Are you looking to start a new build? One of the first steps to building after the planning has been approved is to start the site excavation to remove soil and debris to lay the foundations. In this post we are going to show you some of the top tips for site excavation.
Excavation is one of the most important steps to ensure accessibility to a site and is the first step to take before laying the building foundations.
1) Adhere to the site plans
If you are relatively new to bulk excavation, you cannot simply go in and start digging with your excavator, you need to have a strategic plan in place. If you are digging in a rocky area, perhaps you could hire a crusher in order to make a road for access. Remember crusher parts are easy to come by should you experience down time.
The foundations must be dug out to the specifications of the site plan or there will be problems encountered at the next phases of the building.
2) Use quality equipment
Use suitable equipment for the job. If the area to excavate is a large area, get larger machinery for the job. The main machinery that you will need is an excavator and a dumper. There are a number of companies that offer excavator hire.
If you are moving soil and debris to another area, you will need a tipper lorry.
For excavators, the big brands are Caterpillar, JCB, Doosan and Hitachi. The big brands for dumpers are Thwaites, JCB, Terex and for large dumpers, Volvo.
3) Have health and safety procedures in place
When there is machinery at work, there is a potential for accidents. You will have to put a health and safety policy in place. This will allow for actions to take place in the event of an accident and minimise risk of injuries or worse.
Be sure to have mobile phone access and emergency numbers to be added to the contacts list.
4) Have a place to move the soil and debris that does not obstruct access to site
Think beyond the foundations getting laid. Access and space around the site should be made available for storage and building materials such as blocks or bricks.
As mentioned above, it is a good idea to use stone excavated to make a driveway to the site.
5) Employ qualified drivers and machine users
Are you looking to employ machinery drivers and operators? You should look at employing those who are actually qualified to carry out the work. By having trained personnel means that you will reduce the risk of injury and potential harm to others.
Another benefit to having qualified drivers and machine operators is the fact that the potential outcome of the work with be of tidier and better quality.
By following the tips above, you will likely have a more productive, safer and more organised site excavation.
