What to Consider Before Commencing Excavation
A properly planned and executed excavation job is essential for ensuring the success of any building construction project.
Often the first step in the construction process for new buildings, excavation involves digging up soil, rock or earth to create holes or trenches in the ground. These holes or trenches are then used to lay the foundation of the buildings to be built at the construction site.
Here are a few essential factors to think through before you can commence excavating your construction site.
The size of your job
The first thing to mull over before you start excavating your construction site is how much excavation you need to do. Excavation for small buildings can generally be accomplished with the use of manual or handheld tools such as pickaxes, spades and shovels.
For larger buildings, which require deep excavation, you'll need to use heavy construction equipment to excavate the construction site up to the desired depths. Excavation machinery comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes to match the requirements of every job. These include tractors, excavators, backhoes, scrapers, bulldozers, skid steers and many more.
Before starting excavation, make sure you choose the right tools or machine for your job.
The location of underground utilities
Before you commence any excavation, make sure you find out the location of buried services such as electricity, gas, and water. Without this information, you may inadvertently damage the underground infrastructure. This may lead to service disruptions in your area. Plus, you may be asked to pay a fine for damaging the infrastructure.
Before you dig, consider lodging your free enquiry on the Dial Before You Dig website.
The risks associated with excavating on your construction site
Different construction sites pose different risks and hazards that should be identified and addressed before excavation commences. Before you start digging, carry out a thorough and detailed assessment of your site to identify potential risk factors that may result in accidents that lead to serious injuries during excavation. For example, construction workers must maintain a safe distance from any energised overhead power lines located near your site, especially when using large excavation machines.
Excavation can be a tough and dangerous task, especially if you're constructing a building that requires deep excavation. Working with the right excavation professional is essential for ensuring the task is done correctly the first time. Contact an excavation contractor near you to ensure your job is accomplished well, on time, and in the safest way possible.
Share