(1) Surface encumbrances. All surface encumbrances that are located so as to create a hazard to employees must be removed or supported, as necessary, to safeguard employees.
(2) Underground installations.
(a) The location of utility installations, such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines, or any other underground installations that reasonably may be expected to be encountered during excavation work, must be located prior to opening an excavation.
(b) Utility companies or owners must be contacted within established or customary local response times, advised of the proposed work, and asked to locate the underground utility installation prior to the start of actual excavation.
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(3) A walk around safety inspection must be conducted to evaluate and address all potential hazards.
(4) Appropriate PPE requirements must be determined prior to commencing work.
(5) Verify utility locations.
(a) When excavation/directional boring operations approach the location of underground installations, the exact location of the installations must be determined by safe and acceptable means.
(b) While the excavation is open, underground installations must be protected, supported, or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.
(6) Operator training. Operators of drilling, tracking and support equipment must be trained and the employer must certify that each employee has received the training needed.
Note: | Employment records that indicate that an employee has received the needed training are an acceptable means of meeting this requirement. Additional training requirements are located in WAC 296-32-22525. |
(7) Field operations.
(a) The drill must not be operated without direct, two-way communication between the drill operator and drill locator and/or exit side personnel.
(b) Mechanical breakout wrenches must be used.
(c) Pipe wrenches must not be used as mechanical breakout wrenches.
(8) Electrical hazards.
(a) You must follow manufacturer's recommendations when operating this machinery. Electrical sensing stakes must be driven into the ground and the strike alert system tested prior to operation. The stake must be located a minimum of six feet from the machine.
(b) Any time you drill where electrical hazards may be present you must use the appropriate PPE, including the rubber insulation equipment listed below. (For more information, see WAC
296-32-22550 Rubber insulation equipment.)
(i) Rubber insulating gloves, including protectors for gloves.
(ii) Rubber insulating blankets.
(iii) Rubber insulating boots.
(iv) Other rubber insulating equipment, when applicable.
(c) The employer must make sure that no one touches the drilling machine when in use.
(9) Lock out/tag out. You must use energy control procedures to protect employees servicing, maintaining or performing procedures on machines and equipment that may have potentially hazardous energy.
Note: | Additional requirements relating to lock out/tag out are located in chapter 296-803 WAC. |
(10) Emergency response. If an existing utility is struck during the boring operation, employees must be trained in emergency procedures to reduce the likelihood of injury.
Types of strikes include:
(a) Electrical;
(b) Gas;
(c) Fiber optic;
(d) Communication lines;
(e) Sanitary/storm sewer and water.
(11) The employer must make sure that barricades are used for the protection of employees and the public when the drilling machine is in use.