• Handle clay pipes carefully using both hands and avoid dropping or impact with hard surfaces
• Use mechanical handling for pipes over 150mm diameter where manual lifting is impractical
• Install pipe bedding and surround to the specified granular material type and thickness
• Ensure trench support or safe battering is in place before entering to lay pipes
• Use water suppression when cutting clay pipes on site to control silica dust emissions
• Check each pipe for cracks or damage before lowering into the trench for installation
• Align pipes carefully using a laser or sight rails to achieve the correct gradient
• Protect pipe joints and open ends from debris entry during and between work shifts
• Carry out air or water testing on completed pipe runs before backfilling operations
• Wear safety gloves and eye protection when handling and cutting clay pipe sections

• DON'T drop clay pipes from height or off delivery vehicles — they shatter on impact
• DON'T stack clay pipes unsecured where they could roll and strike workers nearby
• DON'T use sand or material that does not meet the bedding specification for pipe surround
• DON'T enter unsupported trenches to lay pipes — always check support is adequate first
• DON'T dry cut clay pipes without water suppression — silica dust is carcinogenic
• DON'T force misaligned pipe joints together — realign the pipe and bedding correctly
• DON'T backfill over pipe runs before testing is completed and results are acceptable
• DON'T use cracked or chipped pipes — reject and replace damaged sections immediately
• DON'T compact backfill directly over clay pipes without the required depth of surround
• DON'T leave open pipe ends uncovered in trenches where debris or vermin can enter

See also: Pipeline Safety Awareness | Below Ground Drainage Installation