Jet Blast Inc. takes safety seriously in hydro excavation work.
Hydro excavation is the safest way to expose underground utilities or dig for construction projects for homes, businesses, and more. The gentle but effective power of water can be less risky than using a shovel or drill. However, hydro excavation remains a dangerous job with major stakes. If a hydrovac truck damages an electrical line, water main, or gas pipe, the consequences can be deadly. These hydro excavation safety procedures are necessary for every job.
Hydro Excavation Safety Procedures
Following OSHA Guidelines
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has set standards that all hydro excavation professionals must follow. One of these protocols is that a competent person must assess the project site before any work begins to be aware of all hazards and how to proceed.
Checking Soil Conditions
It is imperative to test the soil conditions of the project site. Hydrovac trucks are extremely heavy pieces of equipment, and placing one on unstable soil can cause the soil to cave in or erode. Not only are hydrovac trucks heavy, but the entire machine can cause the ground to vibrate when in operation. The truck must sit on stable ground during the excavation work.
Mapping Underground Utilities
As mentioned, mapping out the underground utilities present is also necessary. You cannot blindly dig into the ground and hope not to damage a utility line if you happen to come into contact with one. Exact mapping of exact utilities is a foundational part of the planning.
Wearing PPE
All workers must wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) on the job site. High-visibility workwear, protective clothing, hard hats, and steel-toed boots will help the worker stay visible and productive.
Creating a Safe Work Zone and Traffic Safety
Not only do the utility lines need mapping, but the work zone as well. The team must organize the work site well and set up traffic safety measures if the work happens near a road.
Following Best Hydro Excavation Practices
The team must stay alert, in good health, and in good communication. The hydro excavation operator must stand a safe distance from the hole, and the team must not let the debris tank become too full.
Contact Jet Blast Inc. Today!
Jet Blast® Industrial Services strives every day in an effort to provide our customers with the best service and equipment possible. Providing a safe and stable workplace has allowed us to keep a team of quality people, with most having a tenure of 15 – 25 years with Jet Blast®. With all that experience under one roof, we have been able to provide reliable 24-hour service since 1979. I believe this helps to set us apart from the competition.
Compare us! Let us make your job easier. If you’re located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Northern Virginia, or Washington, D.C., contact us by email at [email protected], call us at 410-636-0730, or fax us at 410-789-3907, and don’t forget to keep in touch with us on Facebook!