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Excavation Safety Tips

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Excavation works can expose you to a wide range of risks. As such, contractors and homeowners conducting excavation works must observe site safety. The guide below explains some safety precautions you should follow when conducting excavation works. 

Inspect The Site

Inspect the site to establish the following: 

  • Is the site accessible to the excavator? It is a vital concern when conducting excavation works on residential properties.
  • Does the site require preparation works? For example, you may need to cut down trees or pull down buildings.
  • What are the soil conditions at the site? You may require a long-reach excavator if the site has unstable soils. It ensures the excavator sits on stable ground.
  • How deep will you dig? You need to be aware of underground hazards such as gas pipes. You may also want to know the soil structure, groundwater levels and the possibility of risks such as underground gases. 

Use The Right Excavator

Your excavator must be ideal for the excavation works. For instance, tracked excavators are suitable when working on uneven terrain or steep areas. Backhoe loaders and Bobcats would be perfect when working in constricted places. On the other hand, suction excavators are your best bet when conducting exaction works beneath the surface. You should also check the specifications of the excavator you hire. For instance, what are the weight limits of the excavator? You need a heavy-duty excavator if you intend to lift heavy rocks at the site. 

Inspect The Excavator

Regular excavator inspections will help avoid accidents at the site. The excavator's wheels should have sufficient tread. Otherwise, it could slip. When using a tracked excavator, inspect the rollers, sprockets, links and bushes for signs of wear. The excavator's engine must be in excellent condition. Besides, the equipment's safety features, hydraulic, transmission and braking systems should be fully functional. Ask for an excavator inspection report to ascertain that the equipment will not breakdown at your site. 

Observe Site Safety

Below are some site safety measures to consider when using the exactor: 

  • Passers-by could fall into the trench or get injured by debris at the site. Therefore, it would be wise to barricade the site.
  • Do not exceed the excavator's weight limits. Additionally, to not attempt to excavate during storms.
  • All personnel should have personal protective clothing. Further, they should be aware of the operator's blind spots.
  • The equipment should be operated by licenced and experienced personnel. 

When conducting excavation works, inspect the site, use the right excavator, inspect the excavator and consider the recommended site safety tips. 

Contact a local excavating service to learn more.


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