When it comes to dangerous jobs, crews that work in trenches can be found high on the list. Working in trenches means the crew is exposed to potential cave-ins, falling debris, falls from ladders, and more. And while the industry as a whole has standards in place that are meant to ensure worker safety, there are still extra steps that crews and crew foremen can take.
Construction site, Watercube
Photo: Angus / Flickr
For those that lead trenching crews and want to be sure they are doing all they can to ensure a safe and effective work environment, here are some of the top safety tips that the crew should be following. Don’t forget, this means you need to be constantly reminding crew members of safe practices, leading talks on workplace safety, giving proper training, and providing the proper safety tools and equipment.
Ensure the Crew Isn't Exposed to Hazardous Atmospheres
When digging trenches, depending on the job, there is the risk that crew members can be exposed to hazardous atmospheres. This can create a very dangerous environment for them if there is an oxygen deficiency, high levels of carbon monoxide (which causes lack of oxygen), or a build-up of toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide which is also flammable.
The best way to approach these kinds of situations is to do an air test before work even begins. If there are issues with the air quality, then property ventilation equipment and respirators must be given to the crew. It’s also important to keep re-testing the air as crews work to monitor any changes and react as needed.
Take All Steps to Prevent Cave-Ins
Of course, no one wants to think about accidents happening, but the fact is that when you're working in dangerous and unstable conditions such as trenches, things can happen. This is why it's important to ensure that the stability of all adjacent structures is looked after.
The goal of course is to prevent cave-ins. This can be done by using the proper support system for those particular conditions. This includes shoring, underpinning, and bracing before work begins.
Be Aware of Falling Debris
One of the most common issues crews in trenches deal with is falling debris. This is not only dangerous, but it can also take a toll on expensive and special equipment you may have down in the trenches. So, what’s the solution?
You want to begin by clearing the ground level perimeter of the trench, removing any loose rock and debris. Heavy tools and equipment should not be perched on the edge of the trench either, as this could cause extreme damage if they were to fall in. You want to keep all equipment at least two feet away from the edge.
Safety equipment can also be used within the trench to help limit the damage any falling debris will cause. Obviously, all crew members need to have their hard hats on at all times, but there are also special work tents that can be erected in the trench itself.
These work tents, for example, are quick and easy to put up since they have a pop-up design. These can protect any special equipment you may have, and they offer shelter to the crew should it be raining, snowing, extremely cold, or even very hot and sunny and they need some shade. Pelsue features a number of different sizes and styles of tents - some are even interlocking. What this means is that you’ve got lots of choices and you’re sure to find one that will work for the job site.
Give Thought to Emergency Rescue Equipment
Depending on the work environment, there may also be a need to have emergency rescue equipment on-site. It's better to have the equipment within reach if needed than to find yourself in a horrible situation that could be a life and death issue, and not have that equipment. In many situations, that equipment isn’t an option; rather it is mandatory, such as lifelines.
Walkways and Bridges Must be Made Safe
It's quite normal to have a series of walkways and bridges that span the top of the trench being dug, and these too need to follow very specific codes and guidelines. They need to be wide enough that they are safe to walk on, and they need to be a certain number of feet above the trench's base. They also need guard rails, and they may even need fall protection.
All of this needs to be in place before the walkways and bridges are used. It’s all about preventing accidents rather than reacting to them when they do occur.
While it’s impossible to eliminate all danger from digging trenches, there are certainly a number of steps that help to prevent accidents from happening. Keep in mind that having safety briefings and talks each morning to help drill home the importance of safety on the jobsite is also important.
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