Summer is a critical time for those in construction and utility work. This busy season depends on crews’ productivity as they work around storms and high temperatures. But the season’s unpredictable weather isn’t the only thing impacting safety and productivity. The possibility of striking a buried utility means potentially hurting crew members, delaying the project, damaging critical infrastructure and cutting off critical access to that utility as it undergoes repairs.
That’s why the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) identified vacuum excavation as a best practice. Since vacuum excavation is a best practice for safe digging, the TRUVAC team shared a few more safe digging tips for summer construction and utility work and also included a couple tips from GTI:
- Make a plan. To ensure safe digging practices, plan for differing hypothetical situations including how much water is needed and how to handle debris. Being prepared to adapt to various ground conditions not only keeps utility work and digging safe, but it shortens the amount of time needed to pivot.
- CALL 811. Safety is important, and by calling 811, you can understand the location of underground utilities, reduce the risk of dangerous situations and prevent costly repairs and fines. Calling the number (or submitting a request online) is completely free, and utility companies will arrive to mark the site of underground lines.
- Follow safety protocols. Utilizing vacuum excavating requires less manual work by removing a shovel and other manual digging tools, which ultimately makes for a safer work environment. However, making sure operators utilize proper PPE gear is still necessary regardless of site conditions and temperature. All utility work and digs need to follow proper safety protocols to keep digging safe.
- Conduct proper maintenance. TRUVAC units (APXX, FLXX, HXX/HXX², Paradigm, TRXX, and Westech WC/Coyote/Wolf) require routine, schedule-based service and lubrication with strict safety practices. In the first week, inspect seals, vacuum hoses, and safety equipment; wash and clean the unit; drain air tanks; grease all zerks, hinges, and boom components; and service the chassis per OEM guidelines. Ongoing, check blower/spindle and hydraulic oil levels and safety devices each shift; weekly, drain air tanks and silencers, inspect labels, seals, hoses and gaskets, rotate the suction hose, flush the water pump, and check Y-strainers and boom/body seals. At roughly 100 hours, change blower and transfer case oil (if equipped), replace hydraulic and charge filters, and service the water pump. Periodically inspect and clean cyclones, dust boxes, micro strainers, debris body floats, and driveline, and verify vacuum, water, and hydraulic pressure reliefs. Grease critical points (door and body hinges, rear door locks, hoist cylinder pins/brackets, boom gears/bearings), and perform monthly visual checks and torque/alignment of blower and water-pump couplings. For water systems, keep handgun use under 3,000 psi and 10 gpm, preheat tanks only below 100°F, open a ball valve before engaging any rodder pump, and follow unloader valve adjustment procedures. Always use safety props for the rear door and debris body during maintenance, observe confined-space warnings for the debris body, water tank, and filter housing, and consult chassis and component OEM manuals as specified.
- Use the right equipment. DigRight is a patented technology from TRUVAC that increases safety, helps adhere to industry recognized best practices, and allows crews to focus on the job — all at the push of a button. DigRight technology — coupled with multi-flow water pump features — allows you to select a maximum water pressure limit to prevent the pressure from exceeding site or industry requirements. DigRight is available on the TRUVAC Paradigm, FLXX and HXX models. DigRight helps decrease wear and tear on check, unloader and relief valves by avoiding bypassing water and saves fuel and money by eliminating wasted energy.
- Beware of pressure and temperature. GTI noted in the “Vacuum Excavation Best Practice & Guideline” that if heated water is used during excavation, the temperature and pressure of the water shouldn’t exceed 115ºF and 2,500 psi for a straight tip nozzle or 3,000 psi for a rotating nozzle. Additionally, the pressurized air or water wands shall never remain motionless during excavation. Aiming directly at the underground facilities shall be avoided at all times.
- Keep the right distance. GTI also recommended keeping a distance of at least eight inches between the end of the nozzle and the underground facility or subsoil. The nozzle shouldn’t ever be inserted into the subsoil while excavating within the “tolerance zone.”
As summer digging projects start to increase, calling 811 and prioritizing safe excavation practices helps protect crews and infrastructure. With precision tools like DigRight technology from TRUVAC that help support industry best practices, contractors are able to dig safely and more efficiently.
For more information, visit TRUVAC.com/DigRight.