Photo: Infrastructure Health and Safety Association
Toronto — Workers using vacuum excavation equipment in the vicinity of electrical utilities should have proper training and “take every reasonable measure to mitigate the risk of harm,” the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association urges.
In a recently published guide, IHSA explores the safe use of equipment and specialized techniques during excavations with vacuum technology. It also details covering hazard recognition, assessment and control.
The guide states that “many utilities use vacuum excavation equipment in place of hand-digging due to restrictions in certain work environments.” Workers using such equipment must be “competent to operate it safely and have received written and oral instructions.”
Other best practices:
- All work must be properly planned and communicated – and account for all workers, the general public, approved work procedures, equipment, and physical and environmental conditions.
- Remember that the preferred method is to work with the electrical plant isolated and deenergized in accordance with regulations. If the plant is energized, the utility owner must supervise work.
- Ensure workers are outfitted with approved head, foot, eye, hand and hearing protection, as well as approved arc-rated/flame-resistant clothing.
- Consider vacuum tanks to be confined spaces. Someone with adequate training and experience should evaluate and access the tank before worker entry.
- Put in place warning signs and barriers to protect the work area and ensure the public cannot access it.
- Stop all excavation activities immediately if a damaged underground electrical utility is seen or suspected.
The guide also includes a glossary of important terms related to vacuum, excavation and utility operations.
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication