Whether you are working on a large-scale project or something much smaller, planning and preparation are vital for the success of your construction project. Without adequate planning, you are set up for failure and there could be worrying health and safety consequences too. To give you a helping hand, we’ve created a short guide on how to best prepare your construction site to begin operations.
Soil Testing
When preparing a site, to ensure that it is fit for the construction process, it’s important to perform soil testing first. This process helps to ensure that the ground is suitable for building. This survey examines the properties of the soil to identify whether the ground will be able to adequately hold the weight of the building being constructed. This vital analysis also examines how well the ground absorbs water. Without accurate readings during this process, the site may prove to be unfit for construction.
Class A soil is identified as ‘acceptable’ and Class S is ‘ satisfactory’. However, Class M, H1, H2, E and P all denote soil that may not be suitable for construction or requires significant work. Working with a geotechnical engineer before work takes place is essential for the health and safety of a project.
The Demolition Process
If there are any structures on a site, they will most likely need to be demolished before any work can take place. Working with demolition contractors, you’ll have to indicate precisely what structures need to be destroyed and put a plan in place for the work to be carried out safely. If you are retaining the facade of a structure already in place, you will require the services of a structural engineer to ensure that no cracks or signs of movement appear after the demolition has taken place. Planning this stage thoroughly ensures that there are no hazards that need to be considered before the work is completed.
Utility Mapping
By accurately mapping the underground network of utility pipes and infrastructure around your site, you can ensure that any construction work will not interfere with the surrounding area. When building in an urbanised area, this step is especially important, as damaging cables and pipes can cause huge disruption. During any following excavation processes, this information will be critical for the safety of the project at hand.
Site Clearance
The site clearance stage of site preparation involves simply clearing a construction site of any debris which could hamper the project. You’ll want to ensure that the site is completely clear to create the best environment for construction. Moving all debris at least three meters from the building area will ensure adequate clearance. If the topsoil of your site is of high quality, and the project involves landscaping, this topsoil can be reused later on in the project.
Excavation
If your construction site has a gradient, then it’s likely that you will have to excavate an area to create a flat surface for the building to take place. During the bulk excavation of a site, retaining walls are used to keep the soil which has been levelled off secure and safe for building on. Depending on the gradient of the slope, the details of the project you are working on, the materials you are using and the type of soil you are working with, you may have to employ varying excavation techniques. Working with professional engineers, architects and structural engineers will ensure that your soil is suitable for construction and that the end product is secured on solid ground.
Health and Safety
Ensuring that your construction site is adequately safe and secure is vital for any construction project. Before working on a site, you will need to ensure that your site is not hazardous or poses a risk on any members of the public or the employees working on the site. From site access, through to site boundaries, first aid, what is done with waste materials, the reporting of injuries and much more, health and safety provisions cover the entire project. Throughout the completion of the project, health and safety must be observed according to the relevant government and industry guidelines.
Toilet Hire
When operating a construction site, you must have the right number of toilets for the number of workers on the site. Having adequate toilet and washing facilities for your employees is required by law and they must be suitable for the work at hand. When organising your toilet hire, you can choose between chemical toilets or flushing toilets. If you can provide flushing toilet hire options, these are always the preferred choice. However, when this toilet hire option is unavailable, a suitable number of chemical toilets can be installed.
The number of toilets you require will depend on the number of men and women you have working on your site. As a guide, you will require one plastic toilet hire for around every seven workers you have working a 40-hour week. As well as providing an adequate number of toilets for your workers, you’ll also have to provide the right number of toilet paper, soap and other consumables.
Portable Building Hire
Every construction site requires a portable building which can be used as a central hub for organisation and operations. These buildings are used as a location for planning the project and reporting on its progress. Before starting your project, it’s advisable to seek out hire options for a portable building or buildings. Depending on the size of your project and how much planning is involved, you’ll be able to choose from a range of portable building hire options.
Hiring The Right People
Hiring the right people is vital for any business venture and this is no different when it comes to construction sites. You’ll need to have trained architects, structural engineers, bricklayers and electricians on hand who can provide you with the best skills to get the job done effectively and efficiently. Ensuring you hire the best people for the job is invaluable for the success of a project.
Ensuring All Paperwork Is Completed Accurately and On Time
Finally, you’ll need to also ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is completed for your project before anything begins. You’ll need to give notification of the project to HSE before any work commences, have risk assessments reports completed, planning and examination reports filed as well as arrangements for carrying out any high-risk work like demolitions and an accident book. Without these vital forms, you cannot commence your project.
If You Require Portable Buildings or Toilet Hire Services in Manchester, Look No Further Than Manchester Cabins
Here at Manchester Cabins, we’re the experts when it comes to toilet hire, portable building hire and much more for businesses in the North West area. If you’re operating a construction site and require toilet hire services and much more, look no further. With many years of experience and a long list of countless happy clients, we can provide you with any of the portable buildings you require for your business, project or construction site.
Our services are affordable, reliable, local and fast. We always endeavour to provide our clients with the best possible customer service and can even provide you with a completely free quote! As well as portable buildings, we can also supply and hire storage containers for a range of purposes. Whatever your needs and requirements, Manchester Cabins are on hand to help you.
To find out more, please feel free to contact us today. You can find us at Tweedale Way, Chadderton, Oldham, Lancashire, OL9 7LD, call us on 0161 684 3333 or email us at info@manchestercabins.co.uk.
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