Retaining block wall in St. George

Block Retaining Wall

Paul Johnson is building a block retaining wall in Northbridge lot #246. This wall is a 3 tier block retaining wall. We hauled in dirt to built up the house pad. The wall consist of 15 fill behind the retaining wall.

10 Tips For Safer Trenching And Excavating

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers excavation to be one of the most dangerous activities in the construction and utilities industries. This is primarily because the potential for collapse poses great hazards for employees. According to OSHA, “One cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car.” Approximately two U.S. workers die each month in trench collapses.

With the right knowledge, regulations, and safety supplies, employers can help reduce injuries and fatalities caused by cave-ins. Below are 10 safety tips that will allow crews to work safer in trenches:

  1. Never enter an unprotected trench.
  2. Park heavy equipment as far from trench edges as possible. Keep soil or other materials at least two feet away from the sides of the trench. If the job site does not allow for two feet of distance, soil removed from the trench may need to be moved to another location until work is completed.
  3. Find out where utilities are located underground before crews start digging.
  4. Inspect trenches daily before work begins and after storms or other events that may cause changes to the trench. OSHA requires that these inspections are completed by a ‘competent person,’ someone with the knowledge to identify hazards in and around the excavation and who has the authority to promptly correct those hazards.
  5. When exposed to traffic, workers can prevent accidents by wearing highly visible clothing such as traffic safety vests.
  6. Educate workers on the dangers involved in excavation and on proper safety precautions. An affordable way to ensure workers receive thorough information is to use training videos and DVDs, such as In the Trenches: Excavation Safety for Workersthat provides detailed information on excavation regulations and safety for the construction industry.
  7. Never work beneath suspended loads of materials.
  8. When the trench is more than four feet deep, test atmospheric conditions before work begins. If tests reveal low oxygen, toxic gases, or hazardous fumes, no one should enter the trench.
  9. Create systems to protect workers and prevent collapses. Some of the most common and effective protective systems include:
  • Benching – Building steps into the sides of an excavation
    • Sloping – Angling the trench wall away from the excavationMany factors should be considered when designing trench systems, including the qualities of the soil, changes caused by weather or climate, materials that were taken out of or will be put into the trench, or other projects nearby. Planning and implementation of these systems should be done by a competent person.
  1. Provide safe entrances and exits to the trench. OSHA requires that ladders, steps, or ramps be used whenever a trench or excavation is more than four feet deep and that all employees work within 25 feet of these provisions at all times. When using ladders, they must extend a minimum of 3 feet above the surface of the trench.

Employers can help prevent injuries and deaths by frequently reminding workers of these guidelines and posting signs that stress the dangers of excavation. These warnings could be the difference between good and bad decision-making on the job site.

“No worker’s life should end in a trench,” explained Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor and occupational safety and health. “Cave-ins during excavations are some of the most common and grisliest causes of worker fatalities in construction, yet they are entirely preventable.” With proper training, procedures, and supplies, employers can help to prevent these accidents.

 

Credits for Article: Northern Safety and Industrial

Happy Birthday James

Happy Birthday! James you are the best! James is the most positive person and hard working man around. James is always on the go, it’s hard to keep up with him.  James always has a smile on his face and makes everyone around him feel special. From all of us at Creative Excavating we wish you the best birthday ever!

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Septic System?

In installing a septic system, the cost would actually depend on different factors. Variables that affect the cost include the number of bathrooms, bedrooms, land, location of the specific property and even accessibility. You also have to factor in regulations as they will determine the size of your septic system depending on the number of rooms. For instance, a home that has more bedrooms need a much bigger septic system compared to a home that has a fewer room. Another factor that affects the cost is the type of system. This is one of the major factors that will significantly affect the total cost.

Some who want to avoid the cost would want to install it on their own. Yes, it is possible to do it yourself. You can save money. However, there are important things that you need to keep in mind. Septic systems should still be installed by professionals. They know the ins and outs of doing the job, something that only professionals know. If you are not a licensed person to install septic systems, you have to hire a certified contractor. A licensed professional can install the septic system the proper and correct way. Your contractor will ensure you of a reliable septic system.

For the septic tank and the system, the cost ranges from $1,500 or even more up to $4,000. Now, let’s take a look at the specific factors that affect the overall cost of buying and installing a septic system.

Domestic-Sewage-Septic-Tank
Photo Credit: Stan Stanchev on flickr

Different Types of Septic System

One of the main variables that affect the prices of septic system is the holding tank and there are actually 2 types including the steel and the concrete. Which one is better? It actually depends since the two has its share of pros and cons. If you want to go for the least expensive choice, the concrete tank is the better option. This is also the most common choice. However, the downside of choosing concrete tank is that it is prone to cracking. That is why it is crucial to have proper installation of concrete tank. The tank should be laying on a foundation, on a sand and it should have enough depth. You also need to have regular inspection. How long does a concrete tank last? With the right installation and regular maintenance, a concrete tank will last even up to 4 decades.

On the other hand, steel tanks are quite durable and they are not susceptible to crack. The only downside is that they are prone to rusting. How long does a steel tank last? It will depend on the quality of the material and the soil condition. You need to inspect it every year.

There are also other options depending on your preference. You may want to go for plastic or fiberglass tanks. Both of these options are prone to structural damages. Eventually, they can be brittle which can result to tank failure.

Preparation and Landscaping

Aside from the type of septic system, there are also other factors that can affect the cost like the installation of the septic tank and system. When it comes to the cost, it will depend on the tank size and even the installation cost would depend on the tank size. If the tank is bigger, it takes more work to excavate. There is also landscaping cost.

Labour Cost

The reason why you need a licensed professional is that they know how to install to do it the right way. On top of that, installing such system is also complicated. By hiring a contractor, you can have a peace of mind when you know there is an expert who will do the job.

Reasons Why You Should Hire an Excavation Contractor?

Before any installation or construction work starts, there is a need for an excavation contractor. What do they do? They are professionals who are responsible in ensuring that the foundations of projects like home, buildings and other structures are properly done. Excavation contractors utilize equipment like excavators, forward loaders, backhoes and bulldozers. How about specific tasks? Contractors take part in repairing of various kinds of infrastructure projects (highways, roads, etc.). They are also part of construction and in site preparation for grading, digging trenches, conduits and pipes among many others.

Deere 225D LC Excavator
Photo Credit: Matt Giesbrecht on flickr

If you are hiring a professional excavation contractor, here are the reasons why you should:

1. Excavation contractors work to clear construction sites.

Before any construction work starts, there is a need to clear the site. This is essential for new construction projects. For instance, there are places where there is a need to remove old buildings or when there is a foundation that needs be dug up. If there are trees that need to be cut down, this is also part of their work.

2. They dig the foundation.

Excavation contractors depending on the specific project would know how to interpret the details in the site plan. They will excavate and work to dig the foundation based on the specifications found in the site plan. It is their job to ensure that their workers dig trenches for the foundation. When the foundation is finally poured, the contractor backfills around the foundation and the building work can finally start.

3. Excavation contractors use heavy equipment.

Considering the nature of their work, they use different kinds of heavy equipment. And it is not just a matter of having these heavy equipment, the job alone requires skills, experience and training in order to operate these equipment (i.e. cranes, rollers, pumps, front end loaders, bulldozers and compressors). Excavation contractors have workers who are knowledgeable and skilled in operating heavy equipment for site clearing and in preparing the foundation for building work.

4. They make the necessary preparations for septic tank and system installation.

Excavation contractors prepare the ground needed for installing a new septic system. Professionals who possess licenses and who have undergone training can install a septic system. And that is why it is very important that you get a licensed and experienced excavation contractor especially if you are installing a new septic system for the very first time. They are also responsible in repairing problems with your septic system. To avoid incurring higher costs you should only hire a licensed and experienced professional who can do the job.

5. They prepare ground for building driveways.

Excavation contractors work by preparing the ground needed for constructing new or even refurbished driveways. The work greatly varies ranging from grading the surface and putting the foundation layers or there is a need to cut down trees or to totally clear the area. Considering how tough the job is especially when it comes to building new and even refurbished driveways having a reliable excavation contractor who knows how to operate equipment needed can execute the work the right way.

6. Insurance and Licenses

Before hiring an excavation contractor, there are things that you have to consider. For one, the contractor should follow safe measures and precautions when it comes job practices as required and specified by the Occupational and Safety Hazard Association. There are states that require contractors to have a bond and license especially since they are responsible for the work that they do, the people working for them and as well as their clients. Excavation contractors have to follow all of the necessary code requirements.

Drain Box

Steps We Take To Excavate a Trench

There are certain steps and precautions that you need to take before, during and after you excavate a trench. You cannot simply use a shovel to dig a trench, there are many steps that go into a project this large. Follow these steps to help you dig the best ditch.

Dirt Boyz

Photo Credit: The U.S. Army on flickr

Plan The Excavation Carefully

1.  This step is where you will decide to dig and what set of tools and heavy equipment will be needed for the job. You want to try and choose a route that will not damage any valuable plants or other valuable property in the route. Make sure you know the type of soil you will be digging, different soils require different equipment.

2.  Check For Major Pipelines

Call the local government/utility location to be able to find where electrical, gas, water and   other important pipelines are so you do not damage them.

3.  Get Proper Equipment

Shovels, pickaxes, handtools and heavy equipment if needed. Try renting a mini excavator if you are looking to save a lot of time.

4.  Remove Vegetation You Want To Keep

You can safely remove vegetation you want to keep alive and replant it after the job is done.

5.  Remove Topsoil

You want to remove the topsoil to a depth of about 10-20 centimeters. Store the topsoil away from the site to avoid contamination. To avoid compaction, make sure the heap of topsoil does not exceed 1 – 1.5m in height.

6. Being Digging

Line up with the ditch and begin digging! Make sure that all the workers and equipment are placed to line up with the ditch.

7.  Dig To The Desired Depth

Make sure you follow through with the plans you made and cut the dirt to your desired depth. If you are benching, make sure the first cut is dug to the depth of the first bench.

8.  Spoil Soil

Get rid of the bad soil to be sure it does not encumber you while you reinstall everything like the utilities or doing whatever work the trench is being dug for, this will also make it so that the trench does not have an “overbending” problem.

9.  Laser and Depth

Use a laser to check the depth of your trench to be sure it is all even and all the areas are dug to the exact measurements you planned.

10. Installation

Install the material that you dug the trench for.

11.  Backfill Trench

Make sure to fill the trench, try renting a gasoline plate tamp to help you pack the dirt tight.

12. Replace Topsoil And Complete Job

By this point you should be able to replace the topsoil and finish the job!

How to Choose an Excavator

How to Choose an Excavator

How to Choose an Excavator

When it comes to choosing a reliable excavator, you need to know a few things to do. It may seem like an easy choice to make, but there really is quite a bit that goes into this kind of decision.  Here is a list of tips to help you in making the right choice!

How to Choose an Excavator

Plan It Out

Know what you want before jumping into a large excavation project. Try to do a lot of pre-planning before getting an estimate. The more you know about materials, and exactly what you want done, the more accurate the estimate will be.

Background Checks

Make sure you do your research on the company you are considering. History, complaints, reviews, licenses, etc. Although they could come off as the best, their history with BBB and past clients could prove otherwise.

Busy Is Good

Finding the best excavator means being patient. The best will be busy with other projects and may not be able to jump right into a project with you. That is okay though! That shows how in demand they are – meaning they are good!

Interviews

You should probably interview at least three excavators before making a final decision. This will give you a good idea of who you will want to do your project and who will be easiest for you to work with.

Contract

Make sure that you have a very detailed contract that you both agree on and have them sign it. Keep a copy close to you as the project goes on so that you have it to fall back on in case of any discrepancies. A contract will also help to know exactly what will be done, materials to be used, deadlines and payments.