Critical Steps to Help Crews Stay Safe on HDD Jobs

By Susan Harmon, The Charles Machine Works, Inc. Product Safety & Compliance Manager

Featured in: Damage Prevention

As underground networks continue to grow, the risk of striking an underground utility line is ever more present. In 2016, below-surface utilities were damaged 317,869 times, according to the Common Ground Alliance DIRT report.

Utility strikes are avoidable. It’s imperative that horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contractors and operators follow best practices and procedures on the job to keep these numbers to a minimum. Crews should also keep in mind that damage from HDD equipment sometimes isn’t as immediately apparent as that caused by other ground-breaking equipment types.

Follow these best practices to help protect underground utilities and keep your people safe on the job.

Plan and Prepare

A little time spent on planning and preparation can prevent problems that could take days, even weeks to fix. Take the time to prepare the crew and prepare the jobsite to identify existing utilities. Also, an advance emergency response plan can reduce chaos and uncertainty in the case of an underground utility strike. Part of this plan includes making sure traffic and pedestrians are directed away from the site during a safety event.

A successful job requires a knowledgeable, responsible and protected crew. A drill operator relies on the tracker on the ground using guidance equipment to provide feedback to successfully drill around obstructions. Whereas, the tracker relies on the operator to use the recommendations and keep him out of harm’s way.

Additionally, there is technology available today that helps operators plan bores prior to getting on the jobsite, and then monitor the bore progress from the operator seat while drilling. These advanced technologies together work to provide both the tracker and the operator with the same vital guidance equipment data.

For example, Subsite® Electronics, recently launched the Green Ops™ (GO) process. The process leverages a suite of software and electronic guidance technology to give a clear plan, more control, and faster reporting to facilitate safety and productivity.

The growing demand and advancements in the market also requires an adequate supply of knowledgeable HDD workers. Crews can prepare themselves through Ditch Witch® Certified HDD Training. This program incorporates key foundational elements that any HDD operator should know, with a strong focus on safety. It provides operators with training that fits their schedules and level of equipment knowledge.

As part of the program, operators can train with a HDD virtual reality simulator. This technology allows new operators to become familiar with the machine controls, while experienced operators can refine their skills to increase productivity. Practicing on an HDD simulator allows operators to learn in a controlled environment where mistakes aren’t risky.

Locate Existing Utilities

Forty percent of damages that occurred across America in 2016 resulted from inadequate efforts to locate underground utilities or failure to notify the proper utility owners, according to the DIRT report. Fortunately, the underground construction industry has introduced valuable tools and services that, if used properly, can significantly reduce the risk of utility damage during HDD jobs.

1. Call 811

One-call (811) must be contacted to coordinate utility locations with companies that participate in the One-call program, in addition to contacting all utilities owners that do not participate in the program. Call in advance to allow time for the utility owners to properly mark their utilities. Prior to calling 811, operators should mark the proposed excavation plan with white paint, also known as “whitelining.” Whitelining helps the locator identify more precisely where the digging will occur.

2. Verify locates

Some utility companies only locate to the utility meter, which may leave some privately-owned lines unmarked. If excavating around these lines, additional provisions must be made to locate them. Use a locator to identify these lines and to verify the utilities locates.   

3. Use a vacuum excavator to expose lines

Vacuum excavators not only improve material and fluid cleanup after drilling operations; these versatile machines can be used for soft excavation as well. While locating equipment is crucial for finding approximate locations of underground utilities, vacuum excavators can effectively expose utilities through potholing or daylighting. Providing a clear view of the utilities will allow the operators to visually verify the exact location and to watch bore crossings to ensure no damage occurs.

Track the Drill

While drilling, the drill head must be tracked at least every full length of pipe, and more often depending on underground congestion in the area. Each tracking location should be marked and progress should be checked to ensure the bore is staying on the intended path. Even experienced operators have ended up somewhere they didn’t want to be when not keeping frequent track of the drill head location.

Any utility strike has the potential to affect thousands, with potentially fatal consequences and expensive penalties. By understanding and applying these best practices, operators and crews can significantly reduce the risks associated with HDD jobs.

For more information about keeping safe on the job, please visit https://www.ditchwitch.com/safety.

HYDRAULIC BREAKER
Used for construction and demolition, our breakers can be used to break up asphalt, concrete or even clay. The hydraulic hammer is perfect for any small or medium job you might have. More up-time in the field is always the goal, and with only two moving parts and a few seals, there’s no reason for down-time.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

ROCK SAW

Best suited for irrigation and fiber installation, the Rock Saw attachment can effortlessly cut through rock, concrete, and other tough materials with unmatched precision. 

Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BACKHOE
Easily move materials for rebuilds, new construction, footings, utility repairs and more with this compact and versatile attachment.
Compatible Models

SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

STUMP GRINDERS
Featuring a heavy-duty boom design, powerful stump grinding attachments quickly shred stumps down to nothing. Easy maneuvering from stump to stump and increased visibility turns more ground stumps into more profit.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MULTITASK TOOL
Your multipurpose tool for the ultimate multi-tasker is here. Engineered to grab tight to heavy materials and move them with ease and precision, the multi-task tool is your go-to for heavy applications. Easy to operate with convenient, functional levers.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CORE DRILL
With the MC-450 coring attachment, utility maintenance is simple and less disruptive. Featuring intuitive controls and an integrated water tank, the MC-450 is the perfect choice for quick cuts and a more productive coring process. A fully adjustable 0 to 280 rpm speed allows for enhanced control and greater productivity.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

SOIL CULTIVATOR
Prepare food plots, gardens, and landscaping projects with a soil cultivator. It gets land ready by stirring organic material back in the soil for a healthier, more stable lawn. Buries the biggest of rocks for a looser topsoil.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BLADES
Whether you’re looking to increase dump height or digging depth, attaching a backfill blade is an easy way to save manpower on your jobsite while working with precision and timeliness. Available in various widths.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

AUGER DRIVER
Ideal for landscaping and tree care, an auger attachment will expedite hole creation and allow operators to quickly plant trees or install fence posts than if they were hand-digging or relying on a hand-held auger. Available in 6" to 30" diameters.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

TILLER
Tough and effective tillers prepare your garden by breaking up tough soil and removing unwanted weeds. Available in 4' width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

GRAPPLES
Tree grapples come with 48" or 57" openings to efficiently remove logs and debris from the jobsite. It has an excavator style boom design with a powder coat finish and a cylinder lock for increased safety. Brush grapples available with a gap opening of 29" and widths of 42" or 54".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CARRY ALL LEVELER
One of our most simple yet versatile attachments, the Carry-All Leveler is perfect for carrying bulky material, leveling soil and adding a flat, smooth finish to your project. Available in 49" width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BUCKETS
Turn one machine into a multi-functional workhorse with versatile Ditch Witch® SK attachments. From landscaping and hardscapes to tree care and construction-grade tasks, your stand-on skid steer can take on more than you think. We've got you covered with a variety buckets from 4-in-1 to heavy and light material buckets. Widths range from 34" to 66".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

PALLET FORKS
Take on your heaviest loads with precision and dependability with Ditch Witch pallet forks. They easily attach to any of our skid steers and can easily accessorize with hay spikes, brick guards, and much more to add even more ROI. Available in widths ranging from 36-48.75" and lengths from 36-48".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MICROTRENCHER
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOW
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

POWER RAKE
Clean, level and prep jobsites or smooth and loosen soil for sodding with a rake attachment. Most rake attachments require 10 to 14 gpm, but the higher horsepower creates even more drum torque to tear through the most demanding soil types. Width measures 4'.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

MICROTRENCHERS
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOWS
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

TRENCHER

Stay efficient on large jobsites with a trencher attachment for your skid steer. It’s a smart alternative to large, specialized equipment for utility installation and landscaping jobs. Available in standard 6”, 8” and 12” maximum widths with maximum depths of 36", 38", 48” and 55.5”.

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000