Milan Sich, Mitchell Water

How long have you been working as a machine operator?

16 years working on trenchers, with the last 11 years spent with Mitchell Water Australia. The first pipeline I worked on was in 1971 with Saipem.

What sort of machine do you operate?

Any bucket wheel or chain trenchers, including Cleveland, Wolfe and 855-955 Vermeer.

What projects have you used this machine on?

• The Wolfe on the East Loddon Pipeline Project in 2011, trenching 77 km of DN100–250 PVC.
• The Wolfe on the Bega to Yellow Pinch Dam Pipeline Project in 2010, involving 20 km of DN450 ductile iron cement-lined (DICL) pipe.
• The 955 Vermeer for the Murtho Salt Interception Scheme in 2010, involving 40 km of DN250–450 PVC.
• The Wolfe and Cleveland at the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project from 2006–09, where I trenched approximately 1,000 km of DN80–DN450 PVC and 70 km of 711–1,016 mild steel cement-lined (MSCL) pipe.

Greasing the machine, plant inspection and setting up the GPS prior to the pipeline crew arriving. From there, opening up trench for the pipeline crew first up, depending on how well the pipeline crew can keep up, and trenching continues throughout the day for 8–9 hours per day.

Depending on ground conditions, I would usually achieve between 1–5 km per day. Throughout the day, bends are set out for all DICL pipelines. In PVC pipelines, the bends can be roped around obstacles.

What are some of the most interesting pipeline jobs that you have been a part of? Why?

The most interesting project I have been on was in Malaysia for Saipem in 1997, a gas line with a 1.0 m diameter. It was interesting to work in a different country with different people and culture.

Are there any memorable stories from a pipeline project that you have worked on?

There have been some memorable moments. One that stands out is when I was working near Cloncurry, Lake Julius, in 1996 on a water pipeline. There was a great flood and the entire camp was airlifted to safety.

Any advice for future operators working on long-term pipeline projects?

Always consider safety first, put in 100 per cent and make sure you look after your machine.

Ross Morton, Nacap

How long have you worked as an operator?

I have worked as a machine operator for 35 years.

What machine types do you prefer to operate?

Graders and excavators, and I operate a CAT 345C at the Victorian Desalination Plant for Nacap.

What does your average day involve?

This varies, depending on the weather, ground conditions and the terrain that is being tackled.

Usually we would begin pre-start with the crew and then ditch on grade as advised by the supervisor. This may be 20 lengths of pipes or 5 lengths of pipe depending on what can be achieved.

Creek and waterway pipes crossings and re-instatement are very challenging but satisfying work.

What are some of the most interesting pipeline jobs that you have been a part of?

The most interesting pipeline I‘ve worked on across my 35-year operating career is the Eastern Gas Pipeline. I’ve also worked on the Sugarloaf Pipeline and the BassGas Pipeline.

What is the best major change in machinery over the past 20 years?

Operator comfort – having features such as heaters, air-conditioning, and radio makes a big difference.

What is the biggest change in the method of the work?

Having GPS technology. This has changed the industry, and made good operators great operators.

Any advice for future operators?

Listen to advice from older operators. Spend time watching and learning.

Gary Wallace, WDS

What sort of machine do you operate?

I operate excavators, dozers, loaders and backhoes.

How long have you been working as a machine operator?

I have been working as an operator for 20 years.

What projects have you used this machine on?

Numerous flowlines and trunklines within the Cooper Basin, including the Coonatie to Bookabourdie Trunkline; the Cowralli to Meranji Trunkline; the Tindilpie to Leleptian Trunkline; and, the Strzelecki to Limestone Creek Trunkline.

What is involved in your average day of work for you?

Clearing and grading of right-of-way, towing pipe trailers, stringing of pipe, trenching, lowering in and reinstatement.

What are some of the most interesting pipeline jobs that you have been part of? Why?

The Cowralli to Meranji Trunkline was a very interesting job due to the size of the sand dunes we were required to clear and grade, as shown in the image.

Also, the Coonatie to Bookabourdie Trunkline. We were working with new personnel involved on this project, which presented challenges to all. It turned out to be a great crew of guys, and the job was completed safely, on time and under budget.

Are there any memorable stories from a pipeline project that you have worked on?

While working on the Coonatie to Bookabourdie Trunkline in 2007, the Cooper Creek was in flood. I will always remember the welders’ technical assistants hiring a canoe from the Innamincka store and rafting down the creek.

However, due to the fact that there was not enough water over the concrete causeway, the raft got hung up, spilling all the guys into the water. Also, the amount of fish and yabbies that were available to be caught and cooked up for a feed was a great way to finish a hard day’s work!

Any advice for the future operators working on long-term pipeline projects?

Come out with the right attitude and listen to the guys who have been in the industry for a long time. Their knowledge in invaluable.

Tobias Hafemann and Philipp Schneider, Worldwide Machinery

What sort of machine do you operate?

Tobias Hafemann and Philipp Schneider operate SUPERIOR padding machines (SPD-250, SPD-350, SPD-450) for the company Worldwide Machinery.

How long have you been working as a machine operator?

Tobias Hafemann has been working as a machine operator for seven years, and Philipp Schneider has been working as a machine operator for four years.

What projects have you used this machine on?

Both Tobias and Philipp have worked on the following projects the Berwyndale to Wallumbilla Pipeline in 2008, and the Jacinth Ambrosia Alliance Project in 2009.

Tobias and Philipp have also worked their machines on various pipelines across the world, including in Wales, England, Spain, Germany, Austria, Kazakhstan, and Yemen.

What is involved in an average day of work for you?

First we have a team meeting at the yard to arrange the upcoming work for the day. After that we drive to the machine on the jobsite and do the daily service. Then we start padding.

Every three hours, we make a visible check of the machine condition and grease the machine. After work, we get the machine in the parking position and return to the yard or camp.

Are there any memorable stories from a pipeline project that you have worked on?

In 2006, the first SUPERIOR padding machine in Australia was operated by Tobias on a project on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. A highlight for Tobias was on a job in Warrnambool where he first saw the ocean while operating a padding machine. Tobias’ other projects only involved the desert!

For Philipp, the most memorable experience was while working on a job site in Wales, which went directly through an air force testing facility. In the morning, while he was padding, the jets would fly directly over the cabin, which would provide great entertainment for all involved.

Any advice for future operators working on long-term pipeline projects?

The most important thing is to do the daily service of the machine. Many problems can be avoided doing this.