7.3 Equipment Used in the Cross-Country Pipeline Industry
Douglas Rupik, M.Ed., JIW
Hoisting and Lifting Equipment
Hoisting and lifting equipment used in the pipelining industry will be identical to that used in regular construction. Follow all applicable safety regulations regarding signaling and rigging.
Earthmoving Equipment
Cross-country pipelines can either be buried underground or elevated above the ground (as in Alaska).
The most common pieces of earthmoving equipment you are likely to see at a pipeline jobsite are the trencher, excavator, bulldozer, and dump truck, which can be a single unit or have an additional dump or equipment trailer.
When working around a trencher, always make eye contact with the operator and verify they are aware of your presence. Be aware of any counterweight that may swing around and strike you or crush you against another object. Never allow yourself to be in a blind spot from the operator that could result in the machine striking you or running you over.
If you are working on a pipeline that will be buried in the ground, you may weld the pipe before it is placed in the trench or be in the trench yourself to perform the welding. If the pipe is already placed in the trench, be sure you are provided with a trench box to prevent a trench collapse or cave-in. OSHA has specific Trenching and Excavation Safety rules regarding accessing and working in open holes, pits, and trenches. Your employer is legally required to train you on how to safely perform work in these conditions. Always insist on adhering to a safe work environment.
In building cross-country pipelines, bulldozers are instrumental in clearing the right of way and work areas, and therefore are very common on these jobsites. Dump trucks, which can be a single unit or they may tow trailers, are also frequently found on cross-country pipeline projects. As with a trencher or track hoe, always make eye contact and have clear communication with the operators and never allow yourself to be on the blind side of these machines.
Welding Rig Truck
Many pipe welders who work on pipelines are independent contractors who own their own trucks outfitted with all the equipment needed for fitting and welding pipelines. They are large pickup trucks with utility beds, built-in tool storage, a welder/generator perched on the back, and an oxy-fuel torch set. Sometimes a boom is mounted to allow the welder to park the truck at the worksite and suspend the welding leads to the work. This allows workers to more quickly move from weld joint to weld joint without picking up the leads. A shop vise, mounted on the front or rear bumper, provides increased fabrication abilities.
If you choose this industry for your welding career and are responsible for outfitting your own rig, do not go cheap on your equipment. Your livelihood requires reliable gear and a reliable vehicle. You can research different manufacturers by asking more experienced tradespeople for their input on brands and equipment. If a majority of welders gravitate toward a particular brand, it may be because it has stood the test of time.
Attributions
- Figure 7.15: Red River Chloride Control Project by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Public Domain; United States government work
- Figure 7.16: Long pipeline by GPA Photo Archive is released under CC BY-NC 2.0
- Figure 7.17: Trenching Machine by Adam is released under CC BY-NC 2.0
- Figure 7.18: Gas pipeline welding , Azna 2017 by Hamid Soufi is released under CC BY-SA 3.0
- Figure 7.19: I-5 trench by Oregon Department of Transportation is released under CC BY 2.0
- Figure 7.20: Joey’s Organically Built Welding Rig by vicki watkins is released under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
- Figure 7.21: A worker coats part of the Keystone pipeline after welding it. by Public Citizen is released under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0