36. Piping Installation

What safety precautions must be taken during the installation of pipe?

8 Critical Pipeline Safety Precautions to Consider

Carry Out Frequent Safety Training. …
Foster a Corporate Safety Culture. …
Ensure Proper Pipeline Excavation Procedures. …
Use Appropriate and Adequate PPE While Working Onsite. …
Ensure Adequate Training for Operators of Heavy-Duty Machinery. …
Inspect all Tools Used Onsite.

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When completing work on site pipe fitters are exposed to many new hazards and hazardous actives that are not encountered while pipe fitting in a work shop environment:

Performing hot works in explosive atmospheres (i.e. solvent or dust laden atmospheres)
Tying into live piping systems  Working at heights, off ladders or scaffolds
Working in confined spaces, trenches or excavations
Construction plant and equipment moving around site
Working close by to suspended loads and lifting equipment
Being exposed to buried services and or electrical cables

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Hazard Category	Hazards	Controls
Starains and Sprians	1. During handling and installation of pipework strains and back injuries are not uncommon	1. Toolbox talks shall be held and risks highlighted. 2. Pipework shall be located as close to worksite as possible using a mechanical handling device. 3. When erecting pipework manual handling shall be avoided (wherever possible) a mechanical handling device shall be used. 4. Manual handling assessments shall be carried out to identify particular hazards associated with piping installation and the precautions required to reduce the risks of personal injury.
Fire	1. Caused by poor housekeeping, inadequate fire protection and failure to isolate and purge pipework. etc.	1. Connecting the pipework shall be isolated, flushed and purged as required. 2. All combustible material shall be removed from worksite prior to commencing hotwork. 3. Personnel shall be aware of others in the vicinity. (Conflicting Activities.) 4. A fire hose of fire extinguisher shall be in place prior to work. 5. In areas where further protection is required, i.e. Cable racks, etc. Fire blanket shall be used. 6. Fire watcher shall be on site at all times during hotwork operations. 7. Personnel shall read and adhere to permit requirements at all times. 8. Gas detector shall be used prior to Hot work to ensure atmosphere is safe.
Falls of Materials and Tools	1. Contact will sharp/slivers of metal can result in cuts to the skin. Exotic particles are also known to be carcinogenic.	1. Personnel shall wear gloves at all times when handling exotic materials. 2. Heavy materials shall be moved by mechanical handling devices (where possible). 3. Personnel shall ensure that all cuts are treated immediately by a trained first aider. 4. Personnel shall seek medical assistance immediately if cuts, etc. Become infected.
Faulure of Lifting, Equipment	1. Caused by lack of maintenance, equipment being abused and by incorrect use of equipment.	1. Color coding and test certificates of equipment shall be checked to ensure they are in date. 2. All equipment shall visually inspected prior to use ensure it is free from any defect/damage. 3. All damaged/ defective equipment shall be marked with “Do not use” tape and returned to the stores. (Quarantine area immediately) 4. All equipment shall be adequate rating to perform operation. 5. All equipment shall be set up as per operationall instruction and codes of practice.
Cuts and Abrasions	1. Caused by incorrect handling of tools, equipment and pipework and by failure to wear the correct personal protective equipment.	1. When bolting or unbolting pipework, spanners of the correct size shall be used to aboid spillage. 2. When using hammes, etc. for tightening, a sound footing shall be maintained, be aware of sorrounding obstructions. 3. Personnel shall never put hands or fingers between flanges or pipe ends. 4. Gloves shall be worn at all times to protect the hands when handling materials.
Uncontrolled lifts	1. Uncontrolled lifts can cause damage to personnel, plant and equipment.	1. Pigging shall be located directly above items to be installed (where possible). 2. Existing equipment shall be protected during the installation process. 3. Shall be barriered off to prevent access to unauthorised. 4. If in doubt ask your supervisor 5. Toolbox talk shall be carried out prior to work commencement to ensure that all personnel are aware of their resonsibilities.