Existing Ground Conditions
Hazard Related Topics
Introduction
The nature of the existing ground conditions should be identified and described with reference to the "Site Investigation Report" highlighting any findings in the site investigation report that will affect the construction of the works and the health and safety of everyone affected by them including the general public.
Items to check for include:
Is there any Made Ground? Such ground may have been a landfill site and contain Hazardous materials or gases such as methane. Are there any Buried or Hazardous Materials? Are there any voids in these areas?
Is there any contaminated ground? If the site has been previously used for an industrial process it may well be contaminated and give rise to health risks. Examples of possible contaminants are acids, alkalis, metals, solvents, gases, asbestos, micro organisms, and toxic, flammable and/or explosive substances. Such areas may have to be cleared and full details of the nature, extent and level of such contamination must be entered in the Safety Plan in order that contractors may assess the risks to health and the precautions that may be necessary.
What is the Soil Type? What effect may the soil type have on the proposed work from a health and safety point of view? Soil types are: Clay, Sand, Chalk and Rock
Is there ground water present? What effect will any Water Table have on the proposed works? Any ground likely to be unstable during excavation should be identified and attention drawn to excavation support and de-watering that may be required.
Relevant Legislation