Worker Protection

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

The "air lance" and "high pressure water lance," combined with high suction vacuum, are

examples of nondestructive excavation in use today.

11.7.3 WORKER PROTECTION

Worker protection during excavation work requires careful consideration. More workers are

typically involved in the work activity, and can be affected by other workers in proximity to the

excavation process. Personal protective equipment must be chosen carefully for those

performing excavation work. Additional equipment such as rubber boots, insulated tools, and

insulated gloves are a few examples of this extra layer of protection for the excavation worker.

These additional measures should be considered. This is especially important for areas which

have not previously been charted for utility rights-of-way.

11.8 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

As-built drawings have provided significant improvements in the various excavation

activities/programs across the DOE Complex. Configuration management of buried or

embedded utilities has improved at every facility that implements the as-built drawing

requirement. It is a tool that is strongly recommended. As-built drawings should not be relied

upon as the only source for the accurate location of underground/embedded utilities.

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