Safeguarding HDD Projects

Safeguarding HDD Projects Through Vacuum Excavation Best Practices

From Trenchless Technology.

As horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects become more prevalent for installing utilities in congested urban areas, vacuum excavation plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient
operations. However, as with any underground construction project, proper procedures and safety protocols must be followed to mitigate risks and prevent costly damages or injuries. And with today’s increasingly complex underground environment, there is no room for error.

This is where vacuum excavation shines – offering a non-destructive and precise method for exposing and locating underground utilities before and during the HDD bore. To maximize jobsite safety and productivity, following vacuum excavation best practices is essential to mitigate risks, prevent costly damages and protect HDD crews.

Here are a few key vacuum excavation safety considerations HDD professionals should follow to ensure a successful HDD jobsite

Prep Work: Understanding Ground Conditions

Thorough preparation begins by evaluating soil conditions at the jobsite. Local dealerships can often provide valuable insight into typical ground conditions for the area. This information guides the decision between air excavation for softer ground conditions like sand and topsoil versus hydro excavation’s suitability for denser clay, rock or other compacted formations.

While hydro excavation is generally the more efficient choice, it requires access to water and liquid spoils disposal, which can impede productivity. Air excavation alleviates those needs but may progress slower in harder soil types. Many contractors leverage a combined approach, employing air excavation for surface removal before transitioning to hydro excavation as complexity increases at deeper levels.

Nozzle Selection and Techniques

Once the appropriate excavation method is determined, contractors must follow nozzle best practices to ensure jobsite safety. A rotating nozzle, also known as an oscillating nozzle, is the only nozzle that should
be used for exposing utilities. This type of nozzle does not have a direct spray which can damage utilities. Also, it delivers a constant stream of circulating water that pulls away more dirt and can use up to 50 percent less water than a fan nozzle. Essentially, the oscillating water stream maintains safety without sacrificing productivity.

Nozzle distance from the utility is also critical. Operators should keep the spray nozzle 8 inches from the ground or utility that is being exposed. Holding the nozzle closer than 8 inches or directly applying the excavator to a certain area could cause damage to an existing utility. It’s also important to never use the nozzle as a shovel or pry bar. Putting the nozzle into the dirt can cause damage to the wand and result in
costly downtime. If an operator is struggling to excavate through hard soil or heavy clay, they should use a hot water heater rather than moving the nozzle closer.

Pressure Regulation

Operators should also be mindful of their water or air pressure. For hydro excavation situations, the recommended pressure for soft excavation is no greater than 2,800 psi, while an air-excavator should
stay below 300 psi. Although many vacuum excavators and nozzles offer higher psi capabilities, too much pressure can damage utilities and other underground infrastructure. The pressure should be reduced even further if using heated water.

Hot water heater packages can help break down soil without applying additional water pressure. However, water temperature should stay below 150 F.

As a best practice, operators can also consult the utility owner if they are using a vacuum excavator to expose utilities, as they may have their own requirements for using hydro or air excavation.

For example, some gas line owners recommend using a maximum of 2,200 psi when exposing their utilities with a hydro excavator to prevent any damage.

Maintenance Fundamentals

Apart from excavation procedures, simple maintenance protocols go a long way toward uptime. One of the biggest selling points of vacuum excavators is that they have minimal maintenance requirements — and the ones they do have are simple. Manufacturers are designing their vacuum excavators to eliminate daily maintenance and grease points, allowing operators to focus on their job site tasks.

The most important daily maintenance task for operators is to always dump and clean the debris tank and empty the freshwater tank at the end of every day. This prevents complications that could limit vacuum excavator productivity.

Another maintenance best practice is to routinely check cyclonic, debris and water filters, as obstructions can reduce the suction power and water pressure of the machine.

Leading with Efficiency and Safety

Ensuring the safety and integrity of underground infrastructure is paramount in any HD project. Proper exposure and vacuum excavation techniques are the foundation of avoiding damage to these critical utilities. By embracing vacuum excavation best practices, operators can not only boost their efficiency but also significantly enhance jobsite safety. Success on the HDD jobsite hinges on a thorough understanding of the varied ground conditions, proper machine maintenance and effective utilization of PSI and nozzle selection. By mastering these aspects, operators can confidently pave the way to a safe and successful project completion.

Chris Thompson is vacuum excavation product manager at Ditch Witch.

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

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 of 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