Tips and Guidelines to Adhere to for Safety During Excavation

Excavation and the digging of trenches are the two most common sources of hazards in the construction industry. Some of the dangers involved in the excavation process include loads falling and injuring people, buildings caving in and dust from the use of heavy equipment. It is advisable always to scout the construction site for potential hazards and organise the excavation process in a manner which reduces hazards. Here are some of the most important safety precautions to take when setting up a construction site for excavation.

Inspecting before Work

The most important safety precaution that you can take when dealing with excavation is to inspect everything early in the morning before the day's work starts. Your inspection should start with the excavators. Have a qualified operator check whether all the parts are working properly. Then, inspect the trenches thoroughly. Here, you may look for signs of weakness or indications that the trenches could cave in. Also, check the weather conditions and avoid doing any excavation work when it is rainy or stormy.  Ensure that all heavy equipment is kept away from the edges of the trenches to prevent cave-ins.

Investing in Protective Clothing

It is also crucial to invest in the right protective gear before starting any excavation project. Anyone operating an excavator should invest in aprons, gumboots and hard hats. These will cover each part of the body and ensure that no one gets hurt if they fall or something falls on them. All your workers should also avoid working under heavy loads which might break off and fall on them. Before excavating, map out the location of all underground utilities like electric cables, plumbing and others.

Setting up Protective Systems

The set-up is the most crucial part of safety planning before excavation. First, hire a competent person to assess the hazards and come up with measures on how to improve safety. Second, coordinate how protective systems, such as benching, shoring and slopping, can reduce the possibility of accidents during excavation. The person should also conduct atmospheric tests inside the trenches and halt the excavation if any harmful gases are detected. 

These are simple safety measures you can take to ensure that your crew is safe throughout the construction process. The most important part of the process is to involve a competent person to handle the inspection and safety structures installation. When the construction site is secured, your project will be easy to implement, and everyone will be safe. Speak to an excavation professional for more information.