Page 437 - Trenchless Technology Piping Installation and Inspection

Planning and Safety Considerations for Trenchless Installation Methods 387

acquisition issues. Proposed drill paths allow for the adequate place-
ment of the jacking and receiving pit locations. Each trenchless
method has their own requirements for setting spacing of the shafts/
pits. Pit placement is dependent on such variables as type and size of
pipe, the structural capacity of the pipe, soil conditions, and the type
of lubrication systems of the pipe.
A typical pit site needs space to allow for the entrance and receiv-
ing pits, slurry separation or water tanks, and equipment and pipe
storage. The entrance and receiving pits must be at a sufficient distance
from overhead utilities. Careful planning of space and the drill path
must also include traffic routes and the level of traffic on those streets.
Lack of space planning can lead to improperly placed pits, which
can put improper stress on the tunneling technique. Cramped condi-
tions can also lead to worker injury.
Regardless of the type of procedure, there are inherent job-site
hazards. Securing the job site from curious bystanders, and slip and
fall hazards are considerations that have to be made. Injuries of any
type increase the liability costs for the construction company and can
lead to OSHA penalties. Proper planning reduces the chance for many
of these occurrences.
Planning must also include what-if scenarios on unanticipated
construction problems. Water seepage into the drill hole or pit can
lead to boring delays and to failure of the shoring materials that keep
the pit walls from collapsing. Not only must the water removal pro-
cedure from the pit be considered, but also how the water is removed
from the job site should be considered.

9.3.2 Hazard Assessment
A first critical step in developing a comprehensive safety and health
program is to identify physical and health hazards in the workplace.
This process is known as “hazard assessment.”
Potential hazards may be physical or health-related and a compre-
hensive hazard assessment should identify hazards in both categories.
Examples of physical hazards include moving objects; fluctuating
temperatures; high-intensity lightening, rolling, or pining objects;
electrocutions; and sharp edges. Examples of health hazards include
overexposure to harmful dusts, chemicals, or radiation. The hazard
assessment should begin with a walk-through survey of the jobsite to
develop a list of potential hazards. In addition to reviewing any occu-
pational illnesses or injuries, topics to look for during a walk-through
survey include

• Sources of electricity
• Sources of motion such as machines or processes where
movement may exist that could result in an impact between
personnel and equipment