TUN/Specific/TBT-TUN-002

Pipe Jacking Safety

Tunnelling & Shafts › Specific › Pipe Jacking Safety

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Pipe jacking is a trenchless method of installing pipes underground by pushing them through the ground from a drive shaft.
The drive shaft is a deep excavation classified as a confined space requiring permits, gas monitoring, and rescue provisions.
Jacking forces are extreme — the hydraulic rams push pipes forward with hundreds of tonnes of force through a thrust wall.
Workers must never position themselves between the jacking frame and the pipe being pushed — crush risk is immediately fatal.
The reception shaft at the far end receives the pipe and cutting head — it shares the same confined space hazards as the drive.
Tunnel alignment is monitored by laser guidance — the laser beam must be managed to prevent eye damage to workers in the pipe.
Bentonite lubrication is pumped around the pipe to reduce friction — spills create extremely slippery conditions in the shaft.
Ground settlement monitoring is required above and around the jacking alignment to detect movement affecting surface structures.
Ventilation must provide fresh air to the drive shaft and through the pipe string to any workers inside the pipeline.
Spoil removal from the cutting face creates manual handling, confined space, and contaminated material hazards.

Crushing force	Jacking rams exert hundreds of tonnes of force — anyone caught between the ram and the pipe is killed instantly.
Confined space	The drive shaft, reception shaft, and pipe string are all confined spaces with atmospheric, drowning, and entrapment hazards.
Ground collapse	Pipe jacking disturbs the ground — settlement above the alignment can damage roads, buildings, and buried services.

Don't

Treat the drive shaft, pipe string, and reception shaft as confined spaces throughout.
Never position yourself between the jacking rams and the pipe being pushed.
Monitor the atmosphere in the shaft and pipe string continuously during operations.
Provide forced ventilation through the pipe string to any workers at the cutting face.
Monitor ground settlement above the alignment and respond to movement trigger levels.
Manage the laser guidance beam to prevent eye exposure to workers in the pipeline.
Clean up bentonite spills in the shaft immediately to prevent dangerously slippery surfaces.
Use mechanical spoil removal methods where the volume and weight exceed manual handling limits.
Maintain communication between the shaft top, jacking operator, and workers in the pipe.
Brief all workers on the jacking sequence, emergency procedures, and rescue plan daily.

DON'T enter the shaft or pipe string without a confined space permit and gas monitoring.
DON'T stand between the jacking frame and the pipe — the crushing force is instantly fatal.
DON'T work in the shaft or pipe without continuous atmospheric monitoring running.
DON'T allow workers in the pipe string without ventilation providing fresh air to the face.
DON'T ignore settlement monitoring readings — investigate trigger level exceedances immediately.
DON'T look directly into the laser guidance beam — it causes permanent eye damage.
DON'T leave bentonite spills uncleaned — they create a severe slip hazard in the shaft.
DON'T manually remove spoil that exceeds safe handling weight — use mechanical methods.
DON'T lose communication with workers inside the pipe — re-establish contact immediately.
DON'T skip the daily briefing — pipe jacking hazards change with every metre of progress.

See also: Tunnelling Safety Awareness | Shaft Sinking Safety

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