MICROTUNNELLING HSE INSPECTION REPORT TO MATCH WITH YOUR SITE OR THE CONTRACTOR

GENERIC HEALTH SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT INSPECTION OF A MICROTUNNELING CONTRACTOR.

This inspection report of micro tunneling by the HSEmate addressing the concerns to the higher management and the team responsible for the Microtunneling process. This report shall be used as HSE enforcement notice or Safety violation report or equivalent to the project-specific HSE documentation.

The purpose of this inspection report is to match your site when conducting an HSE inspection to a Microtunneling contractor. The below inspection observations are not limited but it depends on the location, the mode of operation and the environment may vary as per the scope of work and the geography of the workplace. This is a sample letter drafted without a salutation and complimentary close. 

INSPECTION REPORT TO THE CONCERNED TEAM OR TO THE CONTRACTOR

Once the sub-contractor started the tunneling works it is being quite a habit of the contractor wait till the HSEmate turn to advise them over noncompliance of Health Safety and Environment aspects to mitigate. As of now from(Date), xxx observations were made through daily contractor Observations and Tracking Matrix (or similar HSE hazard notification at your site). Most of the HSE items are repeating and xx observations yet to be addressed (attaché the copy of the previous report). 

Even though the (Contractor or department) issued an Enforcement Notice (or equant HSE documentation) to the tunneling contractor (issued document references) yet the subcontractor not able to take effective and substantial action to promote a safe workplace. (previous HSE report or enforcement notice specify here with references)

The below observations are indicating that the sub-contractor Safety management system is a failure as there is no inspection is conducted by them on the site unless by (Contractor or department). Even though the sub-contractor is not responding to the observations promptly from reoccurrence that already notified to the tunneling contractor.

• The communication devices are not extended in the shaft and to the tunnel at suitable and safe locations since there is no swift way to contact the assigned for monitoring the confined space activity or the emergency team (whole watch) frequently.
• The visual devices (cameras) are not established in the tunnel and it has been notified by the HSEmate number of time to the tunneling contractor. Once the people are inside the tunnel the whole watch team has no visual and verbal contact with people whilst place them in extreme danger of confined space hazardous.
• The contractor has not taken any effective measure to prevent or preparedness if any flooding during rain and damaging a confined aquifer through drilling process as we witnessed two major flooding during the Microtunneling into the underground water body.
• The pressurized slurry pipes are observed leaking which has been found repaired using inferior items not as per the manufacturer recommended. It could burst during the operation and the particle becomes projectile and harm the neighboring works or the team nearby.
• Unsafe access to separation tanks for checking the water level. The access provided with a straight ladder which has not secured could slip as it found slurry on it, no landing platform and handrail for the hurdle less use. Plant operator has often seen on the separation tank and leaning forwards.
• Risk of entanglement as most of the rotary parts of pumps are exposed. The guard provided is found removed and damaged and no attempt is made for corrective action. The contractor covered with plywood and plastic sheet which could not help the intended purpose of guarding.
• Housekeeping and cable arrangement is lacking at in the shaft, tunnel and the surrounding workplaces. The shaft is limited to a hassle-free movement and people considering that there is a high risk of trip and fall. Water splashes in the access and the working platform in the shaft could lead to slip and fall.
• Absence of materials management in the shaft working space. Hydraulic hoses, electric cables, tools and another item are scattered on the platform. Also, the working platform has moist content and slurry particle from the micro tunneling process which is liable to cause a slip and fall.
• Food waste and other mechanical and construction materials and accumulated in the shaft which has been notified to sub-contractor still no action made so far. The food waste is emitting the foul smell.
• The operatives are preparing the compressed cylinders to lift by the crane with the trolley, is not designed to do so and was stopped from lifting. Offhanded and underestimating the risk involved and is proven no training and competency check not done prior to the lifting by Lifting supervisor.
• Use of damaged lifting gears and Unauthorized storage of lifting gears. This could lead to deterioration of the lifting gear and cause a failure during the lifting operation in the shaft is another example of the incompetence of lifting operation by the contractor.
• Illegal storage of chemical at the site without following the Construction Environment Management System (CEMP) requirement. (Describe the observation and specify the CEMP section applicable)
• Oil spill to the ground from the machine. sub-contractor does not take any action to avoid the oil spill to the ground nor removed contaminated soil. The spill is everywhere in the shaft and action is taken to remove and dispose of as required by system documentation. The sub-contractor HSE system is failing to ensure environmental safety whilst performing the tunneling works.
• Unorganized materials and equipment in the containers for storage including oil drums and other mechanical parts. The tunneling contractor keeps the materials, tools and equipment on site after the completion of work this could lead to unauthorized use and theft.
• Unauthorized storage of lifting gears is found on the ground under adverse weather condition. This could lead to deterioration of the lifting gear and further cause a failure during lifting operations.
• The access opening point to the deep shaft left unsecured and is posing a high risk of fall hazards. Similarly, unauthorized entry to the shaft could occur through to the cat ladder which has been limited for emergency and maintenance.
• The contractor has mobilized the area where the Microtunneling is under progress at the public zone missing barriers, perimeter fence around the area and lack of access control with required safety signage to alert and best practices. The location is near to a residential zone subsequently there could be an unauthorized entry into the work zone including Childers. Since then all care shall be taken to avoid any possible unauthorized entry to the work zone where there is the use of equipment electrically and mechanically (pressurized services) powered and excavations.
• Absence of assembly point, emergency contact details, dedicated fire point, emergency alarm system, signage direction and informative etc. The emergency arrangement and preparedness are remaining poor as they are not able to maintain a designated assembly pointe, direction signs, emergency contact details, fire alarm devices, fire extinguishers etc. This includes the shaft and tunnels.

The contractor or the team shall attend all the concern raised by HSEmate in within the targeted period of xx-xx-xx xx prior to perform any activity and safe work system to be maintained till to the completion of works.