Before starting any excavation project, it is crucial to follow safety procedures. For example, it is essential to know the location of underground utilities. Having cable plans and markings of confidential services is necessary. In addition, mechanical equipment such as picks and forks should not be used if there is buried infrastructure. It is also essential to hire a competent person to inspect the excavation. This person should be able to assess the risk of loose soil and rock to workers and property.
Whether a trench is to be dug in the ground or a parking lot, it is essential to have an escape route in case of cave-ins. This emergency exit should be designed carefully, considering the land layout, soil type, and weather conditions. The location should also be well-known by workers. In addition, workers should be alert for possible hazards and electrocution risks.
If there are nearby buildings, excavation work can impact their stability. Excavators must be careful to identify the angle of the excavation zone. This angle is measured from the base of the excavated face to the surrounding surface. The rise will vary depending on site-specific factors. In addition, local regulations and resource consent conditions may impose controls for excavating near structures. These controls may include bracing.
To prevent accidents and injuries, excavations must be well-planned and thoroughly checked before they begin. Employees must wear safety gear, including hard hats, rubber boots, and protective covers. An adequate First Aid kit should be available to treat emergencies. Besides wearing safety gear, employees must also wear high-visibility clothing. It is also necessary to notify utility companies before starting excavation.
A dewatering system is another safety measure. It is essential to dewater the excavation before it comes into contact with contaminated soil or groundwater. These contaminants can pose a health risk to workers and the environment. Health monitoring must be undertaken, especially for workers exposed to airborne asbestos.
The operator of the excavation must be trained and competent. He must be able to operate the type of equipment and know how to use the fitted attachments. If the hole involves heavy machinery, it is essential to ensure that the road is adequately constructed and maintained. It is also necessary to have proper space for workers in the trench.
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Depending on the type of excavation, shoring may be needed. In many cases, shoring is installed to allow excavation to occur below the shoring and may be used to reduce the depth of the hole. However, if the soil is sensitive or there are structures or infrastructure in the area, specialist dewatering may be required. A site-specific design is needed.
The construction team will clear the site before digging. Among other things, this involves clearing vegetation, deadwood, stumps, and large rocks. It is also vital to dig out the roots of trees, which may lie up to a foot below the foundation. The construction team will also fill up any obstructions that may hinder the process of foundation excavation.