How to Stay Safe During Irrigation Installations

Experienced contractors know they can never take safety for granted—not even for a second. Irrigation contractors in particular often work with powerful tools, dangerous equipment, and complex systems. Here are some simple but important tips to prioritize safety at all times and on all jobs.

Eyes and Ears

Drilling through soil and cutting pipes for an irrigation installation can project high-velocity particles into the air. It’s best to wear safety goggles, which provide a reliable barrier against anything that might be flying around. If you’re working with exceedingly hazardous materials, a full-face shield may be necessary for additional protection.

Meanwhile, heavy machinery often generates noise levels that exceed safe hearing thresholds. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can eventually cause permanent hearing loss. Even if you don’t feel bothered by a noisy environment, consider using noise-cancelling earmuffs or plugs specifically designed to filter out high decibel sounds. The earbuds you use to listen to music and talk on the phone aren’t quite adequate for hearing protection.

Clothes and Gloves

Irrigation installation is a physical job. Wearing padded clothing can help minimize bruises and cuts. Many irrigation contractors wear protective overalls or specialized work clothes made from high-strength fibres. It’s not about style; it’s about safety.

For hand protection, pick up a pair of cut-resistant gloves. They’re specially designed to withstand punctures and cuts from metal pipes, wires, and edged tools. You don’t want gloves that are too bulky. They should be reasonably dexterous to allow safe and efficient handling of small components and delicate adjustments.

Protecting Your Lungs

Working on irrigation jobs can involve tasks that generate silica dust when cutting, drilling, or grinding materials like concrete and stone. Silica dust is composed of tiny particles that, when inhaled, can cause chronic respiratory issues.

The risks associated with silica dust make it imperative to take protective measures to safeguard your lungs. To minimize exposure, use wet cutting methods or tools equipped with dust collection systems. Wear a respirator approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for filtering out silica particles. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation in work areas to disperse and remove airborne particles from your breathing zone.

Maintaining Tools

It’s second nature for you to be skilled at using tools like trenchers, drills, and saws—but what about maintaining them? Routine checks, periodic servicing, and ongoing maintenance logs are a few of the perhaps “boring” best practices that are easy to overlook when you’re busy going from job to job. But, doing so can lead to faulty tools that malfunction and potentially cause injury. Try not to skip the simple steps that contribute to your safety.

Working in Harsh Weather

If there’s one thing you can count on in Canada, it’s a cold winter. Hopefully you have your cold-weather work gear in order, but if you need a reminder, outdoor jobs in winter call for thermal-lined waterproof clothing, insulated gloves, woolen socks, and a balaclava to cover all exposed skin and reduce the risk of frostbite. Clothing should be layered so you can adjust as you go. Each layer serves a function: a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, and protective outer layer to shield against wind and moisture.

Canada may be known for being cold, but it can also get quite hot. A summer heat wave is a serious hazard to your safety. Heat illness can happen quickly and unexpectedly. When working outside in high heat and humidity, you must make it a point to hydrate. Take breaks. Find shade. Drink water frequently, even if you’re not thirsty. It might also be worth the investment to buy some true summer gear, such as hats and clothing with UV protecting and body cooling technology. Of course, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Sometimes, the only way to beat the weather is simply to avoid it. If you’re worried for your health working in a heat wave or cold blast, play it safe and reschedule. If the temperature on a given day is challenging but manageable, try to work around the peak impact.

Reminders for the Road

Lastly, getting to and from each job site requires you to prioritize safety too. Keep your car serviced and your cargo secure. Wear your seat belt. Use only hands-free devices and refrain from risky decisions, even if you’re in a rush.

If your business has grown beyond you, remember that you’re also responsible for the safety of your crew. Whether you’re working solo, with a crew, in summer, or in winter, SiteOne® Landscape Supply is here to help make safety your top priority. Our local branch associates and technical support specialists are readily available to answer any questions you may have regarding general safety measures. Find your nearest SiteOne and stop in today.