Excavating near Existing Utilities—Innovative Support Systems That Allow for Safety and Productivity

Public utility owners have a responsibility to ensure that buried utilities are properly maintained so as to extend the useful life of that utility. The degree of difficulty to care for the asset grows when the asset needing care is buried deeper than all others. Accessing deep lines puts surrounding utilities at risk. Tightened rights-of-way, and an increased population of buried utilities, can create significant impediments just to get to the underground worksite. Owners must be clear in the pre-bid phase to ensure that any and all methodologies to be used do no damage to adjacent structures/installations. On the other hand, contractors that would bid on deep utility work distinguish themselves through efficient means and methods. If an owner was to exclude certain technologies, the bidding contractors must be aware of those restrictions, and have an alternative access plan to be successful. Meanwhile, the underground construction world continues has seen marked increases in fatalities, primarily due to inadequate protective system application. The owner must protect the asset, and the contractor must protect the employee. Preservation of existing utilities is important, but cannot outweigh the safety of workers accessing those deep utilities.