Over the passage of time,the volume of industrial activities has increased manifold.While this has,of course,helped in the overall development of the global economy,the risks and potential health hazards that common workers are being exposed to,on a day-to-day basis,are also on an upward trend.In particular,the tasks of professional pipeline workers are fraught with prospective dangers,particularly if adequate safety provisions and facilities are not easily available.Hence,there are certain specific safety norms,which must necessarily be followed by all workers from this industry,in order to ensure their own well-being.Given below are a few of these basic safety guidelines:
Putting on proper protective gear-Working on pipelines invariably involves handling heavy equipments and suspended loads.Hence,it is absolutely imperative that the workers don proven protective gears and accessories,to stay protected from potentially serious injuries.Special eye goggles and other face protection gears should also be put on by those working with pipelines.
Being careful while excavating-Accurate measurements of the underground utilities and trenches is of the utmost importance,before embarking on the excavation process.The requisite depth of the excavation also needs to be accounted for.This will give the workers a fair idea of the risks associated with the task,so that they can take adequate protective measures.
Checking the surface on which you are walking-Just like most other industrial plants,trips and falls are one of the most common types of accidents in the pipeline sector too.The surface on which workers have to operate has to be cleaned on a regular basis and all types of stray particles and other debris have to be removed.Ideally,there should be a clear demarcation between the working space and the surface on which the workers can walk about.
Conducting a detailed Job Safety Analysis-The various potential sources of risks,health hazards and other injuries need to be carefully assessed,before any pipeline project is started.Systematic measures have to be taken to remove,or at least minimize,all such risks.Relatively new,inexperienced workers should not be assigned particularly difficult excavation tasks.
Being familiar with the ideal way for handling machines-The instruction manuals of the machinery has to be studied in detail,in order to get an in-depth insight about the functions of the different components of the systems.With such valuable knowledge,workers would also be able to handle and operate the machines in a safe and efficient manner.
Checking the condition of the work equipments-Working with substandard/damaged tools and equipments is a strict no-no for pipeline workers.All the electrical,pneumatic,hydraulic and other instruments have to be checked thoroughly,to ensure that they are in fine working order.Of course,with hand injuries being a rather common phenomenon among workers in this sector,putting on protective gloves is also advisable.
Being on the lookout for probable dangers-The workers need to be on the alert at all times,to avert potentially serious accidents.If any system/tool/equipment appears to be malfunctioning,reports about the same has to be sent to the relevant authorities as soon as possible.
Conducting pressure tests-Excavation activities would put a certain degree of pressure on the working equipments and tools.Make sure that these supplies are able to support such pressures.Ideally,you should have a written copy of these pressure measurements,so that no complications can arise on this count in future.
Several advanced industrial tools have been developed as well,to lessen the risks that pipeline workers are generally exposed to,apart from making their tasks relatively simpler.Roller cradles,which are used in line travel activities,are a fine example in this regard.Make sure that all the pipeline workers follow the necessary safety tips and guidelines.Unfortunate industrial accidents are the last thing that one wishes to see!
