Damage To Existing Surfaces

Damage caused to existing surfaces by grab buckets and mini excavator blades can become a serious financial and performance issue. To prevent potential remedial works the following action should be undertaken when operating grab or mini excavators on the public highway.

1. A blade protection system or an old cone base, old tyre or other protection should be placed under the blade of the mini excavator to prevent blade damage while in use. This should be moved along the works as the machine moves.
2.  Where possible raise the blade when not in use, it is not required to stabilise the machine.
3.  Use Excavation Spoil plates / mats to protect the existing surface prior to excavation where appropriate.
4. Excavation gangs should facilitate spoil collection by separating top surface and large stones / tarmac sections and other sizable items such as kerb stones from the granular spoil. The top surfaces should not be on the bottom of the spoil heap as this causes damage when grabbed.
5. A banksman must be aware of pedestrians etc. whilst the grab is in operation. This banksman should also ensure that the blades of the clam bucket DO NOT make direct contact with the footpath/ carriageway surface at any time.
6. Dust and residue which cannot be collected by the bucket, without contact with the surface must be swept and shovelled onto the grab NOT grabbed by the bucket.

1. Every case should be taken in an individual assessment basis.

2. Deep gouges (in excess of 10- 15mm) should be considered for remedial works as should those on newly resurfaced c/w & f/w.

3. Surface grazes where the bucket or other plant has just grazed the surface causing a white line should be left to weather over a period of 7-28 days or brushed and cleaned before a further assessment is made.

HAUC(UK) thanks Morrison Water Services in their help in the creation of this guidance.

IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR FOR FURTHER ADVICE

DO HIGHWAYS THE RIGHTWAYS