the operator when they are approaching any other equipment
or facilities and to signal the operator either by hand signals
or sounding a warning horn to prevent unintended contact
occurring. The spotter will also assist the operator in
monitoring the machines safety zone and warn others if they
get too close. Clear communication between the operator
and spotter is critical.
Engineering controls
We all know that engineering controls are most effective
when it comes to keeping workers safe when operating
pipeline machinery. With today’s technology there are
a number of options that can improve and enhance the
safety of pipeline equipment operations. Excavators and
other equipment can now be fitted with warning devices
that detect high voltage power lines and provide both an
audio and visual warning signal to the operator when a
machine encroaches on the limits of approach for a high
voltage line. Load monitoring indicators (LMIs) and anti-
two-block devices once only available for cranes are now
available for side booms tractors. These units provide
boom operators with information on hook weight, boom
overhang, machine slope, and machine capacity under its
current configuration. They also provide an audio warning
alarm to the boom operator when the machine is at or near
its maximum capacity which will prevent equipment damage
and boom tip over incidents. The
anti-two-block device also provides
audio and visual alarms to the boom
operator to prevent inadvertent
contact of the hanging blocks
preventing cable and sheave damage
and possible equipment failure that
could endanger pipeline ground
crews. Roll-over protective structures
(ROPS) are available for most sizes and
configurations of side booms now.
ROPS used in conjunction with seat
belts can reduce or even eliminate
serious injuries and operator deaths in
the event of roll overs involving both
crawler tractors and side booms.
Excavators are one of the
most versatile pieces of pipeline
equipment. Fitting an excavator with
a falling objects protective structure
(FOPS) will help protect the operator
from injury by preventing falling or
flying objects from penetrating the
excavator cab. These structures can
also provide additional protection
to the operator in the event of a
tip over as they provide addition
strength to the machine’s cab area.
Falls from pipeline equipment are
a common cause of injury. Ensuring
equipment is fitted with appropriate
handrails, guardrails, steps and foot
holds especially in areas that are
routinely accessed by operators
for service and inspection. This can
greatly reduce fall from equipment
injuries.
Working around pipeline machinery
will always have its hazards. At
Continental Pipeline, one of its core
values is to ‘do the right thing’. Ensuring
that every reasonable precaution to
protect operators and ground crews
when working with pipeline machinery
is always the right thing to do.
Pipeline and plant construction is one of STREICHER’s core competencies. As an
EPC-con-
tractor for oil and gas pipelines and plants as well as water pipelines and pipelines for
chemical products
, STREICHER carries out all services from planning and construction to
commissioning and maintenance. The
business sector “Drilling Technology”
manufactures
drilling rigs for hydrocarbon and geothermal exploration as well as HDD rigs for trench-
less pipe laying. The sector “Drilling Technology” works closely together with the drilling
contractor
DrillTec GUT GmbH Großbohr- und Umwelttechnik
, a subsidiary of STREICHER.
The
STREICHER Group
, with approx. 3,500 employees worldwide, undertakes large-scale
projects in different sectors, such as Pipelines & Plants, Mechanical Engineering, Civil &
Structural Engineering and Construction Material.
MAX STREICHER GmbH & Co. KG aA
· Schwaigerbreite 17 · 94469 Deggendorf · Germany
T
+49 (0)991 330-231 ·
E
·
www
streicher.de
Drilltec GUT GmbH Großbohr- und Umwelttechnik
Josef-Wallner-Str. 10 · 94469 Deggendorf · Germany
T
+49 (0)991 37212-400·
E
·
www
drilltec.de
MIDSTREAM & UPSTREAM SOLUTIONS
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