Pipe Laying & Bedding in Trenches
Laying pipe puts workers in the trench at the same time as heavy pipe and excavators. Cave-ins, crushing between pipe and trench wall, and struck-by hazards cause serious injuries. A good routine keeps people protected while the job moves.
- Utility Crews
- Pipe Layers
- Excavation
Before anyone enters
- Call 811 and mark utilities. See Call 811
- A competent person inspects the trench and selects the protective system (sloping, shoring or a trench box). See Trench Boxes and Protective Systems
- Keep spoil and equipment at least 2 feet from the edge. See Surcharge Loads
- Provide a ladder, stairway or ramp within 25 feet of workers in trenches 4 feet deep or more. See Access, Egress & Spoils
- Test the atmosphere if gas or low oxygen is possible. See Trench Atmospheres
- Plan pipe delivery, stringing and lowering to keep it away from workers
Lowering pipe
- Use an excavator, pipelayer or crane with rated slings, hooks or pipe grabs and a clear signal system. See Pipelayers.
- Keep workers out of the trench while the pipe is lowered until it is near the final position, then enter in the safe zone. Never stand under a suspended pipe.
- Use tag lines or guide tools, not hands, to control movement. Keep hands and fingers out of the joint.
- Set the pipe on stable bedding. Block it from rolling.
- Do not enter between the pipe and the trench shield or wall if there is a pinch risk.
- Be careful when moving a trench box along the trench; no one should be inside while it moves.
Bedding and backfill
- Place bedding material in layers as the design says, to support the pipe along its length and avoid voids.
- Compact around the pipe as specified, using hand tamps or light equipment near the pipe, so it is not damaged. See Backfilling & Compaction.
- Remove the trench box or shoring in stages as the backfill rises, following the plan. Do not remove it all at once.
- Keep workers away from the edge and from equipment during compaction.
If something goes wrong
If soil shifts or water enters, get out at once. Call for help and do not enter to rescue without protection. See Trench Emergencies.
Standards & references
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