Excavation is dangerous due to underground power lines, poor air quality, and trench collapse. To reduce risks, contractors should follow safety regulations, use proper support devices, mark the trench, provide safe egress, notify utility companies, and have a safety specialist maintain the system.
Excavating is one of the most dangerous activities on a construction site. Contractors working on excavation projects face dangers from underground power lines, poor air quality, and even the risk of a collapsed trench. To reduce these risks, contractors should follow government and industry safety regulations, appoint safety officers, and train their workers. Safe excavation sites generally employ proper support and shoring strategies for holes and ensure that workers can safely exit excavation projects.
In the United States (USA), builders must follow federal excavation safety standards. These standards are developed and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Many other developed nations have similar safety plans in place to protect workers during an excavation project.
One of the greatest dangers to workers during excavation is the risk of collapse or collapse of trenches. To reduce this danger, builders must take steps to create a safer trench and use proper support devices. The shape and size of the trench should be based on the soil conditions at the site, which requires soil testing before excavation. Walls should be supported using hydraulic cylinders, jacks or trench screens when ground conditions are very poor. When the soil is removed from the trench, it should be stored safely away from the opening so it cannot fall back into the hole.
The top of the trench must be well marked to prevent people or equipment from falling. Rails and fences can also improve excavation safety for those above and below ground. Workers should have a clear path around the excavation site to avoid the risk of falling or dropping tools into the hole.
Effective excavation safety also requires safe egress for those working underground. When a hole becomes too deep for individuals to reasonably climb out without assistance, stairs or ladders must be added. These means of egress should be placed at accessible intervals along the trench so that all workers can exit quickly in an emergency.
To reduce the risk of electric shock or fire from an underground power line, contractors should notify the local utility company before excavating. The company can inform the builder of any service lines at the project site and can even mark lines to prevent accidental damage. When digging near these lines, builders can maximize excavation safety by replacing machines with manual digging.
One of the most effective ways to maximize excavation safety is to have one person design and maintain all safety systems on your project. An engineer or safety specialist can perform regular soil tests and adjust the system as needed. All propping devices, fences and exit routes should also be inspected daily for damage. Finally, all workers should be trained on the different excavation safety methods in use on the project.
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