SLP/General/TBT-SLP-011

Trailing Hoses and Air Lines

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Trailing Hoses and Air Lines

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-SLP-011  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Trailing hoses, air lines, and power cables across walkways are a leading cause of trip injuries on construction sites.
  • Pneumatic breakers, compressors, water suppression systems, and dewatering pumps all use hoses that trail across the ground.
  • A trip over a hose while carrying materials or working at height can result in a serious or fatal injury.
  • Hose management should be planned as part of the task setup, not addressed as an afterthought.
  • Hose ramps, bridges, and cable protectors allow pedestrians and vehicles to cross safely.
  • Bright-coloured hoses are easier to see, but physical protection is always more effective than colour alone.
  • Hoses under pressure that are not whip-checked can separate at couplings and strike nearby workers.
  • Temporary runs should be routed overhead or around the perimeter of walkways where possible.
  • Good housekeeping requires hoses to be coiled and stored when not in use, not left across work areas.
  • Supervisors should include hose routing in the pre-task briefing for every activity using hose-fed equipment.

Why?

Trip injuriesTrailing hoses across walkways cause frequent trip injuries including fractures, head injuries, and back strains.
Fall escalationTripping near excavations, scaffolds, or at height turns a simple stumble into a potentially fatal fall.
Site standardGood housekeeping including hose management is a visible indicator of overall safety culture on site.
Do Don't
  • Plan hose routing as part of the task setup before starting work
  • Route hoses around the perimeter of walkways or overhead where possible
  • Use hose ramps or cable protectors where hoses must cross pedestrian routes
  • Fit whip checks to all pressurised hose connections to prevent separation
  • Use brightly coloured hoses or hazard tape to increase visibility on the ground
  • Coil and store hoses when not in use — do not leave them trailing across the site
  • Brief the team on hose routing and trip hazard management during the pre-task talk
  • Inspect hoses and connections at the start of each shift for wear and damage
  • Shorten hose runs to the minimum length needed for the task
  • Report persistent hose trip hazards that cannot be resolved at task level
  • DON'T trail hoses across pedestrian walkways without ramps or protection
  • DON'T leave unused hoses lying on the ground where people are working
  • DON'T run hoses across stairways, ladders, or scaffold access points
  • DON'T use damaged or leaking hoses that create wet, slippery surfaces
  • DON'T connect pressurised hoses without fitting whip check safety devices
  • DON'T rely on colour alone to make hoses visible — use physical protection too
  • DON'T ignore trailing hoses because they belong to another trade or contractor
  • DON'T route hoses through emergency escape routes or fire exit paths
  • DON'T step over hoses while carrying heavy loads — go around or use a crossing
  • DON'T treat hose management as someone else's problem — everyone is responsible

See also: Cable Management on Site | Good Housekeeping Standards
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