Above and Beyond

Albert Molinar, EHS Manager at Two Rivers Pipeline

Albert Molinar is the EHS Manager at Two Rivers Pipeline and
Construction located in Odessa, Texas.
Two Rivers Pipeline, a client of EWN since 2010,  is well known for going above and beyond when
it comes to safety.

Albert quotes:

“I am proud to be in the position as a leader to have the influence and knowledge to show
others the value of a safe work environment . Two Rivers Pipeline has given me
the tools and training to make a positive difference for me and my coworker’s
safety and for that I am grateful.

At Two Rivers Pipeline Construction we know how important it is to go the extra mile for
safety. With over 50 years of experience, Tommy Cronk of Two Rivers makes
safety our daily focus on the job. Not only is safety good business, but as
Tommy like to say “everyone deserves to go home at night”. That goal
can be accomplished by following all OSHA guidelines for benching and shoring,
thorough communication with the pipeline operator, and taking full advantage of
all the new technologies available.

According to the Common Ground Alliance’s annual DIRT
Report, the leading root cause of damages to buried pipelines is
“Excavation Practices Not Sufficient”, 63.9% of these damages are
caused by backhoes or trenchers. When a pipeline is being crossed there are
extra precautions that can be taken to ensure you don’t add to those
statistics.

The first step is to call the local One Call center. In the
US you can simply call 811 to notify all utilities in the area, but your
responsibility does not end there. Search the area for the existence of a
pipeline. Look in all directions for pipeline warning signs by walking the
perimeter 50-100 feet from the dig site. Look for meter stations, valve
stations, casing vents, or any above ground evidence of a pipeline, and talk to
local landowners. After all facilities have been located and marked, the
excavator needs to set up an on-site meeting with the pipeline operator. At
this meeting, detailed maps and plans should be exchanged, and the controlled
area needs to be set. Once the project reaches the control area, the pipeline
operator should be present during excavation.

Physically locating the facility needs to be the next step.
Hand tools and vacuum excavation can effectively and safely help you lay eyes
on the pipe. Take full advantage of current technologies to ensure the pipe and
its coating are not damaged during exposure. Even minor scratches can lead to
major problems in the future, so any contact needs to be reported to the pipeline
operator.

A great deal of care is taken exposing pipeline, but
statistics show that once the pipeline has been exposed it is at its most
vulnerable. Of the damages caused during excavation, 39% are caused by a
failure to maintain clearance. The technology exists, that would greatly reduce
the number of these damages or their severity while increasing safety. Using a
product like Safety Wrap can eliminate small dings and scrapes caused by minor,
incidental contact with the pipe that would require costly repairs and
downtime. Safety Wrap is a temporary pipe wrap that installs in just minutes
and can prevent both minor incidents or a major breach. A cut-out repair to a
pipeline costs upwards of $50,000, and you can’t put a dollar figure on the
safety of your workers. Low visibility can lead to problems, any operator can
have a bad day, and accidents happen on the job. A highly visible, and
incredibly durable, protective wrap for the pipe provides that extra level of
safety.”

If you or someone in your company is making a difference in
the industry or the community, let us know! We would like to share your story
in the newsletter.

For more information contact:

Mayra Lujan at mayra.lujan@energyworldnet.com or

Jennifer Hettler at jennifer.hettler@energyworldnet.com