safety is crucial at pipeline installations to prevent hazardous conditions that may cause harm to employees. For example, the American Gas Association provides pipeline safety guidelines for enhancing pipeline safety in the natural gas industry. must comply with national standards and industry best practices from recognized associations. Bolstered learning is an effective way to create a consistent mindset in everyone.Īll training carried out in the U.S. During training, employees, supervisors, and managers should all participate.

To raise awareness about on-site safety and reinforce learning in employees, employers should schedule safety training frequently. 8 Important Pipeline Safety Topicsīelow are some critical safety precautions for working on pipelines. These procedures will help to minimize hazards and consequently, the rates of accidents on site. It’s essential for all personnel to understand the required safety procedures to ensure proper and safe handling of equipment.

Some risks involved with pipeline handling include suspended loads and hazardous terrains as well as the ubiquitous human error factor in operations. There are always risks involved when working with high-pressure equipment such as pipelines.
