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Method Statement 3.4 - Moling Operations

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference MS 3.4
Issue Number 2
Issue Date 1 June 2026
Next Review 1 June 2027
Prepared By Sean Ashton
Approved By Aaron Mason, Director
Task No Task PPE to be worn Plant required Reference is made to the Team Pack risk assessment
3.4 Moling Operations As defined by on-site risk assessment. Works vehicle and hand tools. Pneumatic mole. Compressor, Cat & Genny locator. N/A

Hazards

  • Manual Handling
  • Stored Energy in the Pipe
  • Defective Plant and Equipment
  • Towing Techniques
  • Incorrect Loading
  • Insufficient Space

Environmental Impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Light From Night working

Customer Impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Access

Training Required

As Per IMR specific contract training matrix

Additional Plant and Equipment

  • Winch/Tractor Winch
  • Pipe Bursting/Slip Lining Rig
  • Mechanical Excavator

Permits Required

As Per IMR specific contract specifications and Client requirements.

COSHH Assessment Required

  • 2 Stroke Oil
  • Diesel/Petrol
  • Line Marker Spray
  • Lubricating Spray

Sequence of Operations and Control Methods

Follow the method statement 3.1 "Safe Working in the Vicinity of Buried Plant" to locate and avoid damage to buried plant.

  • Do not launch the mole towards cables or utilities other plant. If you believe you cannot avoid launching towards other utilities plant you must inform your Agent/Supervisor.
  • Where appropriate, you may excavate on or alongside significant plant to provide additional protection. Always bore below the construction depth of a made-up or finished surface.
  • No one is allowed in the reception pit whilst the mole is under operating pressure.
  • Never leave the equipment unattended whilst in operation.
  • Make sure that the air supply valve is within easy reach of the operator.
  • In addition to the safety procedures outlined above, it is necessary to use additional safety clothing and equipment when carrying out moling activities.
  • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on using and maintaining the Moling equipment.

Operation

  • All buried utilities must be located, excavated and exposed to monitor the progress of mole past the utility. Depth sewers must be checked by lift covers.
  • Align the machine to give maximum clearance from other underground plant, but giving not less than 250 mm clearance. This must be a visible clearance of expose utility plant. Do not launch "blind" beneath un exposed utility plant.
  • The depth of bore shall be to maintain minimum pipe cover as per COP or 9 x diameter of thrust mole when crossing the highway (which ever is greatest)
  • Whenever possible, launch the mole from the most congested side of the road. This will Improve control and reduce the risk of damage to underground plant.
  • Excavate launch and reception pits to the smallest size safely needed.
  • If you are using a launch cradle and aiming frame, refer to Utility Plans, use a cable locator before you drive in the cradle anchor and survey poles and proceed with caution.
  • Once the mole has been launched its progress must be observed to ensure that it is not deviating from its intended route, whilst it is running and stand clear of the excavation.
  • When the mole arrives at the exit pit the compressed air supply must be reduced in order to avoided idle strokes, on completion remove the mole from the reception pit wearing gloves taking care not to damage any services in the excavation turn off compressor & disconnect hose.
  • Connect an approved extraction head to air hose and connect the pipe to the extraction head. Pulling in pipe using the hose observing progress of service pipe.
  • Disconnected towing heads from hoses check for ingress of contaminates on completion.
  • Cut service pipe to required length and cap ends prior to installation.
  • Collect and store hoses away from public areas on completion of moling operation.
  • Fitting and Valves selected for installation to be inspected by operative for any defects, damage, or contamination and chloros solution sprayed to all parts of fitting before being installed.

On completion of works

On completion of works all signs and barriers must be removed from site and reported to Street Works team for closure of the permit.