Digging into the ground may seem simple, but it is fraught with multiple risks. What if heavy rainfall floods the site, or the vibration from nearby machinery triggers a collapse, burying workers and machinery? The losses would be significant. Let's discuss some common hazards and list some equipment that can help you conduct thorough excavation risk assessments.
List of common excavation hazards
Here is the excavation hazard list you should be aware of:
- Trench collapse: When the soil around an excavation becomes unstable, it can fall inward without warning, burying equipment and workers. Trench collapse can be caused by saturated soil, lack of proper shoring, nearby heavy machinery vibrations, or digging too deep without proper benching.
- Underground utility strikes: During excavation, there is always a risk of machinery damaging underground gas lines, electrical cables, water mains, or sewer pipes. If the machinery comes into contact with a high-voltage line, it can cause an electric shock or an explosion. Damage to a gas pipeline may result in fire or toxic exposure.
- Water ingress: If the site is located in an area prone to rain or within a flood zone, there is always a risk of unexpected collapse. Additionally, water accumulation can hide hazards, such as sharp objects, holes, or uneven surfaces. Workers may slip, fall, or drown in deep or narrow trenches.
- Human error: Excavation work involves long hours, extreme weather, and physically demanding tasks. Working in such an environment leads to worker fatigue, which impacts alertness and decision-making. In excavation work, even a small lapse in judgment can be fatal.
Best equipment to prevent excavation hazards
Some of the equipment that helps avoid excavation safety hazards includes:
- Hydraulic shoring systems: They use pressurised hydraulic cylinders to support trench walls and prevent collapses. Hydraulic Shoring is made of aluminium and includes rails or vertical steel plates to brace the trench walls.
- Gas detectors: These devices help identify the presence of hazardous gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, or hydrogen sulphide. They are handheld or wearable and use sensors to detect gas concentration levels.
- Dewatering systems: These systems help remove excess water from excavation sites. They include submersible pumps, wellpoint systems, and sump pumps, depending on the depth and volume of water.
- Utility locators: These systems help trace electric, gas, water, and communication lines. Locators use electromagnetic signals or ground-penetrating radar to detect utilities without the need for excavation.
Conclusion
Hazards in excavation work can range from trench collapses and underground utility strikes to water ingress and human errors caused by fatigue. However, advanced equipment such as hydraulic shoring systems, gas detectors, dewatering systems and utility locators can help. You must also get engineering insurance to avoid financial losses caused by excavation work.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.