Code of Practice
COP 43
Issued May 10 Revised April 2012
No 43 – PIPE AND GABION CONSTRUCTION
1.
BACKGROUND TO COP
Reason for COP:
To prevent injury and damage to plant and
personnel and public when undertaking
construction of pipe and gabion structures and
maintenance activities.
Relevant Regulations:
- DoL COP for Managing Hazards to Prevent
Major Accidents.
- DoL COP for working in trenches.
- DoL COP for working in confined spaces.
Employee Training/Skills Required:
Leading hand on site with suitable past
experience and stormwater reticulation
qualification.
Purchasing Policy Tools/Plant:
New equipment must be supplied in a condition
that complies with appropriate Department of
Labour Codes of Practice. This shall be a
condition of all tenders for plant.
2.
COP WORK PROCEDURE
1.
Pipe and gabion construction are two activities that are undertaken on a regular basis
together or separately. Usually part of a larger project, additional specific hold points
may be listed by a client. Below are standard hold points:
 Location of underground services prior to excavation and close work permits
obtained for any overhead utility services.
 Obtain all necessary permits and approved plans (trench > 1.5m – OSH, TMP –
RCA).
 Obtain survey for installation to true lines and levels.
 Test excavation foundations.
 Test backfill compaction.
2.
Lifting and Manoeuvring Pipes and Gabions:
 All objects lifted by rated chains, strops or frames.
 All staff working around operation shall have hard hat and other standard PPE.
 Maintain constant contact with machine operators. Avoid blind spots.
3.
Worksites to be kept tidy and uncluttered:
 Protect services, surfaces, vegetation and other furniture.
 Keep stockpiles away from edges of trenches or excavation.
Document1
Page 1of 2
Hazard Identification & Analysis Worksheet – HBRC
Work Task,
Activity or Item of
Equipment
What can cause
harm?
How could potential harm situation
arise?
Significant
Hazard
Yes/No*
Controls that Reduce Harm
043 – Pipe and Gabion Construction
Performing job/
general duties
Working outside generic hazards
Impact, crush or
Unstable material on trench or
suffocation from
excavation face
trench or
Top of trench or excavation overloaded
excavation
at edge
failure
Impact from fall
Trip or slip
down manholes
Unstable manhole cover
or trench
Impact or crush
Lifting support failure
from falling lifted
Gabion basket splitting open and spilling
objects
rocks
Loss of load travelling over uneven
ground
Impact or crush
Not visible
from mechanical Poor communication with operator
excavator or
Vehicle rollover from unstable ground
loader
Date: April 2012
Y
M
N
M
Y
M
E
M
Y
M
I
Epoxy Poisoning
Using epoxy mortars
N
M
Lifting, Installing
Pipes or gabions
Hand, limb, or
body crush
Y
M
Transporting pipe
and gabion
hardware
Loss of load
Parts sticking during installation
Loss of control during heavy lift
Poor rigging
Lifting device failure
Travelling too fast
Insecure load
Document1
Status
Y
M
Ref COP 00 – General Fieldworker Operations
Use cage or shoring in trench > 1.5m deep
Batter back excavations or trenches to at least 1:1
Keep stockpile materials at least 1.5m away from top of excavations or
trenches
In place
In place
In place
Maintain clean site and correct footwear.
Have minimum number of covers open, ensure correct fit.
2 man job always
All lifting supports (Chains) certified
If lifting full gabions double stick or ring top and sides
Correct PPE incl Hard hat
Carry all loads within 1m of the ground.
In place
In place
In place
In place
In place
In place
In place
Wear correct PPE, hi viz and work boots. Hard hat if under working plant.
Ensure continued eye contact with operator. Consider use of spotter in
increased risk situations.
Machinery to maintain safe working distances
Use only trained/licensed people to operate plant/machinery.
Wear correct PPE, long gloves. Avoid skin contact. Mask in confined space.
Identify staff who have allergy to epoxy
In place
In place
Mechanically shift parts
Check weather conditions, no wind required
Trained persons required (certified crane, hiab lifters)
Use correct PPE, Hard hat and steel cap boots
Obey Speed rules
Secure at recognised tie down points
Secure any potential loose components
In place
In place
Trained operator
In place
In place
Trained operator
In place
In place
In place
In Place
In Place
Page 2of 2