Make Sure to Properly Prepare for Trenching and Excavation
Trenching and excavation in Boulder and Jefferson County are not quick and simple. It is important that the right time is taken and that you prepare for the process. There are a number of steps you should take to take care of this process. We can do this for you. Call Jesse . . . 24/7 . . . at 575-313-4756
Keep Heavy Equipment at a Safe Distance
You never want the heavy equipment to be right on top of a trench. In most cases, at least two feet from the edge of the trench is ideal, but you might need to be further away due to the soil and other factors that might make a trench more likely to collapse.
Know Where the Utilities Are
Many utilities are underground and you have to make sure you know of their location before you start to dig. You do not want to accidentally break through a pipe or an electrical wire when you are digging a trench.
Always Inspect the Trench Before Beginning Work
The condition of the trench yesterday might not carry over to the next day, so you have to inspect it daily. For example, if it rained since you were last at the trench, it can be considerably different. If hazards are identified upon inspection, make sure that they are fully corrected before you start work for the day.
Know the Atmospheric Conditions
Once you get deeper than four feet into the ground, this becomes an important step that should be done regularly as you continue to dig. As you go deeper, there is the risk of toxic gases, low oxygen and hazardous fumes. All of these can pose major health risks and if they are present, make sure that no worker goes into the trench until everything is clear.
Make Sure to Create a Protection System
You want to keep workers safe when they are in the trench and this means utilizing protection systems. The most common include:
Benching
Shoring
Sloping
Shielding
You also have to ensure that the exits and entrances are safe and clearly defined. Inspect these daily to ensure that they are adequate. Make sure that you are also following all OSHA rules regarding exits and entrances into a trench.
If you are not familiar with proper trenching and excavation, it is important to leave it up to the professionals. This can be a dangerous process if it is not done correctly and exactly per specifications. Everything you learned above will properly prepare you for the process and ensure that it is as safe as possible.