Trenching
There can be many reasons for trench excavation, whether it is because you are introducing a drainage system or needing to run electrical services from one location to another. It might be that a drainage system may be damaged and trench excavation needed to expose existing services. The most obvious reason for excavating a trench is for footing foundations. Whatever reason you may have to excavate a trench you should generally always follow the same procedure.
Firstly you should always start by checking for underground services with a CAT scanner and reviewing plans for the area. If the existing surface is hard i.e. tarmac or concrete it should firstly be cut approximately 500mm wide to make for neat edges when excavating and subsequently not disturbing other areas to the existing surface. Once cut, you may need to use a pecker or a breaker to break through the hard surface. When it has been broken up into loose bits you can then start to excavate the sub-base and begin to trench out. This can be done with an excavator at a size appropriate, using a trenching bucket. Trenches exceeding a meter in depth should always be shuttered and made safe for people working in the trench. All services that are exposed should be done so with care and usually, it is thought that hand digging is a more appropriate method at this point.
Trenching
After the trench is excavated to the depth specified and made safe the necessary installation can commence before being reinstated, usually done in layers using the hardcore material, compacting each layer individually using a trench whacker and finishing off with resurfacing to match the existing surface.
1. Method
There are many different methods when coming to trenching the main way we trench is using an excavator and hand tools if needed.
2. Health and Safety
We ensure health and safety is our top priority to ensure this we provide trenching supports to any trench over 1 foot deep.
3. CAT Scanner
We have specially trained staff who are able to operate the cat scanner and have been trained to do so.
4. Workers
All our workers are trained and experienced to keep them safe whilst excavating a trench.
5. Timescale
Excavation of a trench can take between 1 to 2 days depending on size.
6. Documentation
We provide all health and safety documentation for trenching.
Supplying Gangs
Blackoak can supply labour of many types form excavation, reinstatement, a site set up, tarmac, civil, kerbing/edging, paving and preparation gangs. A usual gang will consist of 3 men and within the gangs, there will be a site foreman, a skilled worker and a labourer. Provided will be all tools necessary for the project and appropriate vehicles ie Hot boxes and waggons available. All men are trained and equipped with the correct tickets for the specific job these also include Street works and first aid.
Staff are closely monitored on a daily basis and managed by BlackOak Surfacing throughout the contract, ensuring consistent delivery and quality.
1. Team
Our team are energetic and ready to serve you to the best of their ability.
2. Skills
All our team have specific skills so we can send the best-suited men for the job.
3. Qualifications
All our staff are qualified so you can request a certain member of staff with the correct certification.
4. Vehicles
We have un branded vehicles to serve you as a sub-contractor.
5. PPE
We provide all employees with correct PPE for the job.
6. Sub-contractor
Blackoak Surfacing are happy to provide all these services being a sub-contractor.
