The industry, through the UPSC HDD Subcommittee, has made suggestions (through the UPSC statement) to Worksafe WA on industry-led reforms to help reduce the frequency of “÷hits’ on underground assets.
The recommendations include mandatory training, competence at locating underground services, and a requirement that all HDD crews have, as a minimum, “÷tradesman’ level (Level III) qualified operators on HDD equipment.
The UPSC has proposed the inclusion of minimum recognised qualifications for HDD operators in the Excavation Work Code of Practice that is due to be updated as part of a modernisation process. In the interim, a Guidance Note is being created.
In other industry news, Water Corporation of WA has announced plans to renew approximately 2 km of water distribution main on Walter Road East in the Perth suburbs of Bassendean and Bayswater.
Relining will minimise inconvenience to local residents, businesses and road users.
Pits will be excavated above the main, and a new pipe will be threaded through the existing pipe.
This removes the need to excavate along the entire length of main.
The renewal is planned to begin in August 2015 and to be completed by November 2015.