Excavation and shoring are two of the toughest jobs that you can engage in as a construction worker. Whenever you have a job that requires excavation and shoring, it is important to review safety tips with all employees before you start on the project.
#1 Always Pre-Plan
You always need to pre-plan when you have an excavation job to do. Research the type of soil you will be working with and any underground wires you may encounter during your dig. Work with with an engineer, like those at Studio A Engineering, to create a plan for digging that will keep your workers safe and reduce the chance of a cave-in or collapse occurring during your project. Taking the time to have a solid plan before you begin excavation is one of the best ways to keep your workers safe.
#2 Identify Utilities
Before you start digging, you need to contact all of the utility authorities in the area. You want to make sure that you know where any gas, electrical, or water lines are located. Cutting into those lines can disrupt city services for your neighbors and could cause serious problems to develop with your project.
When you know where the utilities are located, you can plan on avoiding them and work with the utility company to move any necessary lines.
#3 Figure Out The Right Protective System
When you do an excavation project, you need to make sure that you have a protection system in place. The four most common types of protection systems that you can put in place are as follows: trench box, shoring, benching, or sloping.
The protective system that you choose to use should be based up on the type of soil you are digging in as well how deep the trench needs to be. A shoring engineer should be consulted to determine the correct protective system for your project.
#4 Remember To Test The Air Quality
As you dig into the ground, don't expect the air quality to be the same as it is above ground. You only have to dig down a few feet in order to encounter adverse air quality. Make sure that you continuously test the air quality as your team digs.
When you reach a point where the oxygen levels start to drop, make sure you have respirators for your employees to use to breathe as they dig. This will help keep your employees safe as they dig.
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