5 Factors that Affect GPR in Underground Utility Locating

factors that affect GPR in Utility Locating

When looking for a utility line locator to locate anything from underground water lines, gas lines, electrical/power lines to underground storage tanks, it is a good idea to know the capabilities and limitations of the technologies used in those detection services.

Penhall Technologies uses both GPR (ground penetrating radar) and Electromagnetic Detection. Here, we will dive deep into GPR and what factors affect the capabilities and limitations of this technology.

1. Weather Conditions

Because moisture raises the conductivity of the ground, especially clay soil and silt, deep snow and rain can be a factor in utility locating. Once the radar touches any ground holding moisture, it bounces right back. This makes it tough to read anything past that water table. Therefore, the winter months are not ideal to do any type of locating.

2.  Soil Conditions in Area

Now that you know that moisture plays a role in messing with GPR data, the types of soil conditions that become a factor are those that hold the moisture the most, like clay soil or silt. Interestingly enough, sandy soils, although typically near bodies of water, are more ideal to scan over than clay soils.

Each area throughout the US have certain types of soils that are native to the area, so it is a good idea to check what the soil conditions are in your area before moving forward. Here is a helpful link to find out the suitability of GPR in your state and area.

Here is a side by side comparison between states, Florida and Utah. Utah has more clay soil vs Florida with more sandy soil.

Florida vs. Utah GPR Suitability MapGPR Suitability Index

3.  Surface Area – Clearance and Obstacles

The surface being scanned becomes a factor for GPR data when the terrain is rough enough to cause the equipment to separate from the surface more than 2 to 3 inches. The quality of the data when this happens is then compromised. Ideally, the surface needs to be reasonably flat with a good amount of clearance. Obstacles, like trees and bushes, are mainly factors that can cause a delay in the time.

4.  Limitations of Technology with Certain Materials

GPR is highly successful for locating many types of objects. That said, there are certain materials that are much more conductive and easily located than others. Metal, for example, is highly conductive, and PVC or plastic has no conductivity, which makes it more challenging to locate. PVC and other non-metallic objects do not show a signal, but rather the signal can show something inside the pipe, like air or water. The size of the PVC does impede the ability for the radar to read if it is smaller, like a 1” line. This is because the radar used is for utility locating is typically one that is too large to “see” a line that is that small (See “Radar Frequency – Antenna” below for more info on this). Fisher wire/tape can be used to aide in identification in these cases.

Another factor that can impede on the GPR data is when scanning over a concrete slab with wire mesh. Because the wire mesh is metallic and the frequency of the antenna used is low and large, it inhibits the signal from penetrating clearly.

5.  Radar Frequency – Antenna

The higher the frequency, the smaller the radar, so high frequencies are best for tighter and shallower areas. The lower the frequency, the larger the radar, so these frequencies are best for deeper penetration and larger objects like pipes. In utility locating, the antennas with lower frequencies are best.

The limitation of the antenna becomes a factor mainly when any of the above factors come into play. Also, another factor to consider is when the depth of an object needing to be located surpasses the limit of the antenna’s radar. The strongest antenna commonly used throughout Penhall Technologies can scan to a max depth of 9 feet. We find that most utilities can be found within this range. Antennas that can scan a deeper depth may be available. Please contact us directly if a deeper locate is necessary for your project.

So, there you have it. We hope that this helps to clarify any questions regarding factors that affect GPR in utility locating. When in need of underground utility locating services, and you’re not quite sure about the capabilities of GPR on any given project, the best approach would be to contact us directly. To best serve our customers, we will always be upfront and honest about the capabilities and limitations of our technologies. We can offer any alternative approaches that we may have.

private utility locating

When it comes to our private undergroud utility locating services, we know you have questions, and we have answers!

Why do I need to contact a private locator, like Penhall Technologies, if 811 is available?

It is a good idea to contact both 811 plus a private locator, like Penhall Technologies, because the 811 service will only mark those utilities that are owned by public utility companies, which many times means from the street and up to the meter only. Anything between the meter and the building is owned by the property owner, which is then considered private utilities that 811 will not mark. Learn more about the difference between public and private utility locating here.

How do we determine cost and rates for private utility locating?

Pricing for our private utility locating service is unique for each project. The final cost is dependent on factors such as:

  • Job Location
  • How many utilities are being located
  • Size of the scan area(s)
  • What the surface being scanned is. Ex. Ground/dirt, asphalt, concrete, indoor/outdoor, etc.
  • If there are any obstructions that may impede or slow down the process. Ex. trees, bushes, bodies of water, buildings, etc.
  • Whether or not there is access to utility meters or transformer boxes

Typically, we offer our services at an hourly rate, with each location varying in their rates per hour. The above factors will help determine how much is possible to scan per hour.

Does Penhall Technologies assume liability for any damages involving underground utilities?

Ultimately, the owner of the private utility lines on their property is required to follow their state’s One Call law before beginning any excavation or digging work. Therefore, the liability is in the hands of the property owner. Penhall Technologies will not guarantee the longevity of facility markings due to activities on site that may destroy or otherwise alter any markings placed on the ground by Penhall Technologies.

GPR and Electromagnetic Detection technologies offers the ability to determine the depth of a located object. The depth indications can vary, and there is generally a 15% margin of error.

How accurate is your utility locating?

Unlike most private locators, Penhall Technologies uses state of the art equipment using both GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) and Electromagnetic Detection technologies. The analyst explains the utility markings to customers. Moreover, the analyst advises that parameters for cutting/trenching/digging should be no closer than 3’ on each side of the center of the utility marker. Although the analyst cant provide exact depths, he/she can discuss approximates with a 10-15% margin of error.

Can you determine the type of utility that is located?

The technologies themselves cannot determine the type of utility that is being located. That said, our expert analysts can determine the type of utilities as long as there are visible marks such as meter box, stub up, drain, manhole or cover within the proximity of the line.

Those lines that can be identified will be marked by the standardized color set by the APWA. See “Utility Locating – What Do the Colors Mean?” for detail on the standardized colors for each utility here.

The analyst would use hot pink to mark those lines that have no visible signs of what type of utility is it.

Are you able to locate non-metallic utilities such as concrete storm drains, fiber optic cables in conduit, or PVC pipes?

Yes. This all depends on the size of the pipe, depth, and soil type.

Can surfaces with accumulated moisture ( clay soil or a ground with a high water table) can result in inaccurate results?

This can be true. Clay soil or soil with high water content can affect the GPR data and output. This is because water is conductive and once the radar picks up the moisture, it makes it tough to “read” beyond the water barrier.

The best approach is to speak to the analyst that is local to the area of the project, to better discuss the conditions of the soil in that area, as well as other options we may have.

Here is a map to illustrate the suitability of GPR throughout the United States:

GPR Suitability Map

GPR Suitability Index

At Penhall Technologies, our goal is to have our customers truly feel comfortable with choosing us as a partner in their projects. We do hope that these questions and answers are helpful.

We understand there may be more questions, so please, feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have.

Grave site locating services
Earlier this year, Penhall Technologies’ GPR Analyst, Elizabeth G., was asked to help identify gravesites for a church in Locust Grove, VA. Church leaders wanted to be sure they would not accidentally disturb any existing gravesites, marked or unmarked, when excavating for future internments. The church was very involved throughout the process and even had a member of the church follow our analyst closely to help map the marked, reserved, empty and unmarked graves.

Elizabeth used ground penetrating radar equipment from GSSI to scan an area that was approximately 150’x150’. Penhall uses this same equipment and technology when performing private utility locates for underground water lines, gas lines, sewer pipes, and more. In a case like this, the analyst reviews the GPR data to identify large voids underground created by the coffin that would indicate a gravesite.
Elizabeth was able to confirm the coffins that were underneath the existing headstones. There were also unmarked coffins that were spaced in between the headstones.

In total, Elizabeth located 9 unmarked graves. Six were listed in the church’s database with an unknown location and 3 of which the church did not know existed at all. Some of the unmarked graves listed in their database were not detected. Those sites were dug in the early 1900s and, given the period, the coffins would have been made of wood. Unfortunately, wood deteriorates over time. By now, these coffins have decomposed and blended in with the ground, making it impossible for the GPR to identify because a void no longer exists.

“The church double checked the sites where I found an unmarked grave by pushing a small 5 foot rod into the ground, and it would hit the coffin. But they couldn’t identify their unmarked wooden graves with the rod either because of the deterioration. The graves ranged in date from 1900-2017,” says the analyst of her findings.

This job was an interesting exception from our usual services. “Although a bit morbid at times, it was neat to see how visible most of the graves were in the GPR data,” says Elizabeth. For Penhall Technologies, what we like most about a job like this is that we are allowed the opportunity to uncover a bit of history for the customer as well as give them the peace of mind when allocating proper sites to the members of the church in the future.

This is not the first time Penhall has done work like this. Because we are allowed to play a role in these types of historical findings, it definitely won’t be the last either! We look forward to uncovering more of history in future projects.

 

For inquiries on our Private Locating Services:

Call:

844-211-5300

Or Visit Us:

www.penhall.com/gpr-technology

 gas line locating

You’ve made the right decision when you decided to have the public or private utilities marked before digging or excavating on your construction project. After the locator does his/her work, there are some nice colors identifying those utility lines you had marked, but you’re left wondering, “What do these colors mean?”

At Penhall Technologies, when we perform a underground utility locate or pipe locating services, it is protocol for our analysts to leave behind a form that explains all markings, and what each utility line color marking means. The colors used follow the guidelines set by the American Public Works Association (APWA).

What is the APWA?

As the voice for public works, and also private sectors providing supplies and services in public works, the APWA is a comprehensive resource that, among other guidelines, put into place a color guideline for all utility locate markings. These guidelines have become a national standard to keep us all in the utility locating industry on the same page. This is an effort that keeps all construction sites, whether commercial or residential, safer for everyone.

To give a background and rationale, the APWA states the importance of these guidelines.

“The APWA, through its Utilities and Public Right of Way Committee, has developed and published guidelines for temporary marking of underground utilities which include an APWA Uniform Color Code in order to minimize damages during excavation and similar operations in which the earth or the earth’s surface is moved, removed, or displaced.”

Source: http://www.apwa.net/library/position-stmts/UP_Guidance-uniform_temp_marking_of_und_facilities.pdf

Our analysts mark each line with chalk or flags in their designated color in accordance to the APWA. We follow these guidelines nationwide anytime we perform a private utility line locate.

Red Electrical Lines, Cables, & Conduit
Orange Telecommunication lines
Yellow Gas, Oil, Steam & Petroleum
Green Sewers & Drain Lines
Blue Potable Water
Purple Reclaimed Water & Irrigation
Pink Temporary Survey Markings
White Proposed Excavation

Penhall Technologies follows these guidelines to better serve our customers. We follow through with our efforts to ensure safety 100% of the time.

risk management for construction project managers

 

As a project manager, you know that risk management is an important aspect of your job.  When considering the project at hand, your job is to reduce the risks that may come with that particular project, and make sure that in the end- the job is successful and profitable for your company.

When working on a project that involves any amount of concrete cutting or core drilling, concrete scanning can be the key factor to your risk management strategy.

Here are 5 project risks that concrete scanning can help manage:
  • Quality and safety
  • Cost management
  • Time management
  • Scope & change management
  • Information management

If ignored, you may be putting your project at risk for the following:

  • Increased costs
  • Loss or reduction in profit
  • Putting workers’ safety at risk
  • Damage to company reputation

(Source)

Think about the following scenario, and notice exactly how scanning before cutting or drilling will dramatically reduce the above risks:

You’re on a site where a major remodel is occurring.  This job involves a massive amount of core drilling for new electrical.  The cores are needed through a post tension slab, and you don’t want to risk cutting into the tension cables. Drilling blindly will not only put the job at risk of being delayed (time management), but can put workers’ lives at risk as well (safety risk).  Furthermore, the cost of either fixing the tension cables or having to replace the slab altogether can not only reduce your profits, but at worst put you in the negative (cost management).

If you decide to scan first, all of these risks can be greatly reduced. Additionally, when you scan first you are equipped with the information (information management) you need to successfully manage any necessary changes to keep a project in the positive, and under control (scope & change management).

concrete scanning before core drilling

This scenario is only one of many that can benefit from scanning before cutting or drilling. Anytime concrete cutting or drilling is a part of your project, it’s not only a good idea to have the concrete scanned, but a smart investment for a project manager.

Visit https://www.penhall.com/concrete-scanning/ for more information on Penhall Technologies’ concrete scanning services. Call us at 844-211-5300 for a free estimate.

GPR scan in graveyard

Penhall Technologies typically specializes in concrete scanning and utility locating using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate rebar, post tension cables, conduit, and utility lines in both concrete and soils. Analyst Mariah Ottersen put her expertise to the test on a new project – cemetery mapping and exploration in Auburn, Washington.

Patricia Cosgrove of the White River Valley Museum contacted us hoping that we could locate existing gravesites at the 156 year old Japanese-American/Buddhist Cemetery. The museum’s goal was to both accurately record the number of existing interments without corresponding headstones. Also, to identify vacant areas of the cemetery to allow for future burials of families.

Weather and soil conditions can dictate the success of a GPR survey. Dry sandy soils with little salt content yield excellent results with GPR. Heavy, wet soils make it more difficult to get clear GPR readings when collecting the data. In a state like Washington, where rainfall is high, much of the soil is heavy and wet.

GPR at shrine

Eight days after the originally scheduled start date, the clouds cleared and there was sunshine in the Northwest. Ottersen arrived at the cemetery to execute phase one of two of the cemetery mapping project. 4Culture, a cultural services agency for King County, funded the three day project through a grant from King County Appropriation. Originally, we expected the project to take three days, but our analyst completed it in just two days.

Our analyst spent day one at the Auburn Cemetery collecting data. The analyst must collect data for these types of projects carefully. In other words, she must pass the equipment in a linear motion and at equal length.

“We wanted to determine the difference between the 130 year old burials and soil disturbances, and the buried glacial/river erratic and root systems from the large vegetation onsite.” explained Ottersen. According to GSSI, GPR can detect the presence of a body, but it usually identifies disturbances in the soil such as those created when a grave is dug and refilled. It was the identification of soil disturbances that led Ottersen to map where bodies were and weren’t.

For day two, she analyzed each file of collected data using GSSI Radar software. Then, she created the final maps and reports for the museum.

Upon completion of the data processing, Ottersen shared her results. She successfully mapped the locations of existing graves. Moreover, she identified potential areas for future burials.

Worker writing GPR report

It is important to note that decomposition and shifting during flooding events can skew the collected data. “Understanding that this cemetery was also part of the flood plan for many years can raise the question of the likelihood of any of the remains being left behind in their original state due to decomposition of the wooden caskets.”  Ottersen concluded.

The Auburn Cemetery can now confidently share the location of vacant land with family members. Penhall Technologies is thrilled to have had the opportunity to be a part of such a historical landmark and the plans for future use.

To find out more about scheduling your project with Penhall Technologies, visit:

https://www.penhall.com/utility-locating/

To read more about the White River Valley Museum’s work at Auburn Pioneer Cemetery, click here: www.wrvmuseum.org

To learn more about 4Culture and the cause they stand for: http://www.4culture.org/

To discover more about GSSI and other GPR facts: http://www.geophysical.com/

Cruisin’ down the highway in a psychedelically-painted vehicle may have been groovy in the 60’s and early 70’s, but the road sure wasn’t. In the era of bell bottoms, “love-ins,” and good vibrations, when a stretch of pavement deteriorated, the only readily-available solution was to cover the concrete with two to three inches of asphalt overlay. While structurally sound, it made for a pretty rough ride.

As the ’70s transitioned into the ’80s, taxpayers started demanding smoother roads. In response, the highway industry started tightening specifications on the rideability of pavement. During this time, profile (bump) grinding became a commonly-used technique to remove bumps and smooth out concrete and asphalt highways.

By the 1990s, road repair technology and equipment had improved, and diamond grinding quickly became the preferred method for restoring concrete highways across America.

Diamond grinding is a process in which closely spaced diamond blades are used to remove surface imperfections, such as faults, warp and curl, to restore the surface to a smooth, level pavement and improve ride quality.

Concurrently, ensuring a safer driving experience became a priority for the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). As such, the FHA mandated that every state had to put transverse grooves on their highways. While transverse grooves were effective in getting the water off the concrete and preventing hydroplaning, they made the drive very noisy.

To find a better solution, California decided to groove longitudinally instead of transversely. While this went against the FHA’s mandate, it turned out that longitudinal grooving not only resulted in quieter pavement, it also improved the frictional characteristics of the roadway (making it safer).

Today (2014), more than 60 percent of states diamond grind to make their highways smoother, and longitudinally diamond groove to ensure a safer and quieter driving experience.

Modern day grinding and grooving processes accomplish the three things highway departments and government agencies want most:

  1. Improve frictional characteristics (most important because it makes the roadway safer).
  2. Smoothness.
  3. Noise reduction.

But because transportation agencies tend to be tight on time and capital, it’s important for a diamond grinding and grooving service provider to demonstrate the following:

  • References from other states that the company has worked for. This information can be helpful in evaluating the grinding and grooving provider’s experience and track record.
  • Large fleet of equipment. A company with a large fleet of diamond grinding and grooving equipment (as opposed to one or two machines) will help ensure that the project will get done reliably with no down time.
  • Examples of work done. Reputable companies should be able to readily provide multiple examples of diamond grinding and grooving projects they’ve completed.
  • Decades of experience. The approach to repairing, preserving, and improving highways has changed significantly over the past 50 years. A company that has been in the business for decades (as opposed to a handful of years) will be able to offer more value in terms of experience and expertise.

By: Ray Dickinson

Penhall demoing the Mulholland Bridge

#TBT to July 16-17, 2011 – CARMAGEDDON

In order to complete a $1,000,000,000 transportation project, to add a north bound carpool lane from Orange County to the San Fernando Valley, the Mulholland Bridge needed to be renovated. The first phase of the project would remove half the bridge and shut down the 405 freeway for a span of 53 hours. This closure was the largest planned shutdown of any Los Angeles freeway in history. Due to anticipated traffic jams of mass proportions, terror ensued and The Mulholland Bridge Project was dubbed by the press and community as “Carmageddon.”

The contract to demo the bridge was won by one of the largest contractors in the world – Kiewit. Kiewit asked Penhall to sub-contract on the job due to our knowledge and expertise in the field of demolition. With a penalty of $6,000 for every 10 minutes the job was late, the stakes were high. A number of key factors needed to fall into place in order to achieve success.

3 Major Factors Contributing to Carmageddon’s Success:

1)      Resources. When taking on such a massive project, it is vital that those involved have the resources necessary to combat all aspects of the job and even unforeseeable ones. Luckily, Kiewit and Penhall had the nationwide resources and strength to deal with whatever the project may have needed. If something went wrong during the project, we had the capability and expertise to pivot if needed.

2)      Team. An important factor of any job is having a strong team behind you. Carmageddon was such a massive undertaking with so many different levels and facets. It was by the talent and teamwork displayed by the Kiewit and Penhall partnership that the project succeeded. From the top execs, to the project management staff, to the engineers, to the guys in the field, everyone worked in perfect unison to make sure that not one last detail was overlooked.

3)      Pre-Task Planning. This was hands down one of the most important factors contributing to the success of Carmageddon. However, it is important to note that pre-task planning is vital for any job, no matter the size. By being able to hold multiple pre-task planning meetings, everyone on the job was able to be on the same page. Multiple meetings were held, and cooperation with Kiewit was essential in making sure that each goal was met by the end of shift. This was crucial because it kept everyone in check with what their job was and how they would ultimately contribute to the success of the finished project.

Through these three important key factors, Penhall Company and Kiewit were able to make sure that Carmageddon was not only finished on time – but was a major success. With vast resources, a great team, and pre-task planning, the job was finished 16 hours ahead of schedule – something that even wowed transportation experts!

Reopening of the Mulholland bridge after partial demolition

To learn more about Carmageddon, check out our video at: http://vimeo.com/42817283

By: Ray Dickinson

It goes without saying that equipment is a vital part of any job. Let’s take a look back in time and see how far equipment has come since Penhall’s start.

The Core Drill

Just recently the core drill has become more advanced due to automation. One of the biggest changes with this piece of equipment is its ability to electronically switch speeds. Before, there were two to four speeds, yet the operator would have to manually change speeds if needed. For example, you could be drilling at the highest speed and then an obstruction comes along and you would then have to turn off the machine, lower the speed, then turn back on the machine and continue with the job – talk about a pain.

Core drillingNow, there is a push button – as you’re drilling and you come to an obstruction, you don’t shut off the machine, you can just switch speeds automatically. This has greatly improved the efficiency of operators because every second on the job counts, and those lost seconds of manually switching speeds add up.

The Wall Saw

This piece of equipment for concrete cutting has improved by leaps and bounds since automation. During the 70’s, there was a lot of hands-on involvement with the operating of the wall saw. Many of these machines were air powered,so they were slow, loud, and there was dust everywhere – not a great combination. And on top of that, due to the lack of horsepower, an operator had to start with a smaller blade first and make a couple passes before reaching the desired depth. Also, there were hand crank drive systems that would then allow the operator a means to travel the saw unit one way or another on the wall.

Wall sawingEventually auto feed emerged where you could crank it and the unit would travel by itself. However, if the operator wanted it to move another direction, they would have to manually crank the unit again.

In the early 80s, saws began to incorporate the new technology of hi-cycle power used by military aircrafts in order to increase horsepower and speed. The decade also saw the introduction of water cooling for saw units. From there emerged the remote control unit to delegate the travel of the unit along the wall. Today, technicians can now stand back and control the path of the blade without being very close to the equipment. This allows for operators to be safer than ever– something that Penhall is always focused on.

The Flat Saw

This piece of equipment has probably seen the most change over the decades. In the 60’s to early 80’s, the flat saw was started with a hand-crank to start the machine. The operator would have to go to the side of the engine, flip a start switch and manually turn a hand crank in order to get the engine started – similar to how they used to start old cars! The engines were small compared to today’s machines. They were air-cooled, not water cooled engines, which just had a gear chain drive and a sprocket andonly had 30 horsepower with one single drive. All these factors meant that the operator had to run a much smaller blade at first and make several passes to go to a certain depth. For example, an old flat saw an operator would use a 14” diameter blade just to get 4” deep to start. Then another pass was needed with an 18” blade just to get 6” deep.

flat sawingCurrently, the flat saw machine is drastically different. Now an operator can use 18” or 20” blades to start and cut 6” deep in one pass. The current flat saws also have a push button starter, 3 speed transmission, hydraulic drive, and diesel engine. Place a car body on them and you could drive that thing!

The rise in technology has led to greater efficiency overall. Before with the old flat saws, you might only be able to cut 3,000 to 4,000 feet of 4 inch deep asphalt in a day. Now with the new equipment, an operator can do twice that amount in the same time!

So what is on the horizon for new technology? Eventually, wall saws will have wireless controls and core drills will be automated and only require operators to dial in dimensions. However, no one knows exactly what type of equipment will be used in the coming decades, but whatever new technology brings to equipment is sure to help make each jobsite more efficient and a safer place – two things that both we and our customers like.

By: Dana Directo

Construction is definitely making a comeback in Hawaii.

One of the many notable projects is the Ewa Expansion at the Ala Moana shopping center in Honolulu, Hawaii (on the island of Oahu).

Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping center in the world and one of the most popular shopping and social-gathering destinations in Honolulu. To meet growing demand, General Growth Properties, Inc., Ala Moana’s owner/manager, determined it was time for a face-lift.

The renovation will include an upgraded food court, customer amenities, pedestrian access from Ala Moana Boulevard and the addition of more than 1,000 parking spaces in the Mauka Ewa parking structure.

ala moana

However, before any of that work could begin, a significant portion of “old” structure needed to be removed.

Working with a long-time contracting partner, Penhall (dba Concrete Coring Company of Hawaii) was brought on to handle the structural demolition of the existing 160,000 square foot parking deck and a three-story building (formerly the Sears Building) that was connected to the mall.

That alone made the project an awesome undertaking, but when the Penhall team learned of the additional complexities associated with the job, things got even more interesting…

  • The Sears Building- a portion of the building was holding up the rest of the mall, so the Sears building had to be removed without weakening the support of the existing mall. Executing this required significant engineering capabilities. The team also had to carefully install shoring before the building could be taken down.
  • Sectional demolition – Usually, demolition starts at one end of a structure and goes to the other. Because of the unique logistics of the project, to stay on schedule, the team had to go around the building and take it down in sections—taking out the back end before taking out the front end.
  • Restrooms – there were two restrooms right at the very edge of the building wreck that had to remain open –and safe – during the demolition process. (Imagine having to use the facilities right next to a 40,000 lb machine on the other side of the wall …)
  • Christmas Season – all of the structural demolition had to take place during the Christmas shopping season, so the mall had to remain open the entire time.

When it was all said and done, 3,000 truckloads of cement, mixed waste, steel, and other materials were removed from the site.  Not only was the Penhall team able to get their end of the project completed on time, but they were able to do it safely, with minimal interruption to the Ala Moan shoppers and employees.

Now that the majority of the demolition has been completed, the Ewa Expansion has been able to progress and is gaining momentum toward its completion in 2015.

ala moana 2

By: Ray Dickinson

Have you ever heard the saying, “You learn something every day if you pay attention?” Well, that concept definitely applies to training safe operators in the field of construction.

You see, every job is different, every location is different, and every day on the job is different. Coming onto a large job can be like entering into a work tornado. Things are constantly moving and there are many things going on.

Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, foremen, crane operators, and iron workers are all buzzing around doing their own thing. What’s more is that different contracting crews usually do not communicate with one another, much less on a daily basis.

So, in order to ensure everyone’s safety, the people working on their job must learn to pay attention. This can be easier said than done, but the following steps can help prepare workers to look two steps ahead and help create a safe work environment.

Health and Safety

New Employee Orientation

First and foremost, training safe operators starts well before they ever step foot on a job site. In addition to familiarizing a new hire to the way the company operates and the people they will be working with, employee orientation is a prime time to stress your company’s commitment to cultivating a safety culture and to ensuring an accident/incident-free workplace.A safety-focused new employee orientation should establish:

  • Guidelines for communication – how to talk productively and effectively about if unsafe conditions and behaviors are recognized, etc.
  • Expectations for professional conduct – interacting professionally with team members, crews on other job sites, customers, etc.
  • Why a zero-injury safety culture is so important – including why it’s critical to embrace the concept that accidents are preventable.
  • Safe driving techniques – learn to identify the best practices of driving behavior, and apply the Smith5Keys®.
  • How to plan safety into work – Pre-Task Planning, inspecting tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • How to prevent back and shoulder injuries.
  • How to work safely around utilities and other energy sources.
  • How to recognize hazards on the job.
  • How to report on-the-job injuries and Near Miss incidents.

Safety Training

All workers should receive annual safety training. From there, depending on the degree of hazard and/or client policy, additional safety training might need to be conducted more frequently.Comprehensive, in-depth safety training should be in addition to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safety training. Company-specific training should include:

  • Safety-focused communication skills
  • How to effectively Pre-Task Plan (PTP)
  • How to recognize safe and unsafe conditions and behaviors
  • How to correct unsafe acts
  • How to perform work safely in multiple environments
  • Specialized safety procedures for job-specific tasks
  • Strategies for preventing injury and illness

Initial Introduction to Field Work

By introducing new hires to field work within their first two to three weeks on the job (as both helper and laborer), they are able to experience first-hand what occurs in the field and how safety measures are built into the job.This step is also designed to help management and the other crew members evaluate how well the new hire will respect and foster a safe work environment.

Penhall Mentor Class

Daily Pre-Task Planning By the Entire Crew

To help ensure safety in the field, each operator should be trained on Pre-Task Planning and be responsible for filling out a safety pre-task sheet before they start work each day. By auditing the job site each day on their own, the operator is better able to understand:

    • The task that needs to be completed
    • The potential hazards that could be associated with the completion of the task.
    • The corrective measures that need to be put in to place to eliminate or minimize the hazard.

Typically what happens in the industry is that only one person (usually the Foreman) will conduct a Pre-Task Plan and do a “tool box” safety meeting at the start of the week. However, this process often results in hazards being overlooked – especially as the job changes and evolves.

It is critical that every crew member audits the job site each day and complete their own Pre-Task Plan.

  1. Active divisional safety managers. Having divisional safety managers roam the region, show up unannounced on job sites, observe the operators and ask operators at random to see their Pre-Task Plan (PTP), is a helpful tool for ensuring accountability. If the operator has their PTP and are observed conducting their work safely, they are recognized and commended. If they don’t have their Pre-Task Plan, should be written up.
  2. Mentorship. Training operators how to Pre-Task Plan, follow safe equipment procedures, communicate effectively, etc. are all incredibly important. But eventually, the new operator will need to learn how to apply those concepts while working independently. This is where mentorship comes in.Placing a new hire with a mentor is an invaluable part of their learning. Experienced mentors not only teach new hires how to operate equipment safely and productively, they are also there to guide the trainee in finding answers for themselves and develop solutions of their own. While on a job site, mentors can also show their trainee how to constantly look, listen, and pay attention to what is going on around them while they are in the field.
  3. Safety committees and monthly divisional safety meetings in the yard – Operators at each division should be part of the safety committees. Additionally, they should bring the safety-focused topics that were discussed at the monthly committee meetings to their divisional safety meeting. This helps ensure that everyone – from the executive team, to the crew on the front lines of a job – is on the same page.

Training operators to work safely in the field is not a one-time event – it’s a continuous process that everyone must be committed to each and every day.

By: Tim McElroy

Anyone in a construction-related job knows that it’s one of the most dangerous sectors to work in. All accidents are preventable. By implementing and maintaining the following five strategies, companies protect the safety of employees, customers. and the general public on all construction job sites.

Work SafeThorough job site set-up

Before any employee even walks onto a the job site, it is imperative that an experienced and knowledgeable project management team takes the time to identify potential hazards. These could influence employee and public safety, and production. For example, by asking contractors to provide a project specific  “Hazardous Materials Survey,” employee exposure to hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos, lead-based paint, mercury in exit signs, hydraulic oil in the elevators, PCBs in light ballasts, etc.) can be acknowledged, addressed and abated/removed prior to the workforce arriving on the project.

Clear, layered communication

Clear communication is essential to ensure a “Zero Accident Work” environment. And he pathways for that communication are just as important. For example, at Penhall Company, jobsite information and conditions must be relayed through multiple departments before a job is even staffed.

First, the Division Managers and sales force relay information about the project and any potential hazards to the Penhall Company Dispatchers. The Dispatchers then send a qualified and trained safety professional to the job site. The safety professional conducts a pre-job hazard assessment and evaluates the project for hazards that might impact the crew on the job site.

As needed, additional qualified team members visit the project site to provide their expertise for how to address certain safety issues. Once they gather and consider all the information, they write a “Site Specific Safety Plan.” The Project Management Team Members review and comment on the plan.

The Project Management Team and workforce must  always ask themselves these four question prior to starting the project or task:

  • What am I about to do?
  • Is there anything that can go wrong?
  • What have I done to correct the problem?
  • What have I done to communicate the problem?

It’s one thing to be aware of the hazardous, but it’s imperative to actually implement corrective action. The team must be aware of those actions so that the hazards don’t cause harm to someone’s health and safety.

Trained work force and competent equipment

Training and safety go hand-in-hand. In addition to being adequately trained for the specific job scheduled, team members must receive training on:

  • Communicate effectively about safety with their crew and supervisors;
  • Recognize safe and unsafe conditions and behaviors;
  • Correct unsafe acts.

Long before ever stepping foot on a job site, team members must complete extensive safety training. This begins with new hire orientation. Safety training should be an on-going process and fostered from the executive team, to the boots on the ground.

Crew members operating specialty equipment, such as flat saws, wall saws, core drills, scissor lifts, are trained on the use and safety aspects of the equipment. Additionally, Penhall management signs off on the ability of each employee prior to allowing them to complete unsupervised activities.

A seasoned work force

Seasoned operators who have years—if not decades— of experience are essential to protecting the health and safety of the people involved in a construction project. Their experience can help them recognize potential hazards that arise on a job. Also, to know  how to communicate safety-related issues to supervisors. This also goes back to training. The more training and mentoring team members receive, the more empowered they feel to communicate if they see unsafe situations or behaviors.

Maintaining a positive work environment

As they say, attitude is everything. Regardless of the industry, people like to go to work with people that they know, like, and trust. When site supervisors interact professionally with their team members, that positivity has a good impact. As a result, the entire work environment is more collaborative and cohesive. The workforce feels that their co-workers have their back and are looking out for their safety and well-being.

Remember, at the end of the day, safety is no accident.

By: Ray Dickinson

Mentoring

I think Ben Franklin said it best:

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

Achieving and maintaining one of the best safety records in the construction industry does not happen by accident. It requires the development of highly-competent, safety-focused team members.

By no means is this an overnight process, but progress is much more secure and streamlined when there’s an effective mentor program in place. The following five pillars help support a mentor program that sufficiently prepares employees to be safe, efficient, high-quality service providers:

Dedicated Mentors

When looking for individuals to serve as mentors, it’s important that they be evaluated on factors, such as:

  • Work experience
  • Safety training
  • Industry knowledge
  • Professionalism (with customers and crew members)
  • Equipment care
  • Job preparation
  • Competency as a worker/supervisor
  • Adaptability

What’s more is that, since mentors are volunteering their time and job-related wisdom, mentors should also demonstrate that they care about helping others succeed and are invested in making the company the best it can be.

Deliberate Employee Screening

As the saying goes, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Construction jobs are not easy. There’s a lot to know and do – especially when it comes to ensuring everyone’s safety. So in addition to having a clean driving record, mechanical abilities, good social and communication skills, being drug-free, and presenting themselves well, employees need to demonstrate that they are teachable and coachable.Therefore, it’s important to evaluate new potential employees prior to matching them with a mentor. Two effective ways to do this are through new employee orientation and initial introduction to field work.

New employee orientation is the foundation for teaching trainees a set of standards for working safely and proficiently. Ideally, new employee orientation should address your company’s commitment to safety, established guidelines for communication, expectations for professional conduct, and safety training, among other things.

During the first two to three weeks of employment, it’s valuable to introduce new hires to different types of field work and allow them to serve in various capacities as both “helper” and “laborer.” Getting them involved in work allows management and co-workers to see what their work ethic is like, if they are punctual, dependable, their overall attitude, and how well they get along with others.

Mentoring Principles

Rather than simply giving answers to the trainee, mentors are most effective when they help the trainee find answers for themselves and facilitate their experience of discovery and learning. By providing a safe, supportive space that allows the trainee to experience their own attempts, failures, and successes, the trainee is able to develop their own natural strengths and potential.This is also why the employee screening is so important. While the mentor needs to be a facilitator and coach, the trainee needs to be open-minded to the guidance and facilitative methods of the mentor. If the trainee is always looking to their mentor for answers, then they’ll become too reliant on their mentor instead of their own skills and abilities.

Established Competency Levels

In order to effectively document the trainees’ process and ensure that they have the confidence, know-how, and ability to perform the work on their own, it’s important to establish competency levels.For example, at Penhall, Level 1 competency for core drilling includes things, such as:

  • Demonstrate the ability to safely secure the drill to the work area, adjust the drill rig to the hole, and successfully drill hole(s) through all materials using 110v, 220v drills with vacuum bases or mechanical anchors.
  • Drill holes up to 12” diameter and 12” thick.
  • Drill holes through floors, walls, corner and lifting holes for larger openings.
  • Understand and be knowledgeable in proper core catching techniques and know the OSHA regulations regarding covering openings in floors and walls.

Mentored trainees should also be required to complete checklists for the level in which they are enrolled and pass a written test for each level with a passing score of 90%.

Mentor Input

To ensure that the mentor program is accurately defined, reflects the goals of the company, and continuously improves, it’s vital to solicit feedback and input from mentors on things, such as the technical reviews of the competency levels, definitions, check-lists, evaluations sheets, etc.

When developed and implemented correctly, a mentor program can be the linchpin that secures a company’s ability to cultivate a safety-focused work force and consistently provide top-notch service quality.