Page 442 - Trenchless Technology Piping Installation and Inspection

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• Operators should not exceed the manufacture’s maximum
torque and thrust.
• If operators notice a sudden slowness or stoppage in prog-
ress, they should stop the operation until possibility of hitting
an obstruction is determined.
• Operators need to be aware of the hazards of the hydraulic
action of the drilling fluid while passing through structures
like roads, bridges, and buildings. There is potential for sub-
sidence or elevation of these structures.
• The machine operator also has to realize that hydraulic oil
under pressure can penetrate the skin and burn or cause
blood poisoning. If the operator thinks there is a leak, precau-
tions should immediately be taken.
• When problems do arise with the rig, properly trained per-
sonnel should be the only ones working on the machinery.
Proper clothing and eye protection should be worn when
working on equipment.
• Operators need to use caution when moving drill pipe with
the crane. A tag line may work better when possible.
• Drilling and boring involve rotating equipment that can cre-
ate hazards at the drilling rig, point of entry, and point of exit.
Caution must be taken to protect these areas with guards and
barricades. Workers must not wear loose clothing and should
not be allowed to step over or stand above the rotating parts.

Experience
One of the main contributing factors to the success of a project is the
experience and amount of training of the crew operating the equip-
ment and steering the head. As stated earlier, even when utilities are
marked, an inexperienced crew has a higher risk of striking buried
utilities. An experienced crew is also more likely to salvage a project
when unexpected conditions are encountered. The investment of
time and money in training or hiring an experienced crew outweighs
the cut of repairing damaged utility lines and inherent safety risks.
Manufacturers are committed to the safe operation of their equip-
ment. They offer a variety of resources through their local dealers to
educate operators in the safe use of the equipment through manuals,
videos, and one-on-one training. These programs should be used to
ensure operators are properly trained.

9.4 Summary
Trenchless methods have many advantages, but at the same time they
have their own limitations, including risks to workers and the public.