underground tank removal - the purposes of excavation_ observing safety at excavation sites

8/2/2019 Underground Tank Removal - The Purposes of Excavation_ Observing Safety at Excavation Sites

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The Purposes of Excavation: Observing Safety

at Excavation Sites

Have you already been to an excavation site? If you have been to, youcould have observed how dangerous it is to loiter there. Have you seen

the workers wearing hard hats, boots, gloves and other protective gear

when they work? What about the heavy equipment and earthmovingvehicles at the site? Excavation has been part of many building and

construction processes and it is also used in a number of applications.
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Excavation in Various Industries and Applications

Usually, excavation plays a huge role in

archaeological functions. Archaeologists seethe need to excavate sites in certain

locations across the world to obtain oldartefacts of past cultures and civilisations

and fossils of prehistoric or extinctcreatures. To make discoveries and to

support existing historical studies, they needto dig up soil and excavate certain areas of alocality.


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Outside of archaeology, excavation is an early stage in building and construction.

Contractors and builders cannot build sky-rising building and public structureswithout excavating the ground first and building the foundations and concrete

footings at the excavated area. Buildings and public structures like roads andbridges need to be built on strong ground foundation for support. In such works, the

excavating crew dig up a certain area to create a level clean area to work, lay downthe foundations or any other materials in the excavated area and backfill (refill) it.



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In environmental remediation, removal

workers excavate contaminated soil andleaking underground storage tanks. In

installation works, workmen need to dig up theground to lay down pipes and plumbing

systems and cables.



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The industries that usually engaged in excavations

are:General building contractors

Public infrastructure worksBridge and tunnel construction

Water, sewer and pipeline constructionCommunication and power line installations

Concrete work and well and oil drilling contractors



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Safety at Excavated Sites

Excavation is considered one of the most dangerous types of work in the

building and construction industry. This is one of the areas in occupationalsafety. Most accidents at the sites occur due to:

Inadequate planningNegligence by workers in their tasks


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Failure to recognise potential hazards

Lack of formal excavation plan, safe access and egress to the sites andemergency rescue equipment plan

Unsafe or improper placement of spoil pileOperating earthmoving vehicles too close to the edge of trenches

Improper shoringLack of barrier guards, caution signs, guard rails or flashing lights to

protect the site.



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Accidents at excavated areas can take place quickly.

Some of the hazards that can take place include:Cave-in or collapse of piece of ground or wall structures

Materials or equipment falling into the excavation sitesFalls

Struck-by accidentsExplosions or fire from oil leaks or spills

Suffocation

ElectrocutionDrowning



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Upholding Safety at Excavation Sites

To prevent accidents and disasters at the excavated areas, employers

and contractors should make sure it is safe for their men to work at thesite. The management should present information regarding ground

and soil conditions, underground water courses and plans forexcavation works to government authorities. They should address key

issues on safety before starting work. Inspectors should surveyexcavation sites regularly to see work is progressing smooth and safe.


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Upholding Safety at Excavation Sites

The use of equipment and operation of vehicles like bulldozers, excavators

and cranes should only be handled by competent and insured workmen.Workmen should wear the necessary protective gears while at site.

As much as observing safety at work, workmen should also take necessaryprecaution when handling hazardous materials like live wires, vintage bombs

and oil from leaking underground storage tanks. An excavation site is a dangerzone, so employers, contractors and workmen should be careful, alert and

aware at all times.

underground tank removal - the purposes of excavation_ observing safety at excavation sites

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