7 Precautions to take while Performing Dewatering Process at your Work Site
Category : Dewatering
The construction work site can be both a highly productive and equally hazardous place to work. There are several operational health and safety guidelines that companies in Qatar follow to ensure that workers are not exposed to fatal injuries. One of the many methods to prevent accidents at the work site is the dewatering process.
What is Dewatering?
Dewatering is a process in construction wherein standing water is removed from the work site to make work easier and safer for workers. In some cases, the dewatering process pumps water out of groundwater sources. This helps excavators to work more efficiently due to lower levels of natural groundwater.
Precautions During the Dewatering Process
In the process of dewatering, well-drilling equipment benefits greatly because it often helps to reach groundwater sources and pump them out to facilitate easy excavation and construction of building foundations. However, certain precautions need to be taken when carrying out the dewatering process at construction sites.
Pumping Water on Slopes
When dewatering any particular area of the work site, you should ensure that the residual water should never be released on a sloping surface. Once the water is pumped out, it either needs to be stored in a tanker or emptied into another borewell. Releasing this water on sloped surfaces can cause both workers and other heavy equipment to slip, creating a hazardous scenario.
In Case of Erosion
While performing the dewatering process, you should always have a hydrogeologist on-site. Such a professional can keep track of the level of stability of the earth surrounding the water source. If you notice that the earth around the area from where water is being pumped out begins to erode, then dewatering should be ceased immediately.
Steady Dewatering Channels
The dewatering channels being used need to be steady. This can be done by surrounding it with grass and vegetation. This helps make the dewatering processes more efficient as well as safer for all.
In Case of Heavy Rains
Dewatering should be completely avoided during heavy rains. This can lead to a slower water and infiltration rate. On the other hand, it can also make the dewatering process much slower than usual.
Water Containing Oil & Grease
Another point of caution is that you should never discharge water that contains oil and grease or any other such slipper and flammable contaminants. If the water you pump out during dewatering contains oil and grease, it can lead to a hazardous scenario.
Ensure You Have Permits
The dewatering process can sometimes destabilize the earth around water reservoirs (especially those under the ground). Hence, you should ensure that you have the relevant government permits to perform dewatering at your construction site.
Verify Water Table Levels
Before you begin the dewatering process, you should survey the levels of the groundwater table. If the groundwater is too close to the surface, you should avoid dewatering. This is because it can make the topsoil unstable and cause further accidents on your construction site.
Key Takeaway
Dewatering can be a useful procedure for ensuring safety during construction at your work site. However, you should take the above-mentioned necessary precautions to ensure that this procedure is performed safely. Moreover, you can deploy certain heavy equipment and tools to aid in a safe dewatering process at your construction site. Reputed firms like Al Abrag are known for supplying such heavy equipment in Qatar. With Al Abrag’s rented heavy equipment, you can ensure that dewatering is done at your work site with the necessary safety precautions in mind.