So you’re getting ready to start building? If it’s a new development, that means there will be excavation. Although it’s part of the process, your project may get halted or delayed if not done correctly. Here are nine ways to ensure your construction digging goes smoothly:
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1. Make Sure Your Equipment is Ready
You will need equipment for digging, hauling dirt, and other supplies to the site. Be sure your equipment is up-to-date, serviced, and ready for use. You can also use hydrovac technology for non-destructive excavation. A hydrovac is a piece of equipment that uses high-pressure water to cut and liquefy soil while simultaneously sucking the soil out of the excavation using a high-volume vacuum. It is always better to contact a reliable hydrovac company for the safest form of excavation available.
2. Calculate the Volume You Need to Dig
You need to know how much-removed soil you will need. If your site has challenging terrain, it is best to have multiple storage areas to spread out the work. If you are working on a construction project where parts of the site are still usable, it may be helpful to leave some soil in place or remove it with minimal harm-the more accurate your estimate of the volume of soil needed, the less potential for cost overruns.
3. Plan for Drainage Issues
When removing dirt from one area, ensure that this does not affect adjacent properties or sensitive areas such as wetlands or rivers. Also, take care that no water flows into the excavation site and causes erosion issues with drainage channels after work is complete.
4. Boring with Care
If you are bored with underground pipes or cables, ensure you do not hit them by accident. This usually means ordering a survey to make sure your work area and equipment will be free of any hazards before you begin digging. Work closely with all utility companies to ensure there are no conflicts between your project and theirs and that they can still access their lines while construction continues around them.
You may also want to coordinate traffic details such as removing the road surface in the same area where excavation will be taking place so that heavy machinery can travel safely during construction hours without endangering drivers or pedestrians using the roadways at other times outside of work hours.
5. Take Out What You Take In (Or Get an Excavation License)
Know the difference between licensed and unlicensed excavation companies. Licensed companies are trained in safety precautions, whereas unlicensed companies may not be up-to-date on important regulations or safety laws. You should always ask to see company licenses before hiring anyone to do any type of construction work on your home or property. If you need to hire someone who does not have a license, take extra precautions while they work to ensure everyone’s safety.
6. Handle Soil with Care
You’ll want to protect yourself from exposure while working in the dirt that is being removed. Make sure your crew dresses appropriately for protection from dust and other particles during all phases of removal – storage, loading onto trucks, offloading at the landfill, etc. You should also have a dust control plan that includes safe work procedures and safety equipment.
7. Stabilize the Soil
Various types of soil stabilization can be used for construction projects prior to initial excavation to minimize erosion during construction, including hydroseedingv with seed mixes for vegetation growth after re-vegetation is complete.
8. Not All Earth is Equal
Different soils are more difficult to excavate than others, depending on their composition, consistency, and density. Soils high in clay can cause soil walls to slump or cave if not properly compacted after proper compaction has already occurred prior to excavation beginning. Loose sand may offer very little resistance during removal but does not provide stability when placed back into the same location. If you suspect the soil might be difficult to work with, it is best to consult a professional to advise you on how best to proceed and what type of equipment may be needed prior to beginning any excavation.
9. Don’t Forget About Safety
If your project requires extensive excavating work, choose an experienced company that offers the latest industry safety certifications. Many companies are now requiring workers to have OSHA 10 or 30-hour certification before they begin work, attend required monthly meetings for safety updates and pass weekly assessments of their job-specific personal protective equipment (PPE). It’s also important that everyone on site know where designated safety meeting areas are located in case of emergency situations so that all workers can get the help they need quickly.
Excavation can be a risky task if you are not careful. By following the tips above, you can make excavation easier and safer for everyone involved.