“Everyone Goes Home”
IBEW members work in one of the most unforgiving environments in construction- the underground tunnel. Limited access, unstable ground, poor air, heavy equipment, and live electrical systems all exist in the same confined space.
Understanding the hazards our members face in these environments, IBEW 11 has created this resource for one reason: To recognize hazards early, control them, and make sure every member goes home at the end of their shift.
In addition to this toolkit, visit the IBEW 11 Safety page for more resources and essential safety information.
A detailed Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) should be performed at the start of every work day.
Never enter an unsafe space.
Never bypass safety systems.
Never ignore air monitoring.
Never rush production over protection.
Always back up your fellow worker.
Don’t ever hesitate to contact IBEW 11 Safety if you want to report an incident or ask a question.
Minimum standards are not enough—correct PPE must match the hazard. Safety is not an option.
Hard hat
High-visibility clothing
Safety glasses
Steel/composite toe boots
Cut-resistant gloves
Hearing protection
Respiratory protection
Arc-rated clothing
Fall protection
Waterproof gear
A respiratory injury can end your career and affect you the rest of your life. It is important that the environment you are working in has continuous air monitoring, along with regular testing and ventilation systems delivering fresh air at all times.
Oxygen levels should never fall below 19.5%
Toxic gases you may be working around include, but may not be limited to:
Diesel exhaust exposure from heavy machinery
Silica dust (drilling, cutting)
Headache, dizziness, confusion
Burning eyes or throat
Sudden fatigue or nausea
Workers “not acting right”
Non-Negotiable Rule:
If something looks wrong, STOP WORK. Notify your IBEW 11 designated safety officer, No production target outweighs a life.
Loose or fractured rock
Water intrusion
Vibration from blasting or equipment
Improper or failed ground support
Inspection of tunnel walls, face, and roof every shift
Scaling or supporting loose material
Competent person oversight at all times
Cracking or popping sounds
Falling dust or small debris
Bulging walls or shifting supports
Water seepage increasing suddenly
Underground work limits escape routes and visibility. You should always be thinking of an escape route. If you don’t know your way out, you are already behind.
Clearly marked escape routes
Secondary egress where possible
Check-in/check-out system for accountability
Emergency communication systems
OSHA mandates tracking all workers underground and maintaining evacuation procedures .
Fire or explosion
Flooding
Equipment failure
Gas release
Electricians face compounded risk underground. These environments can amplify electrical hazards due to wet conditions, tight quarters, and reduced escape time.
Energized cables in confined spaces
Moisture increasing conductivity
Limited clearance around live systems
Poor lighting conditions
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)- Visit this IBEW 11 story on LOTO
Proper grounding and bonding
Arc flash protection
Insulated tools and PPE
Heavy equipment doesn’t stop fast—and tunnels don’t leave room.These hazards are only intensified by the confined space you are working in and limited visibility.
Haul trucks and loaders
Tunnel boring machinery
Hoisting systems
Moving materials in tight shafts
Struck-by incidents
Caught-between hazards
Crushing injuries
Real conditions underground have a serious effect on your health. It is physically demanding. You must stay aware of your surroundings and remain hydrated.
No natural light
Loss of time awareness
High physical demand
Heat and humidity
Maintain situational awareness
Stay hydrated
Work at a steady, sustainable pace
Speak up when something isn’t right
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
