The need to assess ground conditions before construction equipment hire
Failure of the ground on which construction plant stands is a frequent cause of incidents and injuries on building sites, with knock-on effects of delays, loss of reputation and the impact on future workloads. So, an adequate assessment of ground to establish its ability to support plant is essential if these incidents are to be avoided.
Approach to ground condition assessment
The CPA document provides clear guidance on the assessment of ground conditions and the measures that can be taken to both improve ground and reduce loads imposed on the ground.
Ground engineering can be a complex topic and part of the purpose of the CPA guidance is to enable construction personnel to decide when they need to consult an expert geotechnical or structural engineer. It is essential that those carrying out ground assessment know their limitations and when they should consult experts.
The guidance remit
The new guidance is designed to provide technical guidance in an accessible way an deals with:
- ground bearing pressures and loadings from mobile plant
- the assessment and engineering of the ground’s capability to withstand loadings
- coordination of duties, with reference to CDM and to Temporary Works
Participating organisations included HSE, the Environment Agency, UKCG, CECA, Temporary Works Forum, specialist contractor organisations, and others.
Best Practice construction and lifting equipment hire in London area
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You can download the document for free from the CPA website – click here