Ensuring Safety in Excavation & Earthworks Projects
What You Need to Know
When it comes to tight access excavation and earthworks, safety is the number one priority. At DigTight, we understand the unique challenges posed by working in confined spaces and navigating restricted access. Whether you’re building a foundation, installing utilities, or clearing land, we have the experience and expertise to get the job done safely and efficiently.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key safety measures we take to ensure that your tight access excavation and earthworks project is completed without incident.
1. Comprehensive Safety Measures for Tight Access Excavation
Before starting any tight access excavation, and at the start of each project day, we conduct a detailed assessment of your property. This includes evaluating the site for potential hazards such as nearby structures, underground utilities, and soil conditions. By understanding the challenges ahead, we can carefully plan every step and adjust our approach as necessary, from the equipment we use to the techniques we employ. This ensures continual safety throughout the process. We implement safety systems like shoring, trench boxes, and secure barriers and signage stabilize the excavation site and protect workers.
2. Handling Underground Utilities with Care
One of the most critical steps in tight access excavation planning phase is safely navigating underground utilities such as gas, water, and electrical lines. Before we begin, we perform comprehensive research utilizing such tools as beforeUdig and a non-invasive survey of the property to locate these utilities. Armed with this information, we can plan the excavation path carefully to avoid accidentally damaging any lines. By identifying these hazards early, we reduce the risk of costly and dangerous disruptions. Our operational best practice is digging by hand within 500mm of utilities, or using non-invasive hydro excavation. Contact us to learn more.
3. Preventing Soil Collapse or Cave-Ins
Soil collapse is a major concern during excavation, especially in tight spaces where maneuvering heavy machinery can be tricky. To minimize the risk of cave-ins, we use proven safety measures like trench boxes and shoring systems. These protective systems ensure the sides of the excavation stay secure and stable. Our team is trained to assess soil conditions and adjust our approach depending on whether the soil is loose, sandy, or clay-heavy, ensuring that the excavation site remains safe. Please note, excavations deeper than 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) typically require reinforcement to prevent collapse, as unreinforced excavations at greater depths can be unsafe and no excavations will made below the foundations of any adjacent structure without specialist engineering designs and approval.
4. Ensuring Safety in Confined Spaces
Tight access excavation often means working in confined spaces, which requires extra precautions. We take several steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The work area is clearly marked with fencing, barriers, and warning signs advising of site hazards and to keep unauthorized personnel away. We also use specialized equipment suited for tight spaces, and our workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including helmets, work boots, safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and high-visibility clothing. These measures help minimize the risks that come with working in confined environments.
5. Managing Dust and Airborne Particles
Dust is an inevitable byproduct of earthworks, especially in dry conditions or when digging through certain types of soil. In tight access areas where ventilation might be limited, managing dust is even more important. We use dust control methods such as water spraying and dust suppression systems to keep airborne particles to a minimum. These measures not only protect our workers but also ensure that the surrounding environment remains safe and healthy.
6. Dealing with Water Accumulation
Unexpected water accumulation can complicate excavation projects, particularly in tight access areas. Whether due to rainfall or underground water flow, water can weaken soil and make excavations unstable. To address this, we use dewatering equipment, including pumps and drainage systems, to redirect and remove excess water from the excavation site. We also monitor weather conditions closely to adjust our approach if needed.
7. Addressing Soil Instability in Tight Access Areas
Working with unstable or shifting soil is another common challenge in tight access excavation. Loose or sandy soil can be especially prone to collapse, creating additional risks for workers and the project. Before any work begins, we assess the soil conditions thoroughly and implement stabilization measures when necessary. This could include adding extra shoring, reinforcing the excavation walls at depths great than 1.5 metres (5 feet) to ensure the site remains secure, and beveling trench walls. Our operational best practices include keeping machinery an equal distance horizontally as the excavation is in depth and using additional controls to minimize ground pressure.
8. Staying On Schedule Without Compromising Safety
At DigTight, we understand that timelines are important. While safety is always our top priority, we also make sure that your project stays on track. Our team is experienced in working in tight access environments and knows how to plan and execute projects efficiently without cutting corners. By using the right equipment and experienced operators, we ensure that your excavation or earthworks project is completed on time, without compromising safety.
9. Clear Communication Throughout the Project
We believe that communication is key to the success of any project. From the initial planning stages to the final walkthrough, we keep you informed about the progress, any issues that arise, and any necessary adjustments. You can always reach out to us with questions or concerns, and we’ll provide you with timely updates. Our goal is to keep you confident and informed every step of the way.
10. Why Choose DigTight for Your Tight Access Excavation & Earthworks in Wellington?
At DigTight, we specialize in tight access excavation and earthworks. With years of experience navigating complex, confined spaces and narrow access sites, we’re experts at getting the job done safely and efficiently. Our team is fully equipped with the latest tools and machinery designed for tight access environments, and we adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure every project is completed to the highest standards.
We’re committed to providing you with peace of mind throughout your excavation or earthworks project. Whether you’re working on a small residential project or a more complex site, we have the expertise to handle it all while keeping safety and efficiency at the forefront.
