What are the limitations of Hydrovac Excavation Services?
April 6, 2023
What does a Hydrovac Truck do?
April 6, 2023What are some safety concerns associated with Hydrovac Excavation Services?
Hydrovac excavation is a form of excavating the ground using high-pressure water to break up the rock and soil, then vacuuming it away into a debris tank. This process utilizes special Hydrovac trucks, making it a safer and more efficient solution for many excavation tasks. Mr. Mike’s Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is one of Calgary’s few plumbing companies offering Hydrovac services.
As opposed to traditional excavation methods like digging, Hydrovac offers a much safer option for workers and in-ground utilities than traditional excavation methods like digging. Hydrovac trucks were designed specifically with the goal of excavating soil without damaging underground utilities or infrastructure, and as a result, most trucks are designed with several safety features.
Like all construction projects, Hydrovac excavation involves hazards and risks. Safety should be a top priority at any job site. It’s important that all Hydrovac workers are properly trained to follow the safety protocols and procedures to minimize the risk of injury or potential workplace accidents.
What are some safety concerns associated with Hydrovac Excavation Services?
- Risk of Falling – There may be times when workers will be required to work on top of the debris tank. When doing so, workers should be equipped with fall protection equipment.
- Overhead Wires – Proper safety practices must be adhered to when working near overhead lines. Safe distances should be monitored when the boom is in use or when repositioning the truck. Some trucks are equipped with sensors to detect and avoid any overhead obstructions.
- Traffic Protection – Hydrovac trucks are heavy machinery and, therefore, can be challenging to maneuver in high-traffic areas. Hydrovac excavations often occur near roadways where workers around the truck may be at risk if they are performing excavations in high-traffic locations or near other road hazards.
- Exposed Utilities – While the risk of damaging underground utilities with hydrovac excavation is much lower than through conventional excavation methods, there is still the possibility of striking or damaging existing pipes, cables, etc. Since Hydrovacs use water, which is a conductor of electricity, as the main source of excavation, the risk of electrocution exists around certain utilities such as electric or gas lines. Damage to these lines can also cause fires or explosions, leading to worker injury and even death. It’s crucial that these buried lines are located before starting the excavation. The vacuum tube and digging nozzle on the truck’s boom should be composed of material that restricts the flow of electricity to prevent serious injuries.
As with any construction project, hydrovac workers need to be properly trained in all excavation and machinery safety procedures. Only qualified individuals should be allowed to operate any hydrovac equipment, and all personal protective equipment must be worn at the site at all times. When performed properly, hydrovac is a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to excavation by digging. Strict adherence to all safety protocols, along with proper signage about any risks or dangers, will protect both workers and passersby from potential accidents. Mr. Mike’s Plumbing is proud to employ highly trained excavators with the skills to get the job done safely and effectively.
