Irrigation Contractor Safety Manual

Irrigation Contractor Workplace Hazards

Irrigation employees may encounter hazards involving:

• Excavation and trenching
• Underground utilities
• Pressurized water
• Pumps and piping
• Irrigation valves
• Electrical controllers
• Solenoids and wiring
• Hand and power tools
• Pipe cutting and assembly
• Mobile equipment
• Vehicles and trailers
• Manual lifting
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Heat and cold
• Traffic
• Customer and public areas
• Biological hazards
• Pesticide-treated landscapes
• Working alone

Employees should receive training appropriate to their assigned duties and workplace hazards.

Jobsite Planning

Before beginning irrigation work, employees should evaluate the worksite and planned activities.

Planning should consider:

• Scope of work
• Existing irrigation systems
• Excavation requirements
• Underground utilities
• Electrical systems
• Water sources
• System pressure
• Traffic
• Pedestrians
• Mobile equipment
• Weather
• Access
• Other contractors

Hazards should be addressed before work begins when practical.

Pre-Job Hazard Assessment

Conditions can vary significantly between irrigation projects.

Employees should identify hazards such as:

• Utility conflicts
• Unstable soil
• Traffic exposure
• Overhead power lines
• Electrical equipment
• Pressurized systems
• Slopes
• Wet surfaces
• Limited access
• Animals
• Pesticide applications
• Extreme temperatures

Appropriate controls should be established for identified hazards.

Underground Utility Safety

Irrigation installation and repair frequently require digging where underground utilities may be present.

Utilities may include:

• Electrical lines
• Natural gas
• Water
• Sewer
• Communications
• Cable
• Irrigation systems
• Other underground installations

Required utility-location procedures should be completed before excavation.

Employees should not assume an area is free of underground utilities because the excavation is shallow.

Utility Markings

Employees should understand applicable utility markings and maintain them during the work.

If markings are unclear, missing, or inconsistent with site conditions, employees should stop and obtain additional information before continuing hazardous excavation.

Potholing & Utility Exposure

Where underground installations must be located precisely, appropriate methods should be used to expose or verify their location.

Employees should use care when approaching marked utilities.

Mechanical excavation should be controlled as required when working near known underground installations.

Excavation & Trenching

Irrigation trenches may range from shallow sprinkler-line excavations to deeper excavations for mains, valves, pumps, and related systems.

Employees should evaluate:

• Excavation depth
• Soil conditions
• Underground utilities
• Water accumulation
• Adjacent loads
• Mobile equipment
• Access and egress
• Protective-system requirements
• Changing site conditions

Employees should not enter an excavation that has not been evaluated and protected as required.

Trench Cave-In Hazards

Even relatively short trenches can expose employees to collapsing soil.

Employees should:

• Keep spoil and equipment appropriately positioned.
• Avoid undermined edges.
• Watch for cracking or sloughing soil.
• Control water accumulation.
• Follow protective-system requirements.
• Report changing conditions.

Employees should exit excavations when conditions become unsafe.

Excavation Access

Where required, appropriate ladders, ramps, stairs, or other safe means of access and egress should be provided.

Employees should not climb on piping, trench boxes, equipment, or unstable soil to enter or exit an excavation.

Water Accumulation in Excavations

Broken irrigation lines, groundwater, rainfall, and system testing can introduce water into trenches.

Water can:

• Destabilize soil
• Conceal footing hazards
• Create slippery conditions
• Affect protective systems
• Increase electrical hazards

Employees should not work in excavations where accumulated water creates unsafe conditions without appropriate precautions.

Excavation Equipment

Irrigation contractors may use:

• Trenchers
• Mini excavators
• Backhoes
• Skid steers
• Compact loaders
• Augers
• Vacuum excavation equipment

Only trained and authorized employees should operate equipment assigned to them.

Employees on foot should remain clear of equipment swing radiuses and travel paths.

Trencher Safety

Walk-behind and ride-on trenchers contain powerful digging chains and moving components.

Employees should:

• Inspect equipment before use.
• Maintain guards.
• Keep others clear.
• Locate underground utilities.
• Avoid loose clothing near moving parts.
• Maintain stable footing.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Shut down equipment before clearing hazardous obstructions.

Employees should not reach into operating trenching equipment.

Mini Excavators & Compact Equipment

Operators should:

• Perform applicable inspections.
• Use seat belts or restraints provided.
• Maintain safe operating speeds.
• Account for slopes and unstable ground.
• Watch for pedestrians.
• Maintain clearance from utilities.
• Avoid unsafe lifting.
• Follow equipment capacity limitations.

Employees should remain outside equipment operating zones unless their presence is necessary and communication has been established.

Spotters

Spotters may be appropriate where equipment operates near:

• Underground utilities
• Structures
• Pedestrians
• Traffic
• Other equipment
• Restricted spaces

Spotters should remain visible to the operator and outside equipment travel and swing paths.

Pipe Handling

Irrigation systems may use:

• PVC
• Polyethylene
• Copper
• Steel
• Flexible tubing
• Other piping materials

Employees should consider pipe length, weight, flexibility, sharp edges, and stored energy during handling.

Long sections of pipe should be carried and positioned with sufficient control to prevent striking employees, vehicles, structures, or the public.

PVC Pipe Cutting

PVC pipe may be cut using saws, cutters, or other tools.

Employees should:

• Secure the pipe.
• Keep hands clear of cutting paths.
• Use appropriate tools.
• Wear eye protection.
• Remove sharp edges where necessary.
• Maintain stable body positioning.

Powered cutting equipment should have required guards.

Solvent Cement & Primers

PVC installation may involve primers, solvent cements, cleaners, and related chemical products.

Employees should:

• Review product labels and Safety Data Sheets.
• Maintain adequate ventilation.
• Control ignition sources as applicable.
• Avoid skin and eye contact.
• Use appropriate PPE.
• Keep containers closed when not in use.

Products should be stored according to manufacturer instructions.

Pressurized Irrigation Systems

Irrigation systems can retain significant water pressure even after pumps or valves are shut down.

Before opening or disconnecting system components, employees should:

• Identify the water source.
• Shut down applicable pumps.
• Close appropriate valves.
• Relieve system pressure.
• Verify pressure has been released.
• Position themselves away from potential discharge.

Employees should not loosen fittings to determine whether a system is pressurized.

Stored Pressure

Pressure can remain trapped between valves or within sections of piping.

Employees should recognize that gauges may not always indicate pressure in every isolated portion of a system.

Work should be planned to control unexpected release of water, fittings, plugs, or other components.

Irrigation Main Lines

Main irrigation lines can contain considerably greater pressure and water volume than individual sprinkler laterals.

Employees repairing main lines should:

• Positively identify the correct isolation valves.
• Control the water supply.
• Relieve pressure.
• Account for stored water.
• Stabilize exposed piping.
• Maintain safe body positioning.

Valves

Irrigation systems may contain manual, automatic, pressure-regulating, master, isolation, and control valves.

Employees should use appropriate tools and avoid excessive force that could damage valves or piping.

Valve boxes should be maintained to reduce trip hazards and unauthorized access.

Valve Boxes

Employees working in valve boxes may encounter:

• Insects
• Spiders
• Standing water
• Mud
• Sharp objects
• Damaged wiring
• Confined access
• Biological contamination

Employees should inspect the area before reaching into a valve box.

Hands should not be inserted blindly into concealed spaces.

Irrigation Controllers

Controllers may operate on line voltage, low voltage, batteries, solar power, or combinations of electrical systems.

Employees should:

• Identify the electrical source.
• Keep enclosures dry.
• Report damaged wiring.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Avoid unauthorized electrical work.
• Use appropriate electrical safe-work practices.

Low-voltage control circuits should not cause employees to disregard other electrical hazards inside controller cabinets.

Electrical Safety

Irrigation contractors may encounter electricity at:

• Controllers
• Pumps
• Wells
• Lighting systems
• Buildings
• Outdoor receptacles
• Equipment
• Underground utilities

Employees should:

• Inspect electrical equipment.
• Protect cords from damage.
• Keep electrical connections away from water.
• Maintain electrical enclosures.
• Report damaged components.
• Avoid unauthorized repairs.

Work requiring electrical qualifications should be performed by appropriately qualified persons.

Electrical Work in Wet Locations

Water and electricity frequently exist close together during irrigation work.

Employees should exercise particular caution around:

• Pumps
• Controllers
• Wet valve boxes
• Irrigation leaks
• Outdoor electrical equipment
• Extension cords
• Temporary power

Electrical equipment should be suitable for the environment and maintained in safe condition.

Solenoids & Low-Voltage Wiring

Employees may install and troubleshoot solenoids, decoder systems, sensors, and control wiring.

Procedures should address:

• Damaged conductors
• Wire connections
• Water intrusion
• Identification of circuits
• Other electrical sources in the same enclosure
• Appropriate testing equipment

Pump Safety

Irrigation systems may use centrifugal pumps, booster pumps, well pumps, submersible pumps, and other pumping equipment.

Employees should:

• Maintain required guards.
• Avoid moving components.
• Control electrical energy.
• Relieve system pressure.
• Follow manufacturer procedures.
• Report leaks or unusual operation.

Pumps should be shut down and hazardous energy controlled as appropriate before servicing.

Pump Stations

Pump stations may contain:

• Electrical panels
• Motors
• Rotating equipment
• Pressurized piping
• Chemicals
• Restricted spaces
• Noise
• Hot surfaces

Employees should be trained for the hazards associated with the station before performing work.

Lockout/Tagout

Servicing pumps, controllers, automated valves, machinery, or other equipment may expose employees to hazardous energy.

Applicable lockout/tagout procedures should be followed when unexpected startup or release of hazardous energy could cause injury.

Energy sources may include:

• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic
• Mechanical
• Water pressure
• Gravity

Only trained and authorized employees should perform covered energy-control activities.

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Irrigation contractors may install, inspect, repair, or work around backflow-prevention assemblies.

Employees should:

• Isolate the water supply appropriately.
• Relieve pressure.
• Use suitable tools.
• Control discharged water.
• Maintain safe access.
• Follow applicable testing or certification requirements.

Employees should be aware that some backflow devices can discharge water unexpectedly during operation or testing.

Sprinkler Installation

Employees installing sprinkler heads should:

• Use appropriate tools.
• Maintain safe body positioning.
• Control sharp tools.
• Protect open piping from contamination.
• Maintain good housekeeping.
• Restore walking surfaces appropriately.

Sprinkler heads and boxes should be installed to minimize trip hazards where practical.

Sprinkler Adjustment & Testing

Employees testing irrigation systems may work around operating sprinklers, wet surfaces, moving vehicles, and members of the public.

Employees should:

• Maintain awareness of changing conditions.
• Avoid creating uncontrolled pedestrian hazards.
• Control overspray where practical.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Use caution around roadways and electrical equipment.

Irrigation System Startup

Seasonal or new-system startup can expose employees to unexpected leaks, broken components, trapped pressure, and damaged equipment.

Systems should be pressurized in a controlled manner.

Employees should monitor:

• Valves
• Fittings
• Sprinklers
• Pumps
• Pressure
• Leaks
• Unusual equipment operation

Employees should remain clear of components that could fail during pressurization.

System Winterization

Some irrigation contractors use compressed air to winterize systems.

Compressed air can introduce significant stored-energy hazards.

Employees should:

• Use appropriate equipment.
• Control pressure.
• Follow system and equipment limitations.
• Keep people clear of sprinkler discharge areas.
• Wear eye protection.
• Maintain secure connections.
• Avoid standing over sprinkler heads or components during pressurization.

Compressed Air

Compressed-air hoses and fittings should be maintained in safe condition.

Employees should:

• Inspect connections.
• Control hose movement.
• Use appropriate pressure.
• Avoid directing compressed air toward people.
• Depressurize systems before disconnecting equipment.

Irrigation System Blowouts

During blowout operations, sprinkler heads and piping may release water, debris, and compressed air.

Employees and members of the public should be kept away from active discharge areas.

Pressure should not exceed equipment or irrigation-system limitations.

Hand Tool Safety

Irrigation employees may use:

• Shovels
• Picks
• Pipe cutters
• Wrenches
• Hammers
• Knives
• Pruners
• Digging bars
• Other hand tools

Tools should be appropriate for the task and maintained in safe condition.

Employees should keep cutting and striking paths clear of body parts and coworkers.

Power Tool Safety

Power tools may include:

• Saws
• Drills
• Grinders
• Rotary hammers
• Cutoff tools
• Pumps
• Other powered equipment

Employees should:

• Inspect tools.
• Maintain required guards.
• Use appropriate PPE.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Protect electrical equipment from water.
• Remove defective tools from service.

Utility Knives

Utility knives may be used for tubing, packaging, and other irrigation materials.

Employees should:

• Cut away from the body.
• Use sharp, appropriate blades.
• Retract or cover blades when not in use.
• Avoid using excessive force.
• Dispose of damaged blades appropriately.

Manual Lifting

Employees may handle:

• Pipe
• Valves
• Pumps
• Bags
• Controllers
• Trencher attachments
• Sod
• Soil
• Tools
• Materials

Employees should evaluate loads before lifting.

Mechanical assistance or team lifting should be used when practical for heavy or awkward items.

Material Handling

Materials should be stored and transported to prevent shifting, falling, or creating trip hazards.

Long pipe, tools, and equipment should be secured during transportation.

Employees should keep hands and feet clear when positioning heavy materials.

Vehicles

Irrigation contractors commonly travel between multiple customer locations each day.

Drivers should:

• Wear seat belts.
• Follow traffic laws.
• Avoid distracted driving.
• Inspect vehicles as required.
• Secure tools and materials.
• Adjust driving for weather and road conditions.
• Report vehicle defects.

Trailers

Trailers may transport trenchers, mini excavators, pipe, utility vehicles, and other equipment.

Employees should inspect applicable:

• Couplers
• Safety chains
• Tires
• Wheels
• Lights
• Brakes
• Breakaway systems
• Ramps
• Tie-down points

Loads should be appropriately secured.

Loading & Unloading Equipment

Employees loading trenchers and other equipment should:

• Use appropriate ramps.
• Verify capacity.
• Maintain alignment.
• Keep others clear.
• Control equipment speed.
• Maintain stable footing.
• Secure equipment for transport.

Employees should not stand directly behind or downhill from equipment being loaded.

Backing

Drivers and equipment operators should minimize unnecessary backing where practical.

Before backing:

• Check the travel path.
• Account for pedestrians.
• Use mirrors and cameras.
• Back slowly.
• Use a spotter when conditions warrant.

Traffic & Roadside Work

Irrigation systems may be located along:

• Roads
• Parking lots
• Medians
• Sidewalks
• Commercial entrances
• Public rights-of-way

Employees exposed to vehicle traffic should use appropriate traffic-control measures based on the work and location.

High-visibility apparel should be used when required.

Working Around the Public

Irrigation work frequently occurs at occupied properties.

Employees should consider:

• Pedestrians
• Children
• Pets
• Customers
• Tenants
• Vehicles
• Open trenches
• Tools
• Hoses
• Equipment

Hazardous work areas should be appropriately controlled.

Open Trenches at Occupied Properties

Open trenches can present hazards to employees and the public.

Where trenches cannot be immediately backfilled, appropriate measures should be used to restrict access.

Employees should not leave uncontrolled excavation hazards in public or occupied areas.

Landscape Work Areas

Irrigation employees may work near:

• Mowers
• Trimmers
• Tree crews
• Pesticide applicators
• Construction contractors
• Grounds-maintenance employees

Work should be coordinated when other activities could expose irrigation employees to additional hazards.

Pesticide-Treated Areas

Irrigation employees may enter landscapes where pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals have recently been applied.

Employees should follow applicable site information, posting, entry restrictions, and customer or employer procedures.

Employees should report unexpected chemical odors, residues, or symptoms of exposure.

Biological Hazards

Irrigation employees may encounter:

• Bees
• Wasps
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Rodents
• Ticks
• Mosquitoes
• Poisonous or irritating plants
• Animal waste

Employees should inspect concealed areas before reaching into valve boxes, vegetation, or other locations where animals may be present.

Heat Stress

Irrigation work is frequently performed outdoors during warm weather.

Heat-illness prevention measures may include:

• Drinking water
• Rest
• Shade
• Acclimatization
• Work scheduling
• Employee monitoring
• Training

Employees should recognize symptoms of heat-related illness and report them promptly.

Cold & Wet Weather

Irrigation repair work may require employees to work in cold, rain, mud, or standing water.

Employees should use appropriate clothing and footwear and take precautions against cold stress and slippery surfaces.

Severe Weather

Employees should monitor conditions that may create hazards from:

• Lightning
• High winds
• Heavy rain
• Flooding
• Extreme heat
• Severe storms

Outdoor work should be suspended when conditions create unacceptable risk.

Slips, Trips & Falls

Irrigation jobs frequently involve:

• Mud
• Water
• Hoses
• Pipe
• Tools
• Excavated soil
• Uneven terrain
• Open trenches

Employees should maintain work areas as orderly as practical and wear footwear appropriate for site conditions.

Ladders

Ladders may be used to access controllers, elevated equipment, building-mounted components, or storage.

Employees should use appropriate ladders rather than standing on buckets, equipment, vehicles, or other makeshift surfaces.

Ladders should be inspected before use.

Fall Protection

Some irrigation work may occur near:

• Retaining walls
• Roofs
• Elevated pump equipment
• Open excavations
• Water features
• Other elevated locations

Fall hazards should be evaluated and appropriate controls used.

Working Near Water

Irrigation contractors may work near:

• Ponds
• Reservoirs
• Canals
• Drainage systems
• Water features

Employees should evaluate drowning, unstable-bank, slip, and access hazards before beginning work.

Appropriate protective measures should be used based on the exposure.

Confined Spaces

Some irrigation systems may involve vaults, pits, tanks, or other spaces that require evaluation for confined-space hazards.

Employees should not enter a space until it has been appropriately evaluated.

Permit-required confined spaces should be addressed according to applicable procedures.

Hazard Communication

Employees should receive applicable Hazard Communication training for hazardous chemicals used in their work.

Products may include:

• PVC primers
• Solvent cements
• Cleaners
• Fuels
• Lubricants
• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Water-treatment chemicals

Labels and Safety Data Sheets should be available as required.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected according to the task and exposure.

PPE may include:

• Safety glasses
• Goggles
• Face shields
• Work gloves
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Safety footwear
• High-visibility apparel
• Hearing protection
• Respiratory protection
• Hard hats
• Fall-protection equipment

Hearing Protection

Trenchers, saws, compact equipment, pumps, and other machinery may expose employees to significant noise.

Employee noise exposure should be evaluated and appropriate controls implemented when necessary.

Housekeeping

Employees should:

• Store tools properly.
• Control hoses and cords.
• Remove waste.
• Clean spills.
• Maintain clear access.
• Secure pipe and materials.
• Restore work areas after completing repairs.

Good housekeeping is particularly important at occupied customer locations.

Fire Prevention

Fire hazards may involve:

• Fuel
• Vehicles
• Solvent cements
• Electrical equipment
• Hot work
• Dry vegetation

Employees should control ignition sources and maintain appropriate fire-prevention measures.

Spill Prevention & Response

Irrigation work may involve spills of:

• Fuel
• Oil
• Hydraulic fluid
• PVC products
• Chemicals
• Other materials

Employees should know how to contain and report spills within the scope of their training.

Working Alone

Service technicians may work alone at remote or customer locations.

Working-alone procedures should consider:

• Communication
• Check-in procedures
• Emergency response
• Equipment
• Excavation
• Electrical work
• Environmental conditions
• Customer interaction

Employees should have a reliable method for obtaining assistance.

Workplace Security

Employees working at customer properties should maintain awareness of:

• Unauthorized persons
• Aggressive behavior
• Animals
• Isolated work areas
• After-hours work
• Theft
• Vehicle security

Employees should leave an area and obtain assistance when conditions become threatening.

Emergency Procedures

Employees should know how to respond to foreseeable emergencies such as:

• Utility strikes
• Electrical contact
• Gas-line damage
• Trench collapse
• Equipment injuries
• High-pressure releases
• Chemical exposure
• Heat illness
• Vehicle incidents
• Severe weather
• Medical emergencies

Emergency procedures should include methods for obtaining appropriate assistance.

Utility Strikes

If excavation damages or contacts an underground utility, employees should stop work and follow appropriate emergency procedures.

Depending on the utility involved, this may include:

• Keeping personnel away
• Shutting down equipment
• Avoiding ignition sources
• Contacting emergency services
• Contacting the utility owner
• Preventing public access

Employees should not attempt repairs to utilities they are not qualified or authorized to repair.

Natural Gas Line Contact

Suspected gas-line damage should be treated as a serious emergency.

Employees should:

• Stop work.
• Warn others.
• Move to a safe location.
• Avoid ignition sources.
• Contact appropriate emergency and utility personnel.

Employees should not attempt to stop a gas leak unless specifically trained and authorized.

Electrical Utility Contact

If equipment contacts an energized underground or overhead electrical system, employees should follow applicable electrical-emergency procedures.

Employees should not approach equipment or affected areas until electrical hazards have been controlled by qualified personnel.

First Aid

Employees should have access to appropriate first-aid supplies and know how to obtain emergency medical assistance.

Employees providing first aid should protect themselves from blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Incident Reporting

Employees should promptly report:

• Injuries
• Near misses
• Utility strikes
• Equipment damage
• Vehicle incidents
• Chemical exposures
• Electrical incidents
• Trench problems
• Pressure-related incidents
• Public incidents

Prompt reporting allows hazards to be evaluated and corrective action taken.

Incident Investigation

Significant incidents and near misses should be reviewed to identify contributing factors.

Investigations may evaluate:

• Job planning
• Utility-location information
• Equipment condition
• Employee training
• Procedures
• Site conditions
• Communication
• PPE
• Supervision
• Environmental conditions

Corrective actions should address identified causes where practical.

Irrigation Contractor Safety Training

Training should correspond to assigned duties and may include:

• Job hazard assessment
• Underground utility safety
• Excavation and trenching
• Trencher operation
• Mobile equipment
• Spotter safety
• Pipe handling
• PVC solvent products
• Pressurized irrigation systems
• Pumps
• Electrical safety
• Irrigation controllers
• Lockout/Tagout
• Backflow assemblies
• Compressed air
• System winterization
• Hand and power tools
• Driver and trailer safety
• Loading and unloading
• Traffic control
• Working around the public
• Heat illness prevention
• Biological hazards
• Hazard Communication
• PPE
• Hearing protection
• Confined spaces
• Working near water
• Working alone
• Emergency procedures
• Utility-strike response
• Incident reporting

Additional training should be provided when employees are assigned new equipment, processes, systems, or hazards.

Customized Irrigation Contractor Safety Manuals

Irrigation contractors vary considerably in the work they perform. Some primarily install residential sprinkler systems, while others construct and maintain large commercial, municipal, agricultural, golf-course, landscape, pump, and water-management systems.

A customized Irrigation Contractor Safety Manual can be developed around your excavation activities, underground utility exposure, irrigation systems, pumps and controllers, electrical work, vehicles, trailers, mobile equipment, customer locations, environmental conditions, and employee hazards.