When Should Excavations Be Inspected?

Excavations Inspection Requirements

Excavations are often necessary for various reasons, including construction, repairs, and landscaping. It is important to ensure that these excavations are safe for workers and the public, which is why they should be inspected before and after work. This blog post will discuss when excavations should be inspected and what factors need to be considered.

Excavations should be inspected before work begins after work is completed and regularly if the excavation is left open for an extended period. The frequency of inspections will depend on the type of excavation and the risks involved. For example, excavations that are deep or have unstable sides will need to be inspected more frequently than shallower excavations. Inspections should also be conducted more often if the excavation is located in a high-traffic area or if there is a risk of collapse.

Factors that need to be considered when deciding when to inspect an excavation include:

• The depth of the excavation
• The stability of the sides of the excavation
• The amount of traffic in the area
• The risk of collapse
• The length of time the excavation will be left open

If you are planning an excavation, consult a professional to ensure it is safe and up to code. Regular inspections will help keep workers and the public safe and prevent any property damage.

Excavations, like scaffolds, can become unstable and unsafe if not maintained in good order. They can deteriorate rapidly due to environmental conditions and are liable to catastrophic failure. It is essential that they are inspected routinely to ensure they are in a safe condition.

Records of these inspections should be kept on-site and remedial work must be undertaken as soon as possible to repair any defects noted.

What precautions must be taken to protect employees during excavation work?

According to the Construction Regulations, precautions must be taken that are adequate to:

• Guard against danger to persons at work from a fall or dislodgement of earth, rock or other material by suitable shoring or otherwise
• Guard against dangers arising from the fall of materials or objects or the inrush of water into the excavation, shaft, earthworks, underground works or tunnel
• Secure adequate ventilation at all workplaces to maintain an atmosphere fit for respiration and to limit any fumes, gases, vapours, dust or other impurities to levels which are not dangerous or injurious to health
• Enable persons at work to reach safety in the event of a fire or an inrush of water or materials
• Avoid risk to persons at work arising from possible underground dangers such as underground cables or other distribution systems, the circulation of fluids or the presence of pockets of gas by undertaking appropriate investigations to locate them before excavation begins.
• Ensure that a safe means of access to and egress from each excavation