Duke Energy
Trenchless Technology

Follow these tips to protect yourself and others when working in storm-damaged areas.

 

When You Use Trenchless Technology

 

Using a directional drill, auger or other form of trenchless technology is like threading a large needle through a maze of existing underground utilities – while blindfolded! Subterranean smarts and safe drilling practices are keys to success.

 

Subterranean Smarts

 

It’s always essential to notify 811 before you dig to have underground utility lines located and marked, but you’ve got to take it a step further when you use trenchless technology:

 

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Be sure to inform the operator about your equipment when you notify 811 for a dig ticket.

 

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Pre-mark your proposed route with white paint, stakes and/or flags. This will help locators identify all utility lines in your excavation area.

 

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Consider soil conditions. Many factors, including sandy soil or a shallow water table, will affect the depth at which you can safely drill without cave-in worries.

 

Directional Drill

 

Safe Drilling Practices

 

Take these steps during your drilling activities to confirm the location of marked utility lines and stay a safe distance away from them:

 

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Dig potholes to the depth of your planned excavation to confirm the exact depth and location of any buried utilities that cross or parallel your bore path. If using a hydrovac, use higher flow, less pressure and a spinner tip to prevent damage to underground utilities.

 

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Consult with Duke Energy regarding the minimum clearance you must maintain between your boring equipment and any electric or natural gas lines.

 

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Use your potholes to watch the drill head cross utility lines during the initial bore and also during backreaming to ensure you maintain the required clearance.

 

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Calibrate. Be sure to calibrate your bore head and locating device before every job.

 

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Don't forget the backream. Remember, your locating device will monitor the bore head on the pilot pass, but may not be able to monitor the backream head. Plan accordingly if you have to expand the diameter of your bore before installation.

 

 

Trench

 

Would You Like to Know More?

 

Additional digging and overhead guidelines, case studies, instructional videos and training tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on Duke Energy's e-SMARTworkers website.

 

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Duke Energy Emergencies

 

Most state laws require at least two to three full working days' notice; some may be longer. Call 811 or go to call811.com for the best information for your state.

 

Carolinas: 800-769-3766

 

Florida: 800-228-8485

 

Indiana: 800-343-3525

 

Kentucky/Ohio: 800-634-4300

 

Duke Energy Progress: 800-419-6356

 

North Carolina: nc811.org

 

South Carolina: sc811.com

 

Florida: sunshine811.com

 

Indiana: indiana811.org

 

Kentucky: kentucky811.org

 

Ohio: ohio811.org
Call 811

 

For more contractor safety information, visit duke-energy.com.