HDD Pre-Bore Daily Safety Walkdown

Pre-shift inspection for horizontal directional drilling crews to verify the bore plan, utility locates, exclusion zones, and tracker communication before drilling begins.

Inspection Setup

• Jobsite, date, and crew identified
  Record the project name or location, inspection date, and crew or foreman name.
• Inspector is designated competent person or authorized supervisor
  Confirm the person completing the walkdown is authorized to stop work and correct hazards.
• Pre-bore walkdown completed before drilling start
  Verify the inspection is performed before any bore initiation or reaming activity.
• Weather and ground conditions reviewed for safe start
  Confirm weather, visibility, access, and ground conditions do not create an immediate hazard for the planned work.

Bore Plan and Work Scope Review

• Current bore plan available on site
  Confirm the latest approved bore plan, drawings, or work package is present at the jobsite.
• Entry and exit points match the approved plan
  Verify the planned entry and exit locations are marked and match the current bore plan.
• Planned bore depth and path reviewed with crew
  Confirm the crew reviewed the intended bore depth, alignment, and any known changes to the route.
• Known hazards and change conditions communicated
  Verify any changes in site conditions, nearby work, traffic, or surface hazards were communicated before work starts.

Utility Locate Verification

• Required utility locates completed and visible
  Verify all required utility markings are present, legible, and visible in the bore area.
• Utility locate marks verified against bore path
  Confirm the locate marks were checked against the planned bore path and offsets before drilling.
• Potholing or daylighting completed where required
  Verify test holes, potholing, or daylighting were completed at required crossings or conflict points.
• Unmarked or uncertain utilities escalated before work
  Confirm any unmarked, conflicting, or uncertain utility information was reported and resolved before drilling begins.

Exclusion Zone and Site Controls

• Exclusion zone established around bore path and equipment
  Verify the exclusion zone is set up around the drill, bore path, and support equipment as required by the job plan.
• Barricades, cones, or signage in place and intact
  Confirm physical controls are positioned to keep unauthorized personnel out of the work area.
• Traffic and pedestrian controls established where needed
  Verify spotters, flagging, detours, or other controls are in place if the work affects traffic or pedestrian movement.
• Overhead and underground clearance maintained
  Confirm the work area maintains required clearance from overhead lines, structures, and underground conflict points.

Tracker Communication and Equipment Readiness

• Tracker and drill operator communication tested
  Confirm the locator/tracker and drill operator can communicate clearly using the agreed method before drilling starts.
• Tracker equipment powered, calibrated, and functioning
  Verify the tracking system is powered on, operating normally, and set up for the planned bore.
• Emergency stop and shutdown procedure reviewed
  Confirm the crew reviewed stop-work signals, emergency shutdown steps, and escalation contacts.

PPE and Final Go/No-Go

• Required PPE worn by crew
  Verify the crew is wearing job-required PPE such as hard hats, hi-vis apparel, eye protection, gloves, and protective footwear.
• No unresolved critical deficiencies remain
  Confirm all critical items are complete and no unresolved deficiency remains that would prevent a safe start.