(Hydro) Excavation Best Practices During Storm Seasons

Practical tips to prepare for unpredictable weather conditions

By: Dustin Rhodes

Excavation jobs cannot always stop for unfavorable weather, and storms can lead to unpredictable conditions — including loose soil. Hydro excavation is a way to make excavation projects safer for jobsites, because loose soil is vacuumed out of the way into a debris tank. Not only does it minimize the need for manual labor, it allows workers to remain a safe distance from excavation sites. It also helps diminish the potential for trench collapse and displaced debris, because instead of using a shovel or backhoe to ascertain what lays beneath the surface, hydro excavators use pressurized water to uncover underground utilities.

However, weather can still get in the way during hydro excavation projects. But knowing how to navigate unfavorable conditions is essential to keeping workers and equipment safe when storms are on the horizon. The following guidelines highlight the different conditions that can produce a variety of jobsite challenges.

Know the dos and don’ts of working in the rain.
Heavy rainfall impacts all aspects of a job. Site conditions, worker safety and machine upkeep are all things to keep an eye out for when working on a site impacted by rain. When oversaturated with water, soil can become unstable. Make sure trenches are shored or slopped as needed to improve stability if jobs cannot be paused. Rainfall can also create slippery grounds. Operators should wear slip-resistant footwear and set up warning signs in slippery areas.

Hydrovac trucks are also impacted by wet conditions. Ensure electrical components are protected after being caught in the rain; trucks should be cleaned and stored in a dry environment to prevent buildup on the tank. Workers may also want to consider utilizing a positive displacement blower as the vacuum source. For projects in wet areas, positive displacement blowers can be beneficial due to their ability to pull heavy, wet material over long distances.

Beware of strong wind.
Intense winds can cause equipment to be unstable. Make sure that hydrovac trucks and other equipment are anchored down, and consider utilizing a windbreaker to reduce the impact of heavy winds.

Debris can also become hazardous when caught in the wind. Flying dirt, dust and other light materials can not only hit workers, but also obstruct visibility. If work cannot be done safely, step away from the site until the wind dies down.

Take caution in low visibility.
Stormy weather can bring concerns around visibility. Fog, rain and snow can put workers in dangerous situations. Ensure workers wear high-visibility clothing, especially on sites near high-speed traffic. When visibility is extremely poor, it is best to prioritize worker safety by pausing operations until conditions improve so work can be done safely and accurately.

Leave when there is lightning.
Operation should be stopped at the first sign of lightning or thunder nearby, and operators should seek shelter immediately. When looking for shelter, the best option is enclosed buildings or cars. Although common sense, avoid standing under trees and tall objects, and stay away from electrical equipment, metal objects and standing water.

If the job must be resumed immediately after a storm, wait at least 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder before returning to work. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Safety first
When working on hydro excavation projects during storm seasons, worker safety is part of job efficiency. By protecting operators, work can resume promptly after storms subside. Here are two tips to keep top of mind when working in poor conditions:

1. Workers must have adequate protective equipment. Visibility vests, hard hats and non-slip shoes are essential when working in and after storms.
2. Know when to step away. It is important not to work in hazardous conditions, even with approaching deadlines. Thunder, overly saturated ground and high winds are just a few signs the site is not fit for work. Waiting for safe conditions will allow workers to complete projects safely and more efficiently.

Taking care of equipment is also extremely important during stormy weather. Here are three ways to keep hydrovac trucks working their best:

1. Keep an eye on the hydrovac debris tank. Rainfall can increase wet debris on a site, so ensure the debris tank is emptied regularly.
2. Ensure hydrovac trucks and other equipment are secured to the ground in windy conditions. Again, if needed, utilize windbreakers to further prevent risk to equipment and workers.
3. Store hydrovac trucks properly. If a tank has been caught in a storm, be sure to clean and dry it before storing it out of the elements.

While it can be tempting to work through stormy weather, it may result in having to redo work and spend excess energy on damage control. Waiting out the storm for safe conditions will allow workers to reach deadlines safely and efficiently when skies clear. If a jobsite looks dangerous, it is.

Dustin Rhodes is the product manager for TRUVAC.