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 further expensive 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.

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.

Last year 100s of square metres of existing surfaces would have been replaced due to unnecessary damage caused by grabs and mini excavators.

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

For any queries or problems, please contact your immediate supervisor / manager in the first instance

DO HIGHWAYS THE RIGHTWAYS