As everyone is going green, military bases, more and
more, are installing geothermal systems.
However, the requirements to install geothermal loops on military bases are
quite different than normal drilling. First, every person must have a photo ID
or valid driver’s license, and pass through a security gate or entrance. All
vehicles are thoroughly inspected inside and out, and must have proof of
current insurance. All equipment must be inspected, and have all safety
equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first-aid kits, in working order; all
removable equipment must be properly secured with approved chains, boomers
and/or nylon straps. All hydraulic, air or water hoses must be free of leaks
and cracks, and cables must not be frayed. Tailgates on vehicles must be
installed and operable.
Before a company can start its work, all of its employees must attend a
one-hour in-classroom safety class, and sign a form stating that they attended
the class. Upon completion, the attendees receive a safety card that must be
worn at all times while they are on the job site.
Some of the other requirements consist of the following:
All people on the work site – whether working or just visiting – are required
to wear approved personal safety gear, such as the approved hard hats, safety
glasses and steel-toed boots.
There must be a base-approved first-aid kit on-site; it’s OK to have an opened
first-aid kit to use, but there must be a new, sealed first-aid kit on-site.
This way, the inspector knows that there is a full first-aid kit available
without inventorying each item. All fire extinguishers must be inspected and
approved by the base inspectors. In the event you use a torch (with a flame),
you must have a burn permit. This means that burn/torch equipment first must be
inspected and approved by the base safety inspector.
The perimeters of the work site must be fenced with an orange security/safety
fence. Any steel posts must be capped in such a way that no one can become
impaled on them. Any open trenches must be clearly fenced and marked. Silt
fences must be installed and approved anywhere mud, water and debris can exit
the work site. Any open holes, in-ground pits, installed loops or drill debris
must be secured by fences or clearly marked. No drill cuttings, drilling muds
or drilling debris are allowed to enter any drains, sump ponds or catch
basins.
Even though they may know very little about the drilling or what’s going on,
from time to time, various inspectors may show up to just ask questions and
watch for safety issues. These inspectors usually are courteous, and may or may
not ask questions. It’s a good idea to have your own site supervisor available
just to answer those inspector’s questions, should they
arise.
I welcome the inspectors and enjoy answering their questions. It also makes the
company appear more professional, plus it allows the workers to continue
working.
ND