Hazard Advisory:

Ready-Mix Trucks

Subject:

READY-MIX CONCRETE TRUCKS NEAR HOUSING EXCAVATIONS

Reference:

Construction Regulation, O. Reg. 213/91, Section 233

Problem:

Ready-mix trucks backing up to corners of housing excavations to pour concrete may

a) cause soil collapse and cave-ins that could injure workers installing or removing formwork or backfilling foundation walls;

b) strike workers with the extended concrete pouring chute;

c) back over workers standing on the embankment as the truck is reversing.

Solutions:

• Keep a level area free of equipment, spoil, and material at least one metre back from the edge of the excavation to allow a clear view and facilitate worker access and movement in the pouring area.
• Know the soil class or type and slope the walls of excavations accordingly so they will not collapse or cave in under the weight of excavated material or the weight and vibration of equipment, including concrete trucks.
• Ensure that any backfill in the area where the ready-mix truck will back up has been adequately levelled and compacted before the truck approaches the excavation.
• Don't let excess soil pile up beside excavations. Remove to another area for use as fill later.
• Ensure that excavations conform to support and other requirements spelled out in O. Reg. 213/91, Sections 222-242.
• Use a signaller to help the ready-mix truck back up when the driver's view is obstructed or where workers either in or out of the excavation may be endangered. The signaller must be competent, stand in full view of the driver, have a clear view of the truck's path of travel, and use prearranged signals with the driver.
• Remember--an excavation can become a trench once the forms for foundation walls are up. That is, the excavated area that was wider than it was deep can become deeper than it is wide. This may call for more worker protection.
• Establish and enforce procedures covering all of these points to prevent workers from being injured or killed by ready-mix trucks backing up to excavations on homebuilding sites.

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