At Two Rivers Pipeline Construction we know how important it is to go the extra mile for safety. With over 50 years of experience, Tommy Cronk of Two Rivers makes safety our daily focus on the job. Not only is safety good business, but as Tommy like to say "everyone deserves to go home at night". That goal can be accomplished by following all OSHA guidelines for benching and shoring, thorough communication with the pipeline operator, and taking full advantage of all the new technologies available.

According to the Common Ground Alliance's annual DIRT Report, the leading root cause of damages to buried pipelines is "Excavation Practices Not Sufficient", 63.9% of these damages are caused by backhoes or trenchers. When a pipeline is being crossed there are extra precautions that can be taken to ensure you don't add to those statistics.

The first step is to call the local One Call center. In the US you can simply call 811 to notify all utilities in the area, but your responsibility does not end there. Search the area for the existence of a pipeline. Look in all directions for pipeline warning signs by walking the perimeter 50-100 feet from the dig site. Look for meter stations, valve stations, casing vents, or any above ground evidence of a pipeline, and talk to local landowners. After all facilities have been located and marked, the excavator needs to set up an on-site meeting with the pipeline operator. At this meeting, detailed maps and plans should be exchanged, and the controlled area needs to be set. Once the project reaches the control area, the pipeline operator should be present during excavation.

 Physically locating the facility needs to be the next step. Hand tools and vacuum excavation can effectively and safely help you lay eyes on the pipe. Take full advantage of current technologies to ensure the pipe and its coating are not damaged during exposure. Even minor scratches can lead to major problems in the future, so any contact needs to be reported to the pipeline operator.

A great deal of care is taken exposing pipeline, but statistics show that once the pipeline has been exposed it is at its most vulnerable. Of the damages caused during excavation, 39% are caused by a failure to maintain clearance. The technology exists, that would greatly reduce the number of these damages or their severity while increasing safety. Using a product like Safety Wrap can eliminate small dings and scrapes caused by minor, incidental contact with the pipe that would require costly repairs and downtime. Safety Wrap is a temporary pipe wrap that installs in just minutes and can prevent both minor incidents or a major breach. A cut-out repair to a pipeline costs upwards of $50,000, and you can't put a dollar figure on the safety of your workers. Low visibility can lead to problems, any operator can have a bad day, and accidents happen on the job. A highly visible, and incredibly durable, protective wrap for the pipe provides that extra level of safety."

If you or someone in your company is making a difference in the industry or the community, let us know! We would like to share your story in this newsletter.

For more information contact:

Mayra Lujan at mayra.lujan@energyworldnet.com or

Jennifer Hettler at jennifer.hettler@energyworldnet.com