As a country that runs on natural gas, oil, and diesel to fuel our cars, homes, businesses, and other infrastructure, we rely on pipelines to keep us functioning. Construction projects often involve building new pipelines and repairing and maintaining existing ones underground.
When you’re working with resources like gas and oil, you must take special safety measures to prevent accidents, injury, and worksite or equipment damage.
Keep the following safety tips in mind as you complete your pipeline project to facilitate a smooth and secure completion!
1) Provide workers with continuous safety training.
Holding frequent safety trainings is a good way to raise awareness about the importance of pipeline safety and keep it at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Continuous training will reinforce proper work habits and ensure the entire crew is up-to-date on the current industry standards.
2) Always use personal protective equipment.
While it’s true that PPE is the last line of defense between pipeline workers and an accident, that is not to say it is not a crucial one. Wearing proper protective equipment can mean the difference between safety and injury—or even death—in a dangerous situation onsite. Pipeline PPE should include (at least) googles, steel-toed boots, gloves, and hard hats.
3) Practice safe excavation procedures.
Standard industry pipeline excavation procedures exist for a reason, so it’s imperative that no one on your team cuts corners. Your specific list of safety procedures will depend on your specific worksite, but a few of the standard tasks typically include:
- Marking underground utilities
- Servicing equipment & tools when due
- Adhering to proper benching & sloping techniques
- Conducting pressure testing
4) Stabilize heavy equipment with crane mats.
Operating the heavy machinery that you’ll need for pipeline excavations on wet, slippery, or soft surfaces, or where there is underground infrastructure, can be dangerous. Hardwood mats can be used to provide a stable surface or create a temporary access road that protects the ground and your equipment as you move and use it. Another useful tool for your project will be pipeline skids for cribbing, racking, and elevating pipe.
At Ritter Forest Products, we offer a full selection of hardwood crane mats, as well as hardwood and timber pipeline skids to make pipeline construction projects safer and more efficient. Our products are available new, used, and for rental to accommodate the needs of excavations of any scale.
Contact your local Ritter Forest office for more information about our services!
