6 Ways That Excavating Contractors Can Minimize Damage to Properties in Bedford, NH

When it comes to excavation, the risks are high. After all, the act of excavation is to move earth. The act of excavation requires a precise understanding of the equipment, topography, and environmental conditions of the area, as well as the hazards that come along with disturbing the ground and foundation. This level of knowledge and experience only comes from the best excavating contractors--those who have the credentials to show for it. Here are some ways that excavating contractors can minimize damage to your Bedford, NH, property.

Inspection and Maintenance of the Equipment

Just like anything else that has a motor, excavating equipment needs to be properly inspected and maintained to ensure its integrity. This is especially true with equipment that is made to endure the task of moving earth. Keeping the equipment properly maintained will prevent issues from arising once on the job. The efficiency of excavating equipment plays a key role in keeping a job site safe. Equipment that breaks, especially during use, poses a major risk of injuring the operator and other workers, as well as damaging property.

The Training and Experience of the Operator

An operator of excavation equipment should be properly trained and hold the credentials to demonstrate his or her skills. Having an operator that has a minimum of 5 years of experience will also ensure that the operator is very familiar with different conditions and issues that may arise during excavation.

Working Within the Regulations

Excavating Contractors do much more than just show up to haul dirt. They must know the guidelines and regulations in each geographical area they work in. They also must work within those restrictions and meet the standards set forth in those regulations. Whether it be safety, equipment, or county regulations, they are implemented for the protection of people and property.

Know Where Underground Utilities Are Located

Coming across underground utilities such as sewer, water, stormwater, gas, electrical, and telecommunications, even after they have been properly marked, occurs more often than one may think. It’s also necessary to excavate around these lines. This means that the potential for contact with an underground utility is frequent. To lessen the chances of damage to property and injury to persons in the area, contractors must understand the risks and hazards involved when dealing with underground utilities, properly survey the property before excavation begins, have crew members in place to ensure the lines remain clear from contact, and have an experienced excavating operator.

Prevent Cave-ins and Collapses

Cave-ins are without a doubt one of the leading causes of fatalities and property damage during excavation. A cave-in or collapse occurs when the soil comes apart, causing the earth to collapse. This poses a huge risk to anyone working within the area, as well as to any property that may be nearby. To put the danger into perspective, a cubic meter of soil is extremely heavy, weighing between 2.6 and 3.7 tons. This is the weight of an average mid-size sedan.

Adequate Licensing and Insurance

Using an excavator that is properly licensed and insured will also provide peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that your property is protected should an unavoidable accident happen. It is imperative when working in construction of this magnitude that all of the safe-guards are in place, and insurance certainly is one of them.