How to Stay Safe Around a Trench
3 min read
Ask questions about this lesson and get instant answers.
In order for essential substances like oil and gas to get around the country, a variety of different pipelines are used. The only way to bury these pipelines is by digging trenches. For companies who work around these trenches on a daily basis, finding a way to remain safe is a top concern. Using pilot auger boring and trench shoring techniques is a great way to give a trench a higher level of durability. While these techniques can be beneficial, working around a trench can be very dangerous. The following are some of the things that you need to consider when trying to stay safe around a trench.
Know Where to Park Heavy Equipment
The first thing that you need to consider when trying to be safe around a trench is where to park your heavy equipment. On these types of job sites, there will be things like bulldozers and front end loaders in use. If you park these machines near the edge of the trench, you will run the risk of it caving in due to the increased amount of weight. By parking the machines a safe distance away from the trench, you will be able to avoid these types of dire consequences.
Inspections are Vital
When trying to maintain a high level of safety while working in a trench, you will have to inspect it on a daily basis. Things like an overnight rain storm can significantly weaken the walls of a trench. If you fail to inspect the trench on a daily basis, you will be putting yourself and your employees at risk. If you are not comfortable with performing these inspections, then you will need to get some help from a professional with a background in structural engineering.
Educate Workers on the Dangers Of a Trench
Another important thing that you will need to do when trying to keep a safe work environment is to educate your employees on the dangers of working around a trench. There are a variety of companies out there who will be able to come out and give some hands on safety courses to employees of a company. By getting these types of classes, you will be able to get the employees you have all of the information they need to work safely. Be sure to research a company before hiring them to give these classes to ensure they have the right amount of experience.
Neglecting to take the dangers of a trench seriously can lead to a variety of problems.