ECI – Engineers Construction

Planning is essential to the safety and success of all aspects of our work, including excavations.  The first step is the Dig-Safe process that we discussed last week.  Then the crew needs to plan for the excavation:

1. Assess the following:
   1. Underground utility locations and depths;  confirm by potholing
   2. Overhead wires and other clearance restrictions
   3. Adjacent structures that could be affected by excavation and dewatering
2. Plan the excavation dimensions (Length x Width x Depth)
3. Plan for dewatering and discharge
4. Consider potential for boulders, bedrock, contamination, abandoned structures, etc.
5. Layout limits of excavation to include trenchbox and/or slopes
6. Select proper sized excavator and support equipment;  Consider:
   1. Lifting and reach requirements for a trenchbox
   2. Clearance for overhead wires and obstructions
   3. Horizontal clearances;  smaller excavator or backhoe boom?
7. Plan for limitations on reach of equipment and stockpiling spoil
8. Plan for trenchbox assembly
9. Provide ladder(s) and consider excavation egress
10. Plan for securing the excavation from traffic and pedestrians during the work and after hours
11. Consider fall protection for workers
12. Plan for access for and delivery of pipe, backfill, etc.
13. Expect the unexpected.