Roles Of A Site Engineer On Tower Erection Site In OHTL

Being a Site Engineer, when undertaking the task of tower erection in overhead transmission lines, a meticulous planning, rigorous safety protocols, and adequate training are essential to ensure the operation proceeds smoothly and safely.

In this article, I will be covering both engineering requirements and safety protocols before commencing the Tower erection at site.

Pre-Operation Planning and Safety Briefing (Toolbox Talk - TBT)

1. Review of Documentation and Compliance:

- Confirm that all project documentation, including designs, plans, and specifications, is current and accessible.

- Ensure all necessary permits and regulatory approvals have been obtained.

2. Safety Briefing and Inspection:

- Conduct a detailed safety briefing focused on the specific tasks for the day, emphasizing the risks associated with using heavy machinery like the mobile cranes.

- Conduct a thorough inspection of the site for potential hazards, ensuring stable and level ground for crane operations and checking for overhead obstacles.

3. Rigging Equipment Check:

- Inspect all rigging accessories including chain blocks, D shackles, slings, wire ropes, and straps. Verify their condition and ensure they meet the SWL requirements.

- Ensure that crane and equipment are in good working condition, adhering to recent maintenance checks and inspections.

Coordination and Communication

4. Team Coordination:

- Ensure clear role assignment among crew members including crane operators, riggers, foreman, linemen, etc.

- Coordinate with other onsite teams to ensure a smooth workflow and avoid operational conflicts.

5. Communication Setup:

- Establish reliable communication channels among all team members, utilizing portable megaphones for constant contact.

Safety Instructions for High-Risk Activities

6. Linemen Safety:

- Ensure all linemen are equipped with proper PPE, including helmets, safety glasses, insulating gloves, fall protection gear, and dielectric footwear/safety shoes.

- Provide comprehensive training on fall protection, proper climbing techniques, and emergency procedures.

7. Fall Protection and Emergency Readiness:

- Implement rigorous fall protection measures, including full-body harnesses and proper anchorage systems.

- Regularly review and practice emergency response procedures, ensuring all personnel are familiar with rescue techniques and the locations of emergency kits.

Operational Execution

8. Crane and Lifting Operations:

- Refer to the crane's load chart meticulously to plan each lift according to the crane’s capacity at different boom lengths and radii.

- Ensure all materials, especially tower sections and hardware, are pre-inspected and arranged for efficient access and movement.

9. Use of Concrete Blocks for Backstay:

- Utilize properly calculated concrete blocks as stable anchors for backstays, avoiding the use of vehicles for this purpose.

10. Monitoring Weather and Environmental Conditions:

- Continuously monitor weather conditions and have a contingency plan ready for sudden changes that might impact safety and operations.

Conclusion and Regular Review

11. Final Checks and Supervision:

- Conduct final walkthroughs with team leaders to confirm all preparations are complete and safe.

- Maintain vigilant supervision throughout the operations to ensure adherence to safety protocols.

12. Continuous Improvement:

- Encourage feedback from all team members to identify areas for improvement in safety and operational procedures.

- Update training and safety briefings regularly based on observed issues and near misses.

By integrating these elements into the daily operations of erecting overhead transmission towers, site engineers can create a safer, more efficient work environment that minimizes risks and maximizes productivity.

Follow Engineer Er. Zishan Siddique for more informative content.