Construction Safety: Excavation
The work you do pre-excavation is just as important as the actual excavation.
An excavation that is done incorrectly can result in burst pipes and other setbacks that complicate and delay the excavation process. Whether simply installing a fence or creating a parking lot, proper excavating practices should be followed for safety as well as for efficiency.
Pre-Excavation
The first step for safe and efficient excavation is to know the local regulations and know what resources are available to you. The area to be excavated should first be examined and marked for utilities, such as underground pipes. Ground penetrating radar can also be used to locate old septic tanks and wells. This will help you to avoid accidentally destroying a pipe while digging, which causes expensive damage, creates construction downtime, and endangers workers. After you’ve had the utilities marked, proceed to continue through the items on your pre-excavation checklist. These are tasks that should be done before the excavation, such as taking photographs of the job site and contacting representatives for critical facilities.
During Excavation
While excavating, it’s important to consistently document the process to ensure that you are following all state rules and regulations. Each state has its own laws on how to proceed when digging in the tolerance zone, or the space on either side of an identified utility. Make sure that you are complying with your state’s laws for digging in the tolerance zone, including trench use. Should you damage a utility, you can use a hit kit to promptly mark any damage on the site so that you are in compliance with local laws and contact the utility company. Should a worker be required to enter a tight space, the air quality should be tested ahead of time for traces of carbon monoxide or other hazardous gases.
Prioritizing Safety with G & M Services
G & M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. Our employees are also rewarded for positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.
G & M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and FireStop. To get started with G & M Services, call us today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page.
Follow the official G & M Services page today on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Sources: 1, 2
