What Safety Precautions Are Taken during an Excavation?
Excavation is one of the most dangerous jobs done on a construction site. Contractors that are working on excavation projects are in danger of such things as underground power lines, bad air quality, and the chances of a trench collapsing. To decrease these, contractors should adhere to all the governmental and industry regulations, put in place safety workers, train their workers and always use a professional and fully qualified excavating company. Safe sites use the correct supports and shoring methods on holes and ensure their workers are able to safely leave any excavation project.
The biggest danger faced by site workers during excavation is a cave in or a trench collapsing. To reduce this, they have to take measures to create a safer trench and always use the right support devices. The size and shape of a trench has to be based upon all the soil conditions on the site, which means soil testing must be done before digging commences. Walls must be supported with hydraulic cylinders, trench shields or jacks when the soil is poor. As the soil is taken out from a trench, it has to be safely stored far away from the opening, thus ensuring it will not fall back into the trench.
The top of a trench has to be marked well by the excavating company, thus preventing anyone falling into it. Rails and fences will greatly improve safety for people that are above and below ground. Workers need to clear a path around the site to prevent the chances of falling or dropping equipment into the trench.
Effective safety calls for safe egress for anyone who is working underground. When a hole gets too deep for people to climb out without help, stairs or ladders have to be brought in. These must be put at accessible intervals running along a trench so workers are able to leave in case of an emergency.
Call Carr Excavating and Landscaping, LLC, based in Galena, MO.
(417) 527-0258.