7/29/2019 Pipeline 10 Tips

1/5

A SAfe OperAtiOnSAfety tipS fOr pipeline WOrkerS

http://safety.cat.com/cda/layout?m=129944&x=7http://safety.cat.com/http://safety.cat.com/cda/layout?m=129944&x=7http://cat.com/

7/29/2019 Pipeline 10 Tips

2/5

1 3

2pipeline work presents safety hazards similar to any other jobsite,but the risk of injury is increased with the addition of heavyequipment, suspended loads, terrain and jobsite conditions,

inexperienced or untrained workers and pressure to get the job done.

Remember: you are responsible for your safety and the safety of those

around you. Help to foster a culture of safety on your pipeline site by

following safe work practices and looking out for your fellow worker and

the public. When needed, make sure instructions are translated and

clearly understood by all workers. Most jobsite accidents are

preventable with careful attention to a few basic principles.

1. prorm a horough Job Sa Analsis (JSA).At the start of each shift, collectively identify and analyze the list

of tasks to be performed that day. Record potential hazards

involved and actions necessary to eliminate or reduce the risk of

injury (e.g. safe work procedures, personal protective equipment,

fall protection, etc.). Job Safety Analyses are not performed in a

vacuum (by a safety manager in a trailer) but should be done by the

entire group on the jobsite. Document environmental conditions

that may affect each step of the job including temperature, high

winds and precipitation. Be sure to note hazardous underfoot

conditions as well. Re-evaluate the jobsite with a fresh JSA each

time conditions change and notify all personnel of JSA results.

Retain JSAs on site for your records.

2. Us ror rsonal rocivquimn (ppe).Personal protective equipment includes any apparatus or

garment intended to protect you from injury or

illness. Eye and hearing protection, safety boots, gloves and

hard hats should always be worn on pipeline

jobsites. Proper footwear protects against falling objects and

helps prevent slips. Reflective vests should be worn in high-

traffic areas and while working along roads. Reflective

clothing is always a good idea, making employees working on

the ground more visible to equipment operators. The JSA

may identify certain tasks that require the use of special

devices or clothing (fire retardant clothing, respirators, etc.)beyond the basic PPE. It is your responsibility to know what

PPE is necessary, ensure it fits properly and understand how

to correctly inspect, use and maintain it. Know its limitations

and safely dispose of any damaged equipment. In case of a

machine roll-over or collision, another crucial piece of

equipment is designed to keep you safely within the roll-over

protection structure (ROPS) - Always wear your seat belt.

3. follow sa xcavaion rocdurs.Make the One Call before digging, verifying that all underground

utilities are marked and their depths noted. Before beginning work in

an excavation, consider the hazards and ensure the competent

person has inspected the trench for

proper sloping or benching and the use

of protective systems. Use a spotter for

safe operation in tight spaces or nearoverhead power lines. Keep tools,

equipment and spoil at least 2 feet from

the edge of the excavation. Fixed egress

is required for depths of 4 feet or

greater. Sloping, benching or shoring

techniques are mandated for excavations

of more than 5 feet*. Remember: an

excavation can be considered a confined

space if a hazardous atmosphere exists.

Use PPE, conduct atmosphere

monitoring and follow safe work

practices for confined spaces.

* According to OSHA regulations. For jobsites outside theU.S., consult local law and regulations.

7/29/2019 Pipeline 10 Tips

3/5

46

54. Sal ora hav quimn.

Equipment operators must read and understand the Operation and

Maintenance Manuals (OMMs) of all equipment they operate on

the jobsite. Before stepping into a machine, be sure you understand

the operating controls, proper operation procedures and have

assessed the operating conditions.

Understand equipment operation on a

slope and how it differs from operation

on flat ground. Be aware of your

surroundings and recognize any

adjustments that must be made due to

changing conditions. Follow the OMM

guidelines and conduct frequent walk

around inspections. These inspections

only take a few minutes and are one of

the best ways to detect/prevent

mechanical problems and safety

hazards. Any necessary repairs should

be made immediately. Operators must

understand the importance of

completing the walk arounds, and

supervisors must allow time for a thorough evaluation. Take note

of the equipment, terrain, workers and other obstacles in your area.

Be sure your backup alarm is functioning at all times. Whenworking

on the ground around equipment, be aware of operator visibility.

Maintain eye contact with machine operators when approaching

equipment.

5. B awar o walking andworking suracs.Slips, trips and falls are best avoided

with good housekeeping. Keep

walkways clear of tools (welding leads,

extension cords, etc.) and debris; clean

spills immediately; and, make it clear

others are expected to do the same. Be

aware of conditions that compromise

safe footing: rain, mud, steep terrain

and other jobsite conditions.

Properly enter and exit machines. Startby taking the proper approach. Face the

equipment and use the steps and rails

provided by the manufacturer. Make

sure the area is adequately lit, contact

areas are clear and that steps and handrails are properly secured.

Maintain three points of contact. Either one hand and two feet, or

two hands and one foot, should be on the steps/handrails at all

times.

Walk Around Inspections

Use your senses: sight, smell,hearing and touch.

Do a walk around any timeyou get off the machine andalways at the start and end ofyour shift.

Be aware of any changes in t hemachines operation.

Pass all relevant informationto other operators and yoursupervisor.

CheCkliSt

Mounting and Dismounting

Do not mount or dismount amoving machine.

Maintain three points ofcontact.

Never jump off a machine.

Do not carry tools or supplieswhen mounting or dismountinga machine.

Do not use controls ashandholds when enteringor exiting the operatorcompartment.

CheCkliSt

Safety Glasses and Full-face ShieldsShould Be Worn When:

Welding, cutting, buffing and

grinding could cause foreignobjects to get in your eyes.Welders helpers need to usesealed safety glasses with faceshields.

Working with concrete, sand orhazardous chemicals.

Exposed to electricity hazards(specialized equipment may berequired).

You are exposed to flyingparticles.

Deemed necessary by regulatoryagencies or management.

CheCkliSt

6. promo and backsa.Eye and back injuries are preventable

with both the proper personal

protective equipment and safe work

practices. Choose eye and face

protection based on the kinds of

hazards you may encounter. Do not

touch your eyes without thoroughly

washing your hands first.

Take special precautions to prevent

back injuries. Use safe lifting

techniques. Ask for help lifting heavy

or awkward loads. Never operate

hoists or other specialized equipment

without proper training.

7/29/2019 Pipeline 10 Tips

4/5

710

9

8

7. engag our mind bor our hands.

Protect your hands. On pipeline jobsites, most hand injuries result

from unsafe work practices. Use caution and gloves appropriate for

the job at hand. Before starting a task, identify and avoid moving

parts and pinch points on equipment. Pay particular attention to

hand safety when rolling, stacking, clamping or aligning pieces of

pipe. Never put your hands in the line of fire.

8. ensur hand and owr ools ar in rorworking ordr.All hand and power tools from hammers and pipe wrenches to

pneumatic, electrical and hydraulic equipment must be inspected

before every use. Inspect all components (pins, clips, cords, cases,

etc.) for cracks, leaks, cuts or excessive wear. Do not use worn or

damaged tools! Never modify equipment, remove or disengage

safety equipment or guarding. Always use equipment according to

the manufacturers recommendations.

9. follow sa rssur sing rocdurs.Inspect all equipment and materials required by the written test

procedure, ensuring it is in safe working order and rated to

withstand the test pressures. Clear the test area of unauthorized

personnel. Ensure all testing personnel are a safe distance from

the testing location and wearing their personal protective

equipment. Barricade the hazard zone to protect workers and

equipment against failure or unexpected pressure release. Ensure

valve settings, supply lines and hose connections are secured with

retaining devices and free from leaks. If a leak is found,

depressurize before tightening the connection. Following the test,

safely dispose of test medium.

10. Undrsand and ollow sa racics or marialhandling.When handling pipe or other heavy loads, proper load handling

ensures the safety of everyone on the jobsite. Keep manufacturers

load recommendations readily available and never load equipment

beyond its capacity. Inspect the integrity of hoisting equipment,

chains, cables, hooks and slings before every use, ensuring they

are properly sized and free from excessive wear. Practice caution

by staying clear of suspended loads. Use taglines to guide and

maneuver the load from a distance while maintaining eye contact

with the operator. Never walk under a load! Keep others aware by

barricading the area and placing flags and signs warning workers of

the hazards present.

7/29/2019 Pipeline 10 Tips

5/5

CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, Caterpillar Yellow and thePOWER EDGE trade dress, as well as corporate and product identityused herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used withoutpermission.

AeXQ0984 2009 Caterpillar All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA.

This pamphlet is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of all hazards related to Cat

products or to your specific application. More complete information is provided in the Operation

& Maintenance Manual (OMM) for specific models. Caterpillar recommends you and your

employees read and understand the OMM before operating or working on any machine.

The equipment training and safety teams at Caterpillar have spent

decades working with customers around the world, across a wide

spectrum of equipment applications and jobsite conditions. The keylesson learned is, when it comes to jobsite safety, no amount of

equipment technology or advanced machine design can replace caution

and good safety practices.

The primary contributors to safe jobsites are awareness, proper training,

and attention to detail on the part of business owners and their

employees. Safety must be a priority and an ongoing part of your

company culture. We hope this booklet is helpful as you strive to

profitably grow your business.

We also invite you to view and utilize additional Cat safety training

resources by visiting SAfety.CAt.COM.

http://safety.cat.com/http://safety.cat.com/http://safety.cat.com/http://cat.com/