When fiber optic cables and other underground conduits are damaged, a thorough investigation enables consistent documentation for reports. Hit kits facilitate this documentation and allow organizations to easily take measurements and photos of broken pipelines, electrical lines, and other buried utilities.
If you need to use a hit kit and aren’t sure where to start, here are five easy steps you should follow.
Secure the Area
Before starting the damage assessment, it is essential to secure the excavation site to prevent further accidents and ensure safety. Start by evaluating the area for hazards — particularly focusing on nearby electrical lines that can pose significant risks.
You should also make sure that any equipment is powered off and that any dangerous liquids or gasses are contained. This initial step not only safeguards those assessing the damage but also prevents the compounding of existing damage to buried conduits.
Place the Damage Marker
Once the area is secured properly, proceed by placing the high visibility damage marker as close to the point of impact as possible. This marker acts as a reference point for all subsequent measurements and documentation.
To ensure that the damage marker fits tightly in place, take one of the spikes included in the hit kit and secure it. This spike helps it remain in one spot without being knocked over or relocated because of strong winds.
Place Down the Mark Posts
Next, take a mark post and place it on the closest locate or spray paint mark in a manner perpendicular to the damage. Surrounding this central point, walk along the locate line 10 feet in every direction and place the other posts on the nearest locate marks. This specific arrangement helps clearly define the affected area and is vital for subsequent steps in the root cause investigation.
Make Measurements
After setting up the markers, measure the distances from the central damage marker to each of the surrounding mark posts. Position the 0 of the ruler by the damage and extend it outward to the very first mark post you placed.
These measurements will accurately record damage, providing a quantitative baseline that aids in determining the extent of impact on pipelines and electrical lines. It is important to use a standard tool from the Rhino HIT Kit for this task to maintain consistent documentation across different assessments.
Document the Damage
Photography is an essential part of documenting damage to buried facilities. Take comprehensive photos from different angles to capture a clearer depiction of the damage. To make the process easier, pretend the damage is the center of the clock and take photos at the 3, 9, 10, and 12 o’clock positions from multiple distances.
Additionally, shots of above-ground utility structures should be included to offer a better perspective on how surface features may relate to underground damage. These images are invaluable for enhancing root cause investigations and can be critical in avoiding costly legal actions. Such thorough and consistent documentation is vital for root cause investigations and helps reduce unnecessary excavation in future projects.
To Learn More About Hit Kits, Call Us Today
By following these steps with the Rhino HIT Kit, one can record damage to buried facilities more effectively.
At William Frick, we offer a variety of safety products like cable markers for utility and telecom, durable outdoor signs, and much more. Reach out today to order a safety marking product for your organization or facility.
