Irrigation Installers
Irrigation crews dig trenches, glue pipe, wire valves and set controllers across yards and commercial landscapes. The work looks simple but includes buried gas and electric lines, trenching machines, solvent fumes, lifting, heat and wildlife. A single utility strike can cause an explosion or electrocution.
- Irrigation Installers
- Landscapers
- Pipefitters
- Golf & Turf Crews
Main hazards
- Buried utilities: gas, electric, water, communication and sewer lines. Trenchers and vibratory plows can hit them. See Utility Strikes and Call 811.
- Trenching machines and mini equipment with chains and blades. See Trenchers and Mini Excavators.
- Trench cave-ins in deeper cuts. See Trenching Basics.
- Solvent cement and primer: PVC cement and primer are flammable and give off vapors that irritate or intoxicate in enclosed spots. See Solvents.
- Electrical hazards: 24-volt valve wiring is low, but controllers connect to 120-volt power, and cutting into buried cable is dangerous. See GFCI Protection.
- Lifting and repetitive digging. See Lifting & Ergonomics.
- Heat, sun and dehydration, plus insects, snakes and wildlife. See Heat Illness and Animal Bites.
- Water treatment chemicals and fertilizer injection and backflow devices. See Pesticides.
Safe practices
- Call 811 before any digging, wait the required time and hand dig near marked lines. Check for private lines such as gas to grills, lighting wires and septic lines.
- Use trenchers and equipment only after training. Keep feet clear of chains and never reach into a running machine; shut down before clearing roots. Use ear and eye protection.
- Keep trenches shallow (irrigation mains are often under 4 feet); if deeper, follow excavation rules. Don't let spoil roll back and keep ladders or ramps when needed.
- Work with PVC primer and cement in open air with the cap on when not in use, away from sparks and cigarettes. Wear gloves and glasses and wash off cement. Never use it in enclosed vaults without ventilation.
- Turn off power at the breaker before wiring controllers. Use a tester, GFCI protection and weatherproof connectors. Don't cut into buried cable.
- Lift with your legs, use carts and trench shovels, and alternate tasks. Take shade and water breaks.
- Wear long pants, boots, gloves, glasses and a hat, plus insect protection, and watch where you reach.
- Flush and pressure test lines with the area clear of people, and cap lines properly.
Irrigation checklist
- 811 was called and private lines are checked
- Trenchers are used by trained operators who shut down before clearing
- PVC cement is used in open air away from ignition sources
- Power is off and tested before wiring controllers
- I drink water, take shade breaks and watch for wildlife
Standards & references
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