Safe Digging Part 6

The first step in ground disturbance is Pre-Planning, knowing that line-hits are common in the pipelining industry, the first step is to prevent future line-hit. As with all task, the most important step to ground disturbance is pre-job planning. It is that simple, you’ve got to make a plan and walk the plan if you want to return home safely at the end of your shift. By properly planning the job, the safety of all parties involved in the ground disturbance is ensured, as well as the safety of the public and underground facility.

Pre-job planning is determining the nature and extent of the ground disturbance and obtaining the documentation that must be reviewed and completed prior to the ground disturbance occurring on site. Was it dig before you call or call after you dig? Neither, you must call before you DIG!

Next time you are planning your ground disturbance, make sure you fully understand the following:
The main goals of a pre-job/pre-project planning meeting are to:

• Identify the number and location of the required ground disturbances.
• Identify the property type-i.e. client, public, or private-and where on the property the work will occur.
• Identify the type of work required, including the approximate depth and extent of the ground disturbance(s).
• Identify the individual who will be accountable for permits, approval, and execution of the work.
• Identify the contractors who will be involved with the project.
• Identify the sources that will be reviewed for information about existing underground facilities.
• Decide on the date and time that work will begin.