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Excavation work poses inherent risks and is increasingly carried out in a manner that compromises safety, as evidenced by a 46% rise in electrical cable strikes following the end of the lockdown period.
Related Article: Excavation Method Statement
On average, 70 individuals suffer serious injuries each year due to contact with underground electricity cables.
The challenges of excavation are amplified in urban environments like New York, where narrow streets and heavy traffic create additional complexities.
Excavation Safety Guidelines
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) HSG47 – “Avoiding Danger from Underground Services” offers crucial guidance and delineates three essential phases for ensuring safety during excavation:
- Planning the Work: Deliberate planning is imperative. It encompasses requesting statutory drawings for utilities and conducting on-site inspections to identify unmarked risks, a common occurrence given the infrequent updates to drawings in light of evolving infrastructure developments.
- Plan and Check: Although a CAT scanner can assist in locating electrical cables, it often lacks depth accuracy. Misplaced cables, such as high-voltage ones buried at incorrect depths, can pose grave dangers to workers. Thorough planning and diligent checks can be life-saving measures.
- Allocate Adequate Time: The exigencies of project schedules, especially in congested urban settings, can induce haste. However, rushing work near cables or utilities can have dire consequences. Ideally, excavation should occur at a distance of 500mm from cables. When cables are perilously close, taking the time to assess the situation and expand the work zone or permit becomes paramount. Anticipating such scenarios in advance prevents hurried decisions by time-pressed site managers.
- Pre-plan and Assess Proposed Routes: Careful route planning and assessment can reveal danger zones. Providing clear instructions to excavation teams, such as designating “no-dig zones,” can mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood of hasty decisions.
- Prioritize Safety: Safety should be paramount in all excavation endeavors, not only for the well-being of workers but also for the protection of clients and colleagues. Given the alarming increase in excavation-related accidents, it is imperative that contractors embrace rigorous safety standards.
Excavation Safety Checklist
Excavation is an essential part of construction, but it comes with inherent risks. The potential for accidents, injuries, and property damage is significant. However, by implementing a robust excavation safety checklist, it can enhance safety measures, protect lives, and safeguard valuable assets.
The critical role of checklists is essential in ensuring safe excavation practices, examining their components, customization for specific projects, and the myriad benefits they bring to construction sites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adherence to comprehensive safety practices is crucial when undertaking excavation projects. The risks involved are significant, and overlooking safety measures can lead to life-threatening incidents and property damage.
By meticulously planning, checking, and prioritizing safety at every stage, we can ensure that excavation work is conducted responsibly, safeguarding both individuals and infrastructure.
