Hydrovac is a non-destructive process that exposes the water, gas, and power lines through pressurized water excavation. It involves loosening and suctioning earth materials surrounding the underground pipes.
Despite being an alternative to hand-digging, hydro vac still has safety hazards involving overhead powerlines and underground utilities, using high-pressure water and vacuum, machines making loud noises, and workers working at heights. Industry standards and practices are in place to protect the workers on site and prevent these from happening.
- Knowing your limits of approach is crucial with overhead wires.
- Reducing and controlling water pressure can avoid line strikes.
- A kill switch (dead man switch) is an essential safety device that can be activated or deactivated if the operator gets into a dangerous situation.
- Wearing hearing protection is vital.
- Establish clear boundaries to set up a perimeter around the hazardous areas of the work site.
IUOE Local 793 stands as a dedicated advocate for the protection of all workers involved in building and maintaining Ontario. The importance of this mission cannot be overstated, emphasizing that safety is not a matter of chance – it’s a deliberate choice that each person must make.