If you have to dig a drainage trench on your land, you might be taking into consideration hiring an excavator and doing the job yourself. Here are some tips on how to stay safe when operating an excavator for trenching.
Preparation
Before you jump into the cab and start work, take the time to prepare and think about exactly what you want to achieve and do some preparation.
Use chalk lines to mark the line of the trench so that you have a guide to follow when digging. When the line has been placed, line up the front and back of the excavator so that you know you are tracking straight along the line.
Think carefully about keeping the machine level. As you work, it may be necessary to stop and pack soil underneath one of the tracks so that it is level. You can hire a laser level with the machine to use as a grade control system.
When digging a trench with an excavator, think of the trench as a series of interconnection sections. Make sure that each section is perfect before moving on to the next.
Operator and site safety
Digging a trench is potentially dangerous with the biggest hazard being that of cave-ins. Always keep the excavator far back enough to be sure that it can support its weight. If you move the machine too close to the edge of the trench, the soil could collapse, taking the machine into the trench with it.
When operating the machine, be very aware of who is around you on-site at all times. Remember the large radius of the excavator’s arm with a potentially lethal bucket on the end of it and be observant at all times. Keep in mind that although the cabin which you are sitting can rotate a full 360 degrees, the actual digger tracks move in one direction only. So, if you are facing to one side in your cab, the digger will continue moving forwards.
Remember that if you rotate your cab by 180 degrees and you simultaneously push the excavator controls forwards, the machine will actually track backward. If you forget that, you could end up tracking the digger straight off the edge of the bank and into the trench.
You should always wear a hard hat when operating heavy machinery such as a digger, just in case of accidents. Be very careful that items of your clothing don’t become caught on the controls of the excavator. Always wear close-fitting clothing to avoid accidents.
I really like that you talked about avoiding falling off the banks or the edges when you turn around. My brother is trying to get some excavation done on his property this year so that he can finish a few projects. He needs to work with professionals that can help him do this non-destructively so that he doesn’t ruin his land.
Thanks for helping me understand that the machine should not be close to the edge that much to keep it from falling in. I just got curious about the process because my mom will be hiring these contractors next year. It appears that it will be for the lot that she bought in the countryside which she will transform into a commercial establishment.
I found it very interesting on how you should always keep the excavator at a safe distance to avoid any problems with the weight. My wife and I have been thinking of getting a new house, and we want to get some new pipes put down in our big backyard. If we get an excavator, I will be sure to remind the operator to keep a safe distance from the trench!