Tag: channel construction

Environmental Consideration for Channel Construction in Urban/Sub Urban Areas

when starting  channel construction in urban areas, adequate environmental consideration and proper preventive measures will be taken for noise, vibration, air and water including  groundwater pollution. Maintaining the existing groundwater level is also an important factor for the environmental consideration.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has to be carried out for the sub urban area that there is possibility of moderate or minor impacts to the following items:

1. Traffic congestion during the construction works
2. Waste disposal during the construction
3. Noise and vibration caused by construction works
4. Air pollution and dust during construction

The impacts related to traffic congestion would be minimized by identification of roads to be used for the material and equipment transport, type of vehicle and required traffic control measures. A traffic survey has to be carried out and the  further recommendations arising from this study would be incorporated as construction procedure to ensure the adherence to such recommendations. Notification of construction plans in advance to other road users and residents in the area will be necessitated. Impacts on roads and bridges due to transport of materials and trans-location of equipment must be mitigated by drawing up a equipment mobilization plan taking into account the condition of the bridges and culvert on which the machinery has to travel.

Regarding waste disposal, adequate stipulations would be incorporated into construction procedure to ensure safe transport of disposal material without causing inconvenience to public. Impacts of spill over of residue materials on roads would be mitigated by transporting material in dump trucks without overloading them but with a cover. Dumping of disposal material into water bodies need to be totally eliminated. For disposal of deleterious matter, such as dredge material from canals, permission has to obtained from the Central Environmental Authority considering method and sites of disposal. The sediment quality of the canals also need to be determined.

The Construction managers need to aware regarding  construction methodology  about type of equipment to be used so that noise and vibration could be minimized to acceptable levels. However, the adherence to the noise and vibration standards provided by the National Environmental Act (considering noise levels and night operations permitted in residential areas) would be a requirement

Use of well-maintained vehicles and speed control, use of water spray in dusty work sites, covering of material during transport, etc., will be adopted to minimize air pollution and dust.

How to do a Channel Excavation if hard rock found. This method statements gives details for Rock Blasting…

6.0 Safety plan

6.1 Safety Management Action Plan
In order to minimize the occurrence of site accident, the provision of a safe working environment for workers to work is essential. In addition to the above, the following safety precaution must also be implemented in achieving the minimization of site accidents while roadway excavation.

6.2 Personnel Protective Equipment
All rock blasting work would be carried out in accordance with the safety plan and in addition the following procedure would be adapted if it within ROW.

6.3 Safety & Environment
In order to minimize the occurrence of site accident, the provision of a safe working environment for workers to work is essential.  Our company endeavors to make a zero accident record in each site.  In addition to the above, the following safety precaution must also be implemented in achieving the minimization of site accidents.

6.4 General Safety Control

• All new staff should receive Safety Induction conducted by the Safety Officer prior to start any work.
• Traffic Control Training would be conducted to all signalmen in accordance with EMAP.
• Regular safety induction courses and toolbox talks are arranged on site for operative and supervisory staffs and in particular for those new workers.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety boots and helmets would be provided with workers.  In addition, adequate PPE (e.g. ear and eye protectors) would also be available for construction works as required.
• All machinery would be examined and certified by a competent examiner before the operations.
• Barricades with warning signs would be established all around the excavated area.
• All tools, plant, equipment and temporary facilities and all other items use to carry out the work should be in a safe, sound and good condition.
• Alcoholic drinks and other substances, which may impair judgment, must be prohibited from the Site.
• Material should not be stacked on the external scaffolding.

7.0 Rock Blasting

• Crack survey would be conducted in the nearest houses within 50meters prior to blasting.
• Two blasting signs would be erected at both ends of the road “ROCK BLASTING IN PROGRESS” prior to blasting.
• More than 4 signalmen would be deployed at both ends of the road, all sub-roads foot paths etc.
• Leaflets would be distributed prior to blasting as an awareness of rock blasting.
• Controlled rock blasting would be carried out using sufficient cover of soil, iron plates, sand bags etc.,
• A siren would be alarmed in order to warn the public and on coming vehicles.
• Four barricade boards would be placed on both ends of the road to close the area prior to blasting.
• Demolished debris would be removed prior to charging and clear the surface.
• All workers and signalmen would be conducted with rock blasting awareness course.
• Blasting would be carried out by the Mining Engineer in accordance with the GSMB regulations.
• Safety Officer would announce the massage of blasting prior to ignite the detonators.

8.0 Traffic Safety

All traffic safety arrangements shall be implemented as specified in the “Works in Manholes, etc. in Urban Areas”, in accordance with Manual on Traffic Control Devices – Part II Traffic Control Devices for Road Works published by the National Safety Secretariat – Ministry of Highways.

9.0 Environmental Precaution

Strict environmental compliance will be implemented with regard to disposal of any demolished derbies.  The debris in question shall be transported and dump in the disposal areas as specified by contractual specification. Every effort would be made to ensure no environmental pollution complaints from residents of this area with regard to air & water pollution.