Truck Mounted Hydro Excavation Safe Work Method Statement

Implementation

1. Submit Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) enquiry minimum 2 working days before planned excavation providing accurate work location coordinates 2. Receive and review all utility service plans from asset owners identifying services potentially affected by excavation works 3. Mark service locations on ground using colour-coded spray paint following Australian standard colour conventions (red for electrical, yellow for gas, etc.) 4. Use electromagnetic cable locators verifying service positions before excavation, scan area in multiple orientations for comprehensive coverage 5. Where service plans indicate services present but electromagnetic location fails to confirm, excavate exploratory pot holes using hand tools before commencing hydro excavation 6. Photograph marked service locations before excavation documenting compliance with location procedures 7. Reduce water pressure to 1500 psi maximum when excavating within 300mm of identified utility locations 8. Expose services carefully observing emerging utilities continuously adjusting excavation technique to prevent contact or damage 9. Notify asset owners immediately if utilities discovered in locations differing significantly from plans 10. Document all service locations exposed during works updating site plans for future reference and maintenance activities

Implementation

1. Provide structured training covering high-pressure water injury mechanisms, injection injury recognition and first aid response 2. Demonstrate proper excavation wand handling techniques maintaining safe distances from body and bystanders 3. Train operators in pressure adjustment procedures reducing pressure appropriately for soil conditions and proximity to utilities 4. Practice emergency shutdown procedures including immediate pressure release when incidents occur or hazards identified 5. Teach blockage clearing protocols requiring complete system depressurisation before attempting to clear nozzle obstructions 6. Conduct practical assessment requiring operators demonstrate safe wand control, pressure adjustment, and emergency response 7. Ensure operators understand the difference between operating pressure (1500-5000 psi) and the devastating injury potential at all pressures 8. Train in leak identification procedures using auditory and visual methods avoiding direct contact with pressurised hoses 9. Provide annual refresher training reviewing incidents from industry and reinforcing critical safety practices 10. Maintain training records documenting each operator's completion of high-pressure water safety training and competency assessment

Implementation

1. Check water tank level and verify heating system functional for cold weather operations maintaining fluid temperature 2. Inspect high-pressure water pump for leaks, unusual noise, or vibration indicating wear or impending failure 3. Examine all water hoses and couplings checking for abrasion, bulges, leaks, or deterioration requiring replacement 4. Test water pressure gauge accuracy, verify pressure relief valves functional preventing over-pressure conditions 5. Inspect vacuum system checking blower operation, filter condition, and verify emergency shutdown systems respond immediately 6. Examine debris tank for corrosion particularly around welds and penetrations indicating structural degradation 7. Check vacuum hoses for damage, verify couplings secure and properly sealed preventing air leaks affecting suction performance 8. Test boom hydraulics confirming smooth operation without excessive free play or unusual noise 9. Verify all emergency stop controls accessible and functional including both truck-mounted and ground operator positions 10. Document inspection in equipment log, tag out any equipment with defects affecting safe operation until repairs completed

Implementation

1. Maintain minimum 300mm distance between excavation wand nozzle and operator's body parts during all operations 2. Never direct water stream toward people, vehicles, buildings, or equipment even when testing or clearing blockages 3. Start excavation at lowest effective pressure (1500 psi) increasing gradually only if soil conditions require higher pressure 4. Reduce pressure to 1500 psi maximum when working within 300mm of identified utility locations regardless of soil hardness 5. Position body perpendicular to water stream direction ensuring if wand kicks back it moves away from operator not toward 6. Use extended wand lengths where site access permits allowing greater operator distance from excavation point 7. Install pressure limiting valves preventing operation above safe limits for the specific work being undertaken 8. Monitor excavation progress continuously watching for unexpected resistance indicating possible utility contact requiring immediate pressure reduction 9. Provide operators with pressure adjustment controls accessible without repositioning hands from wand grips 10. Establish protocol requiring second operator verification before increasing pressure above 3000 psi for any reason

Implementation

1. Install emergency vacuum shutdown controls at both truck operator position and accessible to ground operators within 2 metres 2. Fit vacuum inlet with protective grating preventing workers' hands entering inlet opening during operation 3. Install vacuum pressure relief valves preventing excessive negative pressure that could implode debris tank or collapse hoses 4. Implement procedure requiring vacuum shutdown before repositioning hoses or clearing blockages from inlet 5. Mount vacuum gauge visible to truck operator enabling continuous pressure monitoring during operations 6. Establish maximum operating pressure limit (typically 26 inches mercury) below tank and hose structural limits providing safety margin 7. Inspect debris tanks daily checking for corrosion damage reducing structural integrity and creating implosion risk 8. Install pressure equalisation valve on debris tank opened before releasing tank access hatches releasing residual vacuum safely 9. Mark safe fill level on debris tank sight glass preventing overfilling that could damage vacuum blower systems 10. Train operators to recognise unusual vacuum sounds indicating blockages, leaks, or equipment malfunction requiring immediate shutdown

Implementation

1. Implement maximum service life limits for hydraulic hoses (typically 2-4 years) replacing before degradation causes failure 2. Inspect all hydraulic and water hoses weekly checking for abrasion, bulging, leaking at fittings, or surface cracking 3. Replace any hose showing signs of deterioration immediately rather than waiting for scheduled replacement 4. Route hoses avoiding sharp edges, hot surfaces, and areas where vehicle movement could cause damage 5. Install protective sleeves on hoses in high-wear areas subject to abrasion from contact with truck components 6. Maintain minimum bend radius per manufacturer specifications preventing internal hose damage from excessive flexing 7. Use only manufacturer-approved replacement hoses with pressure ratings exceeding maximum system operating pressure by 25% 8. Mark installation date on each hose using permanent marker or tag enabling tracking of service life 9. Install hose burst protection valves on critical circuits limiting fluid release and whip energy if failure occurs 10. Document all hose replacements in maintenance log identifying hose location, date, and reason for replacement

Implementation

1. Classify all debris tanks as confined spaces requiring entry permits before any worker entry for cleaning or maintenance 2. Test atmosphere before entry using calibrated gas detection equipment checking oxygen level, combustible gases, and hydrogen sulphide 3. Implement continuous forced ventilation during all tank entry using powered blowers achieving minimum 6 air changes per hour 4. Assign standby person remaining outside tank maintaining visual contact with entrant and equipped to initiate emergency rescue 5. Provide entrants with supplied air respiratory protection or self-contained breathing apparatus eliminating reliance on tank atmosphere 6. Establish communication system between entrant and standby person with checks every 5 minutes confirming ongoing safety 7. Position rescue equipment including tripod and retrieval winch before entry enabling non-entry rescue if worker becomes incapacitated 8. Ensure standby person does not enter tank if emergency occurs, instead activates emergency services and uses retrieval equipment 9. Re-test atmosphere every 30 minutes during extended entry operations monitoring for changing conditions 10. Complete entry permit documenting atmospheric testing results, control measures, rescue equipment, and personnel assignments

Implementation

1. Develop site-specific emergency response plan covering response procedures for electrical, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications strikes 2. Provide emergency contact numbers for all utility asset owners posted in truck cabin and on ground operator information cards 3. Train operators in immediate actions for each utility type: electrical - evacuate area, gas - eliminate ignition sources and evacuate, water - notify authority 4. Establish evacuation distances for gas strikes (minimum 25 metres) and electrical strikes (minimum 10 metres) marked on site 5. Position fire extinguisher accessible for gas-related fires, but emphasise that gas fires should not be extinguished unless supply shut off 6. Ensure operators trained in electricity safety including never touching equipment or wand if electrical strike suspected until confirmed de-energised 7. Implement immediate work suspension procedure following any utility strike prohibiting recommencement until damage assessed and repairs completed 8. Document all utility strikes regardless of severity reporting to asset owners, employer, and regulator where required 9. Conduct post-incident investigation for all strikes identifying why existing location procedures failed to prevent strike 10. Review and update emergency procedures annually incorporating lessons learned from incidents within company and industry