How Trench Collapses Are Prevented in an Excavation in Sydney?

How Trench Collapses Are Prevented in an Excavation in Sydney?

Excavators in Sydney as well as in other parts of Australia are always very careful when it comes to working in the trenches as the possibility of a collapse can be very high. The weight of the soil can be huge which can lead to serious injuries or even death in extreme cases. So, the excavators follow a few steps to prevent this accident from happening even when they are working in shallow trenches. Let us now see what these steps are.

1. Only Experienced Excavators are Selected

For an excavation in Sydney that involves working in the trenches, professional excavation companies only assign experienced excavators. These experts can easily identify the potential hazard zones and quickly make correct decisions to avoid them. These excavators have undergone extensive training of working in the trenches and analysing soils as well as using protective equipment.

2. They follow the Standard Operating Procedure

Professional excavators always follow the standard operating procedure in the central coast excavations and in the other areas of Sydney to prevent trench collapse. These procedures are

  • Supporting of encumbrances such as trees, hydrants, telephone poles, etc. during the work. This ensures the stability of the trench.
  • Locating underground installations such as water pipes, sewers, and electric lines before beginning the work and ensure safety measures.
  • Wearing warning signs if there is traffic nearby and using signs and signals to alert the drivers and others working in the trench.
  •  Testing the atmosphere to determine the presence of toxic and inflammable gases such as carbon monoxide, etc. because if a fire breaks out not only can it lead to burns but can also make the trench unstable resulting in a collapse.

3. Testing the Soil

When it comes to excavations involving working in the trenches in suburbs such as Arcadia, the company providing the earth moving service in Arcadia will need to conduct extensive soil testing to prevent accidents. 

The company needs to do a manual and a visual test before the beginning of the job. If it is found that the soil is stable, then only the excavation work can begin.

4. Protective Systems to Prevent Collapses

Before or while the excavation is underway, protective systems need to be used. If the work is planned in Rouse hill, the company providing the earth moving service in Rouse hill will need to make sure that all the protective systems are in place when the trenches are deeper than 5 feet. 

Protective systems are also used for shallow trenches that are less than 5 feet deep. Some of the protective systems used in these excavations include

  • Placing uprights and wooden walers to support the walls of the trench during the excavation. In this process timbers of specific sizes are used based on the type of soil.
  • Hydraulic shoring systems are also used by the companies providing the earth moving service in Kemps Creek. Here hydraulic cylinders and aluminium rails are used to apply pressure to the trench walls which prevent the collapse.

5. Daily Inspections

All reputed companies providing excavation services in Sydney inspect the trenches daily to determine if any weaknesses are forming in the structure to take the preventive measures. They also make sure that the protective systems are being used by the excavators for their safety.

Looking for Professional Excavations? Contact Us Today

If you are looking for a reputed excavation company in Sydney, we at NextGen Earthworks should be your ideal choice. We use the most experienced excavators and the right equipment to suit your needs. So, give us a Call Today for letting us solve your queries, or to book an excavation