We've all seen it happen. A poorly set up hydrant installation goes badly and damages the hydrant, the worker or both. How do you safely handle a heavy hydrant on damp ground with improvised equipment? The simple answer is that you don't. Safety needs to come first, not last. Here are some tips on how to safely handle hydrants during installation or removal to best ensure the condition of the hydrant and the safety of the crew:
Check the surroundings
Is the trench stable? Are there problems with unstable soils that won't support the weight of your equipment? Is there a safe path out of the trench for your workers if things go sideways? Check the scene ahead of time to manage problems that could contribute to an accident. This could include placing a construction mat where your equipment will go to prevent subsidence.
Check the heavy equipment
Is the machinery in good shape? Are there any problems with the hydraulics or gears slipping? Many municipalities use forklifts or loaders to raise and lower hydrants, but if the machinery is in poor condition, it can cause an unforeseen accident as something slips in the internal mechanism.
Check the setting tools
We've all seen these on occasion. A crew is simply lifting the hydrant into place without mechanical assistance when somebody slips and that individual or another gets hurt. Or maybe a rope or too light a chain is used to properly support the hydrant's weight. It could even be that the chain is heavy enough, but hasn't been inspected for damage or slips off at the wrong moment. Having the right setting tool ensures you have a safe placement and minimal injuries.
Check your crew
Sure, one of guys on the crew tore something in his back a few weeks back, but he seems to be doing okay now. That means he's okay to help get the hydrant into place, right? Not necessarily. If anyone in your crew has had a recent injury or seems a bit under the weather, it's important to get a release from their doctor before they're put back into active duty, especially since it can affect workers compensation claims. What's more, a crew member may not be willing to admit to being at less than 100%, because they don't want to drag the department down at the same time.
Check the hydrant
There are few things as annoying as getting a hydrant into place and hooked up just to realize it has a problem. Sure, you can get a replacement part, but you just wasted so much time and effort getting it there in the first place! This can be anything from cross-threaded nuts to valve damage and similar concerns that can prove problematic later on in terms of installation ease and how well it can be used when it's needed most. Take a little time to inspect the hydrant before you schedule its installation.
By taking the time and using the right tools, you can install hydrants safely every time, minimizing injuries to your crew and damage to your equipment and fixtures. If you need help finding the right tool to get the job done right, feel free to contact our experts today. At our sister company, New Concept Tool, we believe getting the job done right demands having the right tools.
