SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

LAYING OF PIPES AND CULVERTS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
Earthmoving machinery to be used as a crane must be fitted with burst protection valves in accordance with AS 1418.8 Cranes, hoists and winches special purpose
appliances.
2.
Refer to SWP 278 Mobile Crane; SWP291 Excavator Use as Crane, and SWP 329 Lifting Equipment for further detailed information on these topics.
Task sequence
Identified hazards in task
Key processes to be followed
Precautions / PPE required
1. Competency
Competency of operators
Operators of mobile cranes, earthmoving plant and other similar mobile plant used Non-slewing mobile crane (over 3t)
requirements
as a crane must hold the appropriate licence for the type of plant being used.
Class CN
All loads being shifted on sites must be slung by a licensed dogger only.
Slewing crane (to 20t) Class C2
All loads not in direct view of operator must be controlled by a licensed dogger.
Dogger - Licence Class DG
Vehicle loading crane operators (Licence Class CV) are allowed to sling loads
Excavator operator Class LE.
Crane operators and excavator operators who are operating plant to shift a
Front end loader operator Class LL
load must not undertake or supervise dogging functions or slinging activities.
Backhoe/loader operator Class LB.
2. General
Failure of lifting equipment
Approved lifting equipment (slings, shackles, etc) only must be used to lift loads.
Refer to SWP329 Lifting equipment.
precautions
Inspect all slings and lifting gear before use for evidence of wear, damage, etc.
Do not use worn or faulty equipment.
Striking other vehicles,
Barricade area where plant is operating to prevent persons entering danger area.
Wear high-visibility garments.
plant, or persons
Ensure adequate space is available to swing load where other plant, etc, is present.
Provide adequate traffic management.
Provide smooth, level working area for plant to prevent unwanted load movement. Carry load slowly over rough ground.
3. Storage of pipes
Movement of pipes
Pipes should be stored on an even surface or placed on timbers on rough ground.
Clear area before storing materials.
and culverts on site
Ensure that pipes are properly secured against movement by chocks, etc.
Secure chocks on each side of pipes.
Ensure that slings can be safely placed around pipes without lifting points.
Provide space for slings between pipes.
Ensure that larger pipes are secured against movement before entering to place bar, Plant must be operated while a person is
timber or other means of attaching pipe to sling.
in close vicinity of the pipe to be lifted.
Storage of culverts, lids and
Store components on level surface or on timbers placed on rough ground.
Clear area before storing materials.
headwalls, etc
Ensure that lifting points are protected and kept clear to allow attachment of slings. Protect lift points from impact or damage.
Ensure that components will not move when adjacent items are removed.
Check stability of each item when stored.
Ensure that safe access is provided for persons who will remove or attach slings.
Ensure that all lift points are accessible.
4. Preparation of
Laying bedding material
Place bedding material to correct depth leaving spaces for removal of slings.
Ensure that slings can be removed from
bedding or floor
Preparation of culvert floor
Ensure that floor is clear of bumps, obstructions, etc, to allow sections to seat.
under pipe without necessity to pull out.
5. Preparation for
Overloading of plant
Ensure that all items to be shifted are clearly marked with the weight of the item.
Do not move items if weight is unknown.
shifting of loads
Ensure that weight of item to be shifted does not exceed WWL of the plant.
Check documentation to assess weight.
Incorrect slinging
Clearly identify lifting points (if provided) and ensure that all points are sound.
Mark lifting points with paint, etc.
Ensure that clear access under loads is available when placing slings underneath.
Place dunnage under items placed on
Ensure that slung load when moved will not cause movement of other parts.
ground, and stack carefully.
Failure of lifting equipment
Refer to load charts or load plate on sets to ensure that legs of multi-leg sling sets
Use approved safety hooks and fittings to
or angular objects being lifted do not reduce WWL to unsafe level.
attach loads and slings.
Protect slings and loads at sharp corners with soft packing, or use flexible slings.
Ensure slings and hooks are secured.
SWP586 www.assaohs.com.au

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ASSA 2011

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SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

LAYING OF PIPES AND CULVERTS
Task sequence
6. Attachment and
movement of loads

Identified hazards in task

Slinging of loads
Transport of loads on site
Movement of slung loads

7. Lowering and
placement of loads

Safety of trench or
excavation
Control of load and
communication

Key processes to be followed

Ensure that sling(s) selected are suitable for the type of load to be shifted.
Ensure that lifting points of loads are sound and that slings are securely attached.
Store materials near to where they will be used to minimise movement on site.
Provide clear and even path of travel for slung loads to minimise movement of
slung loads causing stress and damage to plant, lifting gear and loads.
Travel at slow speed (walking pace) to minimise swing and movement of loads.
Use taglines to control movement of pipe or component when travelling.
Stability of trenches and excavations must be assessed daily by competent person.
Keep plant back as far as possible from edge of trench or excavation.
Ensure that all persons are clear of where load is to be placed before lowering.
Person directing load is to remain in clear view of operator at all times.
Only one person is to give instructions to operator during positioning of loads.
Do not remove slings until load is safely positioned and tension on sling released.
Plant must remain in position until instructed to move by person directing load.

Precautions / PPE required

Observe manufacturers instructions.
Consult sling tables for safe load limits.
Avoid carrying slung loads over distance.
Maintain travel path in good condition.
Do not carry loads over other persons.
Avoid jerky or sudden movements.
Do not hold pipe or loads with hands.
Do not allow person to enter unsafe
trench or excavation.
Person directing load must ensure area is
clear before placing load into position.
Dogger only is to instruct operator.
All slings must be slack before removal.
Plant is not to move until instructed.

PRECAUTIONS:
The following personal protective clothing and
equipment is to be worn in areas where these
procedures are carried out.

SWP586 www.assaohs.com.au

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