Underground Utilities: Safety Tips to Prevent Construction Accidents

Working with underground utilities is a crucial part of modern construction, but it’s also inherently risky. At Cougar Companies, a 3rd generation family-owned construction contractor in Southwest Florida since 1981, we believe that prioritizing safety is not just a best practice, but a core value. With our decades of experience specializing in roadway construction, concrete work, site preparation, excavation, underground utilities, and demolition/renovation, we've seen firsthand the importance of rigorous safety protocols. This blog post aims to educate you on the potential hazards involved with underground utilities and how to mitigate risks to ensure a safer work environment.

Understanding the Hazards of Underground Utilities

Underground utilities are the lifelines of our modern infrastructure, providing essential services like water, electricity, gas, and communication. However, accidentally striking one of these lines during excavation or other construction activities can have devastating consequences. These accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, property damage, service disruptions, and significant financial losses. In Southwest Florida, the challenges are amplified by the complex soil conditions and the often-dense network of utilities buried beneath the surface, demanding even greater vigilance.

Common Risks Associated with Underground Utilities

• Electrocution: Striking an electrical line can result in severe burns, cardiac arrest, or death.
• Explosions: Puncturing a gas line can lead to fires, explosions, and the release of harmful gases.
• Flooding: Damaging water mains can cause flooding, property damage, and water contamination.
• Communication Disruptions: Severing communication lines can disrupt internet, phone, and emergency services.
• Environmental Contamination: Leaking chemicals from damaged underground pipes can contaminate soil and water sources.

According to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), excavation damage is a leading cause of damage to underground facilities. In 2022 alone, there were an estimated 427,000 excavation-related damages to underground infrastructure in the United States. These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved safety awareness and preventative measures in the construction industry.

Implementing a Comprehensive Safety Plan

A comprehensive safety plan is crucial for minimizing risks when working around underground utilities. This plan should incorporate various elements, including pre-planning, site assessment, proper excavation techniques, and emergency response procedures. At Cougar Companies, we emphasize a proactive approach to safety, incorporating continuous training and assessment into every project we undertake in Southwest Florida.

Pre-Planning and Utility Locating

Before commencing any excavation work, thorough pre-planning is essential. This includes:

1. Contacting 811: Call 811, the national "Call Before You Dig" hotline, at least two business days before digging. This will notify local utility companies to mark the approximate location of their underground facilities. In Southwest Florida, the Sunshine State One-Call system facilitates this process.
2. Reviewing Utility Maps: Obtain and carefully review utility maps and plans from the relevant utility companies. Understand the location and type of underground utilities in the work area. While these maps are helpful, remember that they are not always accurate and should be supplemented with physical investigation.
3. Conducting a Site Walk: Perform a thorough site walk to visually identify any surface indicators of underground utilities, such as manholes, valve boxes, and utility markers. Pay special attention to areas where utilities are likely to converge or cross.
4. Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Consider using GPR technology to detect underground utilities that may not be marked or accurately mapped. GPR can provide a more detailed picture of subsurface conditions. Cougar Companies frequently employs GPR on complex projects in Southwest Florida to mitigate risk.

Safe Excavation Techniques

Once utilities have been located and marked, it is crucial to employ safe excavation techniques to avoid damage. These techniques include:

• Hand Excavation: Use hand tools, such as shovels and probes, to carefully expose underground utilities within the tolerance zone (usually 18-24 inches on either side of the marked utility). This is also referred to as "pot-holing."
• Vacuum Excavation (Hydro Excavation): Consider using vacuum excavation, which uses pressurized water or air to loosen soil, followed by a vacuum to remove the excavated material. This method is less likely to damage underground utilities than traditional excavation methods and is becoming more common in Southwest Florida due to its effectiveness in sandy soil.
• Maintaining Clearance: Always maintain a safe clearance distance from underground utilities during excavation. Follow the guidelines provided by the utility companies and local regulations.
• Providing Support: Properly support exposed underground utilities to prevent them from sagging, shifting, or being damaged during excavation.

Emergency Response Procedures

Despite taking precautions, accidents can still happen. It's vital to have established emergency response procedures in place. Every construction site should have a designated person responsible for emergency response.

• Immediately Stop Work: If you strike or damage an underground utility, immediately stop all work and evacuate the area.
• Notify the Utility Company: Contact the appropriate utility company to report the damage and request assistance. Do not attempt to repair the damage yourself.
• Call 911: If there is a fire, explosion, or any other immediate danger, call 911.
• Provide First Aid: If anyone is injured, provide first aid and call for medical assistance.
• Document the Incident: Document the incident, including the location, type of damage, and any injuries. This information will be helpful for investigation and future prevention efforts.

Addressing Unique Challenges in Southwest Florida

Construction in Southwest Florida presents unique challenges regarding underground utilities. The area's rapid growth has led to a dense and complex network of underground infrastructure. Additionally, the sandy soil conditions can make it difficult to accurately locate and mark utilities. The hot and humid climate also poses a risk to workers, increasing the potential for heat-related illnesses.

Best Practices for Southwest Florida

• Increased Vigilance: Given the complexity of underground utilities in Southwest Florida, it is essential to exercise increased vigilance during excavation. Take extra time to carefully locate and identify utilities before digging.
• Soil Stabilization: Consider using soil stabilization techniques, such as shoring or trench boxes, to prevent cave-ins and protect workers from the hazards of unstable soil.
• Heat Stress Prevention: Implement measures to prevent heat stress among workers, such as providing plenty of water, scheduling frequent breaks in shaded areas, and adjusting work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
• Regular Training: Provide regular training to workers on the hazards of underground utilities and safe excavation techniques. This training should be tailored to the specific challenges of Southwest Florida.

The Cougar Companies Commitment to Safety

At Cougar Companies, we are committed to providing a safe working environment for our employees and the community. We continuously invest in training, equipment, and technology to improve our safety performance. Our commitment to safety is deeply rooted in our family values and our dedication to quality craftsmanship. We believe that a safe job is a job well done.

We work closely with utility companies and local authorities to ensure that we are following the latest safety regulations and best practices. We also encourage our employees to speak up if they see something that could be a safety hazard. Every member of our team has the authority, and responsibility, to stop work if they feel conditions are unsafe.

Conclusion

Working around underground utilities requires careful planning, thorough execution, and a strong commitment to safety. By understanding the hazards, implementing a comprehensive safety plan, and addressing the unique challenges of Southwest Florida, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect our workers and communities. Remember to always call 811 before you dig, review utility maps, use safe excavation techniques, and have emergency response procedures in place.

Cougar Companies remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety in every project we undertake. If you're looking for a construction partner in Southwest Florida that prioritizes safety and quality, we invite you to contact us today to discuss your project needs.