Application of Safety by Design for the Hazards Identified at the site of Burtibang Paudi-Amarai Tamghas Sandhikharka Gorusinghe 132 kV Transmission Line Project, Nepal

Abstract

Purpose: Construction of Transmission lines is complicated and hazardous as they are mostly located in difficult hilly terrain. The study is aimed to identify the hazards during the construction and determine how the approach of Safety by Design can be used to eliminate/control such hazards in the project under implementation at the site of Burtibang Paudi-Amarai Tamghas Sandhikharka Gorusinghe 132 kV Transmission Line Project, Nepal.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The Safety by design guidelines, regulations, and manual were consistently referred and Observation with Checklist, KII (Key Informant Interview), Likert scale- based Questionnaire survey were conducted to apply safety by design followed by Chi-square test, Kendall rank correlation coefficient analysis. Cronbach’s alpha assures reliability and literature comparison assures validity.

Findings/Result: Erection, Stringing & Excavation were found as most risky activities followed by Lifting & transportation and Concreting. These activities constituted of various hazards. Mechanical hazard was found to be the most prevailing hazard of all followed by Physical, Physiological, Psychological, Biological and Chemical hazard. Working location (top of tower), Slippery surface & Hand tools were the major mechanical hazards whereas Heat & humidity was the major physical hazards. Also Working posture/Bad ergonomics and Carrying overload were the major physiological hazards whereas working pressure/deadlines/target, Wages & leave and food & accommodation were the major psychological hazard. Similarly Mosquito & Snake bites were found to be the major biological hazards whereas Silica, Sand & Cement dust were the chemical hazards in the site. Despite most of the Clients and Contractors have responded that they have heard about SbD, it was found that SbD was not implemented in the site.  Most of these hazards can be prevented by adopting the SbD approach in early design phase.

Originality/Value: It is action research. This study helps to identify the possible hazards in transmission line construction and use the concept of SbD approach to eliminate or control (if not possible) those hazards.

Paper Type: Ex-Post Facto Research