Give the gift of safe excavation with vacuum excavation

Although the technology has existed for several decades, vacuum excavation has been refined to have wider and more efficient applications throughout construction in more recent times. With Christmas just weeks away, we think that one of the best gifts you can give is the gift of safe excavation.

Safety should always be the number 1 priority when it comes to an excavation project, be that the safety of personnel or the safety of the wider community where the excavation is taking place. Despite this, we still see stories of trench collapses and utility strikes and the saddening ramifications that follow. As the leading vacuum excavation hire company in the UK, this is both frustrating and heart breaking to see when we know there is a safer and more predictable way to excavate, utilising the latest vac ex technology.

How is vacuum excavation safer?

Reduced risk of utility strikes

Utility strikes are a very real concern when carrying out any excavation works, and with that is a danger to life. This can be the case whether you’re navigating lots of known services or in the presence of unknown or unclear services. With the GPR on average only identifying 40% of services, the risk is simply not worth it. Injuries sustained from such strikes can range from minor to life-altering or even fatal and can include:

• Electrical shock: Can cause severe burns to the face, hands, and body, even with protective clothing
• Electrical arcs: Can cause explosions and temperatures of up to 20,000 °C
• Inhaling hot gases: Can cause intoxication
• Hearing damage: Can occur from a utility strike
• Eye damage: Can occur from a utility strike
• Blindness: Can occur from the ultraviolet flash of a utility strike
• Gas leaks: Can lead to explosions and fires
• Water and sewer damage: Can lead to flooding, structural damage, and environmental contamination
• Exposure to raw sewage: Can endanger worker health and lead to ground collapse
• Pipeline damage: Can lead to fire, explosion, poisoning, and asphyxiation

As you can see, this is something that needs to be taken very seriously! The non-disruptive nature of vacuum excavation reduces this risk, and with a professional and accredited operator like John Mee Vac-Ex Hire, this risk is reduced even further—we’re proud of our record of over 1 million working hours with zero strikes!

Remote control

The latest vac ex machinery allows for operators to control the process remotely, keeping them at a safe distance from physical hazards. This is particularly beneficial on sites with access issues or challenging terrain. This innovation significantly enhances overall job site safety and complies with the highest UK safety standards.

Far less intensive

Traditional methods of excavation require manual digging and lots of it. This type of manual labour can result in inactive personnel, off sick with a range of injuries from poor form, heavy lifting, and overexertion.

Less heavy machinery on site

Heavy machinery accounts for a number of injuries and health and safety issues on site; due to less reliance on it when replaced with vacuum excavation machinery, the site will be safer for personnel.

Less hazardous

Vacuum/suction excavator units are incredibly efficient, capturing all the materials inside sealed skips, ensuring a safe and clean working environment for the workers on site.

Smaller excavation area

Due to the excellent precision of vacuum excavators, the excavation site can be reduced by up to a third in comparison with traditional methods. When working on-site, such as on roadsides and highways, a third might not sound like a lot, but it can make a huge difference to the impact on the wider site and off-site environment.

Minimal dust and debris

As vacuum excavators suction all spoil and dust away immediately and contain them within the vacuum excavator, there is less risk of contamination to surface water or drains or inhalation.

Give the gift of safe excavation in 2025 with vacuum excavation

As we look towards 2025, John Mee Vac-Ex Hire remains committed to not only providing first class vax ex hire, but educating the industry about the benefits of vacuum excavation to make excavation projects safer, more productive and more predictable.

We’re ending the year with over 1 million working hours with zero strikes, the most elite and accredited operators in the UK and an accomplished team with decades of experience offering expert advice.

Call John Mee Vac-Ex Hire for 24/7 operated hire on 01302 713 752.

The whole team at John Mee Vac-Ex Hire wishes you and yours a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

formed Editor at Vac-Ex

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