Risk Assessment

Hazard Excavator Winch Comment

Elasticity from long cable 1.0 2.0 Long cable can mean a lag in controls from the winch/excavator
Snap load from short cable 1.0 1.0 If the cable is too short and inelastic then snap loading becomes an issue
Length from line of fire 1.0 3.0 If the line of fire is too long it becomes impractical to keep people away.
Winch/Excavator being pulled along 2.0 1.0 If the loading from the tug is unexpectedly high the excavator/winch could be dragged
Rigging Failure 1.0 1.0 If the cable or shackles fails
Pullhead Failure 1.0 1.0 If the pullhead fails
Communication and visibility 1.0 2.0 Distance between the back of the pipeline and the winch makes communication more difficult
Machinery failure 1.0 2.0 If the excavator breaks down we can replace it. Excavator will not pay out if it fails
Experience of the team 1.0 2.0 Construction team more experienced with excavator method
Average 1.1 1.8  
Mitigations

• Use the approved towing arrangement from the manufacturers manual

• Speed limit of 0.5m/s (1.8kph) to have a controlled
• Test the apparatus and insitu environment to demonstrate that the
excavator has sufficient capacity
• Backup excavator and rigging to be available on site
• Technicians on site to be on standby
• Use skilled operators experienced with this particular model and operation
• Use skill captain for tug boat and have him run a trial
• Monitor tension at excavator using load cell
Previous Experience

300m x 2m OD 204m x 2.7m OD

 1. Tug will hold position in minimum -5mCD
2. Crane will connect the tug to the excavator

Demonstration 3.
4.
Tug will slowly increase power until load cell shows 10t
Excavator will move slowly forwards. Max speed 0.5m/s.
5. Tug will adjust power to keep tension at 10t
6. Excavator will come to controlled stop and check the
tension
7. Excavator will repeat movement and perform “emergency
stop” and check tension
8. While the excavator is static the tug will increase tension to
15t to demonstrate stability of excavator

Load cell