Constructionshows
Construction Plant-hire Association has launched a new guidance document – “Ground Conditions for Construction Plant”.
Failure of the ground on which construction plant stands and moves is a frequent cause of minor incidents and near misses on sites, together with a significant number of serious injuries and fatalities. In addition to the impact on the lives of those involved, these events can lead to delays in construction programmes and significant commercial loss such as unrecoverable management time, loss of reputation and effect on future workloads.
An HSE publication on the cost of accidents estimated that for each £1 of accident cost recoverable through insurance, a further £8 to £36 was unrecoverable and had to be borne by the employer.
From this it can be seen that adequate assessment of ground to establish its ability to support plant, is essential if these incidents are to be avoided.
The aim of this document is to provide 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 this 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 are aware of their own limitations and know when to stop and consult experts in the field. The document is aimed at all those with an interest in the stability of plant.
The new guidance deals with ground bearing pressures and loadings from mobile plant, and assessment and engineering of the ground’s capability to withstand the loadings. The guidance addresses coordination of duties, with reference to CDM and to Temporary Works, and contains technical guidance presented in an accessible way. Participating organisations included HSE, the Environment Agency, UKCG, CECA, Temporary Works Forum, specialist contractor organisations, and others.
You can download the document for free from the CPA website – follow this link http://www.cpa.uk.net/sfpsg/#Groundconditions
For further information on the Construction Plant-hire Association, contact Kevin Minton, CPA Director on 020 7796 3366.
