Do winter months impact Vacuum & Suction Excavation Works?

It’s been a consistently cold winter in the UK with temperatures regularly plummeting below freezing, this has got us thinking that many people probably don’t know about the capabilities or limitations vacuum excavation machinery has during these colder winter months. We’ll give you the lowdown on this type of excavation during these freezing temperatures.

Is it more dangerous to excavate during Winter?

Simply put, yes it can be more dangerous to carry out excavations work during winter months due to frozen ground, poor visibility, and adverse weather. These conditions add the potential for increased risk to workforces, with more accidents occurring and personnel out of action. To negate these risks it is necessary to carry out additional planning and continue to enforce strict compliance with safety protocols to ensure workforce safety and positive project outcomes. Traditional methods of excavation (digging by hand) feel this strain the most during the colder months as freezing ground conditions make the process harder, making it more difficult to safely expose known and unknown utilities and increases the risk of slips and falls.

Do Vacuum Excavators work during Winter?

Vacuum Excavators are extremely capable and are designed to operate efficiently in temperatures as low as minus 40-degrees F (minus 25.5-degrees C). This means that they can continue to operate all winter long throughout the UK without issue making excavating in cold temperatures safer for both workforces and utilities. Regular maintenance and the use of winter-specific lubricants ensures that these machines continue to operate at optimal performance, and don’t feel the strain of the more challenging conditions.

What else should you consider when excavating in Winter?

Site preparation

Adverse weather conditions may mean that additional site preparation is required. For example in the presence of heavy snow access should be cleared to ensure visibility and safety. In foggy conditions extra precautions should be considered such as increased lighting, high-visibility clothing, enhanced communication between team members and slow down operations.

Appropriate PPE

To ensure the safety of everyone on site it is vital that the correct PPE is provided and strict compliance is met. Workers on site should be equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including thermal, high-visibility clothing and insulated gloves. Where ground conditions are icy it could be necessary to ensure areas are well gritted and anti-slip boots are worn.

Take extra care

It is scientifically proven that cold weather makes it more difficult to focus as your body uses more energy to maintain its core temperature, which can lead to decreased cognitive function and reduced attention span. That is why it’s vital to take extra care on site and allow yourself the correct amount of time to complete the task at hand.

Weather appropriate kit

Workforces should be equipped with a winter emergency survival kit (extra hats, gloves, warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, and batteries) to ensure they are prepared for all eventualities.

Plenty of hot drinks!

Hot drinks in cold weather makes everything better! They provide a significant benefit by helping to rapidly warm the body core, reducing shivering, and aiding in maintaining a stable internal temperature by providing an immediate heat when consumed. So basically, why argue with science?

Back to the original question of ‘Do winter months impact Vacuum / Suction Excavation?’ The answer to this would be UK winter months do not impact the ability to carry out safe and effective Vacuum / suction excavation work.

Operated Vac-Ex Hire 365 days a year

At John Mee Vac-Ex Hire you’ll find our elite operators working at all times of the year in many different difficult conditions. They are able to carry out this work to the same high standard in winter conditions because we prepare them with the right equipment and PPE to work safely and provide them with highly accredited training. Our operators safety comes first, meticulous planning and strict compliance ensures that.
Do you need a company that works in sensitive areas and sectors 24/7, 365 days a year? We have a proven track record of working in Nuclear, Airports, Sub-Stations, Power Stations, Petrochemical, MOD and other specialist areas.

John Mee Vac-Ex Hire pairs the most elite and best accredited excavator operators with the best vacuum excavators so that our clients know they are in trusted hands. Responsible for over 1 million hours of strike free excavation work, frozen ground conditions aren’t a problem for our experienced team.

For 24/7 National Hire please call: 01302 713 646

formed Editor at Vac-Ex

We have been in the business for more than 30 years and service customers across Lincolnshire and beyond.