Hydrovac is a newer excavation method used for many infrastructure projects including safe excavation around utilities, debris removal, trench digging, and backfill restoration. All construction activities and operations pose inherent health and safety risks, and so does hydrovac. Nevertheless, the system still provides a safer way for trench digging and excavating for underground utility installations. Hydrovac trucks can efficiently locate or install utility lines by easily digging precise holes to various depths and sizes.
However, all these methods require careful consideration and for safety measures to be followed. Teams must work together to classify potential hydrovac risks and establish practical measures to mitigate them. If you are taking services from a hydrovac company, ensure they follow the following safety measures while doing their job.
Use Proper Signs On The Work Site
The first etiquette of a professional hydrovac company is to alert others about the ongoing work at the site. It is necessary to place proper signages that are visible to everyone. Such signages can help minimize hazards and accidents on the road and motivate workers to safely work on the site while following all the safety protocols there. These usually include signs for:
- Alerting common people and passersby about the work going on.
- Reminding workers and others on the working site to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Indicate “Danger” near the truck when excavations are in progress to avoid collision of vehicles with trucks or worse.
Such signs should be placed every 3 meters apart to remind workers of the safety protocols to follow and keep the environment safe.
Avoid Coming Into Contact With The Truck
Underground digging is a difficult process that requires technical skills. Excavating for underground utility installations can be dangerous, so one must avoid coming near the truck when excavating. Personnel should read manuals before operating any equipment at the site. Such safety precautions and keeping a safe distance from the excavation truck are necessary to avoid electrical injury.
Wearing PPE
A professional company values the lives of other people and its workers. It is important for them to provide their workers with the necessary PPE to keep them safe on the job site and protect them from any injury. PPE includes safety goggles, gloves, hats, protective clothing, respiratory protection, footwear, and hearing protection. Wearing PPE must be made obligatory on the job site.
Ensure Their Workers Are Trained For The Job
Hydrovac workers should have the necessary training and adequate qualifications to do the job. After all, the process involves maintaining and using heavy machines.
Workers must have prior training for the construction-related work. They must be equipped with the necessary tools, harnesses, and equipment to keep themselves safe on the job site. They should be aware of the various safety practices needed when working in areas with active traffic. They should know how to work in confined spaces. Moreover, there must be first-aid workers that have the required experience of dealing with different medical emergencies at the site.
Watching For Overhead Wires
Often hanging wires and transformers are a potential source of danger, as they can cause severe injuries and death upon coming into contact with the machines. Safe distances should be maintained between the machine and such wires during positioning.
Apart from these, maintaining the right hydrovac pressure is also necessary. If the pressure is too high, it will rupture the underground utilities and damage them permanently.
About Ghost Hydrovac
Hiring a professional hydrovac service will save you from hazards and make the process more efficient. Ghost Hydrovac provides highly professional hydrovac solutions to the residents of Alberta and British Columbia. Our specialized hydrovac trucks uncover underground utilities to perform various maintenance services efficiently and reliably. Contact us for professional hydrovac services at affordable rates.