Tips for Safe Utility Trenching

If you’re hoping to install gas, electric, cable or water lines at your residential or commercial property, the thought of trenching through your property is likely daunting. Safely and properly digging a trench is a dangerous task that, if not performed correctly, can pose a substantial risk to your team members, drivers, passersby and the occupants of any nearby buildings.

One cubic yard of excavated soil weighs as much as a car. Because of this, performing any kind of work in a trench requires the utmost attention to safety. While you may be in a hurry to complete your job and get your utility lines operational, it’s important to never forgo proper safety standards while working with an open trench.

Working with a skilled contractor specializing in utility trenching in Roseville, CA is the best way to ensure that your utility trenching practices are as safe as possible, and in strict compliance with all local, state and federal safety standards.

Here are just a few ways to maintain safety at a utility trenching site:

• Park heavy equipment away from the edge: If you’re working in a trench, it may seem like it’s most convenient to park your trucks and equipment as close to the trench as possible. In actuality, this is a dangerous practice that could cause the trench to prematurely collapse.
• Locate utilities prior to digging: Puncturing a water line, sewer line or other utility feeder while there are team members working in a trench could be deadly. That’s why it’s important to check and double check the location of all utilities you may encounter during the trenching process.
• Wear highly visible clothing: This is especially important in cases when the trench is near or alongside an active roadway. You should equip your entire trenching crew with bright, visible clothing, gear and vests.
• Never work beneath suspended loads: There is no shortage of ways that working under a suspended load could go wrong. Always lower loads into your trench when there are no workers present at the site, and always treat suspended loads with an exceptional amount of caution.
• Create safe entrances and exits: Create a variety of entrances and exits along the entire length of your trench to facilitate a truly safe and secure environment. It should be exceptionally easy for workers to leave the trench, or for rescue crews to enter it, if something were to go wrong.

Since 2000, Es7 Comm-2 U, Inc. has been a premier trenching contractor in Roseville, CA. We have nearly two decades of experience safely and effectively installing utility lines and performing directional drilling services. We actively work with local utility providers and local governments to provide customers with the best possible results as quickly as possible. We’re happy to maintain a strong community standing, and boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. To learn more about ways that Es7 Comm-2 U, Inc. may help you, reach out to one of our friendly representatives.

Categorised in: Trenching Contractors

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