What to Do if Your Excavator Hits a Gas Line Near Seattle

Excavation projects near Seattle involve digging. The most efficient way to do this is via an excavator with an attachment like a breaker. Unfortunately, with digging comes the risk of hitting a gas line. This can lead to a hazardous situation. How should you respond in the event of a ruptured underground pipe?

Rupturing a Pipeline Is Hazardous

Even with optimal preparation and land surveying, mishaps like rupturing a gas line can occur. In St. Cloud, MN, in 1998, a construction team hit a gas line that resulted in a huge fire. 15 people were injured and three buildings incurred fire damage. This all stemmed from a small cut in a plastic gas line while crew members were drilling a hole.

Steps to Take if You Hit a Gas Line

Upon realizing you hit a gas line, notify the supervisor immediately. The supervisor or other senior member should instruct everyone to remove all ignitable objects from the premises. This includes shutting off all engines and electric machinery. Anything that can create a spark can cause an explosion if there’s enough gas in the air. Next, call 911 or local emergency services.

Additional Actions to Take

Don’t fill a borehole where the pipe was ruptured
Don’t backfill an excavation where the exposed pipe was damaged
Don’t attempt to repair the pipe
Don’t attempt to extinguish any fires that result from the leaking gas

Before starting excavation work, call 811 to mark nearby utility locations.

Hitting a Gas Line Near Seattle Is a Serious Matter

When you put our excavators to use, please be aware of the location and depth of all underground pipelines. When you’re ready to start a contracted project, contact Active Excavator Rentals and learn about us. Hitting a gas line is a serious safety liability.

Take Action After Hitting a Gas Line Near Seattle

Serving Monroe, Anacortes, Arlington, Bellingham, Bothell, Burlington, Mt. Vernon, Stanwood, Sedro-Woolley, Marysville, Granite Falls, Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Snohomish, Lynnwood, Woodinville, Mountlake Terrace, Mill Creek, Shoreline, Seattle, Redmond, Woodinville, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Renton, Kent, Des Moines, Fife, Tacoma, Milton, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Auburn, Covington, Maple Valley, Burien, Tukwila, Olympia, Lakewood, Lacey, Kenmore

Posted on September 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Construction Site Storm Readiness Near Bothell: Prep the Work Zone for Harsh Weather

Fall is almost here, meaning rough weather elements is not far off. With autumn comes potential storms. This makes storm readiness crucial for your construction site if you have projects scheduled for this time of year. Here are some ways to prepare your team for harsh weather in their designated work zones.

Have a Backup Generator

Harsh weather is the number one cause of power outages. If you lose power, you won’t be able to use your lights or charge your equipment. This grinds work to a halt. This is why it’s important to always keep a backup generator that can provide the same level of power at a minute’s notice. The generator should have the necessities, such as additional fuel tanks and distribution boxes. Some towable lights come with their own built-in generators.

Commercial Pumps

Pumps are critical for moving water and removing sediment. An industrial-grade pump keeps flooding at bay during heavy rainstorms. A good commercial pump should have drainage pumps and dewatering pumps.

Excavators and other equipment can wear prematurely if exposed to water for prolonged periods. The same goes for the attachments like the breakers and packs. The equipment and machinery become vulnerable to developing rust.

Heaters

Heavy physical labor under cold and windy conditions can wear on the body and mind. Keeping an onsite heater keeps everyone warm and improves overall work conditions. Heaters also help maintain moisture in the air, which can keep poured concrete from prematurely drying.

Storm Readiness at Your Construction Site Is Essential Near Bothell

With fall approaching, the weather will soon cool down. This may mean formidable weather that can impact worksite operations. This makes storm readiness all the more important. Contact Active Excavator Rentals if you need an excavator for an impending project. Learn more about us and how we serve contractors all over Bothell.

Excavator Care Through Storm Readiness Near Bothell

Posted on August 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

A Primer on Construction Daily Reports Near Tacoma

Construction work near Tacoma isn’t just about the physical grind of operating heavy machinery. There’s just as much to do on the logistical front. One task you need to do at the end of a hard work day is to fill out a construction daily report. Here is how you complete this type of report in as much relevant detail as possible.

What Is a Construction Daily Report Near Tacoma?

The construction site supervisor sends a construction daily report to the headquarters when work concludes for the day. It includes a summary of the day’s performance. Often, this will include information like:

all finished work
obstructions to work progress, such as equipment troubles or rough weather
injuries or other hazardous incidents
equipment and tools that incurred damage and will require repairs

Sections to Include

In this day and age, daily reports are done digitally using report filing software and are submitted either through email or a cloud network. With modern software, you can easily create a suitable report using a number of pre-existing report templates.

A construction report should have these sections:

Formal cover page with the construction project name, location, and date
A paragraph-long summary describing the work (e.g. excavation, demolition)
Daily attendance sheet and the role of each crew member
equipment list, including vehicles and their attachments. Input the number of hours or minutes each equipment was used on that day.

Need an Excavator?

Learn about us and our expansive inventory. Contact Active Excavator Rentals for questions about our equipment for rent. Even with rented construction vehicles, be sure to log in their use in your construction daily report.

Construction Daily Report Near Tacoma

Posted on July 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Guidelines for Using an Excavator Around Water Near Maple Valley

Some construction sites may be located near a water source. This presents a bit of a risk factor because excavators and water don’t exactly mix. Excavators and attachments like breakers and packs do have the ability to work partially in the water. However, this requires extra attention to detail from the operator.

Excavator Maintenance

Getting the excavator ready is crucial. The metal components are especially prone to rust when exposed to water for prolonged periods. To offset the damage, be sure to regularly apply lubrication to areas like the joints, links, and stick pins. Oil provides a protective barrier.

We recommend lithium grease, which is great at withstanding both fresh and saltwater conditions even when fully submerged. If you know the excavator is going to be subjected to water, then apply grease twice a day. If the excavator is going to be in use for the majority of the time, then we suggest applying grease every hour.

If you hear grinding noise coming from the attachment, this is a sign that the joints and pins are drying out and due for fresh oiling.

Undercarriage Protection

The undercarriage also consists of metal parts and may also be exposed to pools of water. A good solution is applying thixotropic spray. This is the same solution used to protect metal parts in ships and offshore rigs. The liquid penetrates metal surfaces and prevents rust.

Be Mindful of Excavators and Water Near Maple Valley

At Active Excavator Rentals, we ensure our excavators are fit for use around water. However, you must take precautionary measures to offset wear. Excavators and water present an additional concern, but modern construction vehicles are generally fit for use near aquatic environments. Learn more about us and our line of excavators and attachments for rent.

Excavators and Water Operation Basics Near Maple Valley

Posted on June 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Summer Excavator Maintenance in Auburn: Keep Your Equipment Running Under High Temperatures

Engine overheating is common in residential vehicles during the summer. The same goes for construction equipment; the excavator is no exception. Summer excavator maintenance is important for ensuring continued operability and avoiding downtime. Check Fluid Levels Coolant and hydraulic fluids are extremely important during the summer. The coolant expansion reservoir should always be full. This prevents too much air from entering the cooling system. Finally, check the coolant fill location; some bear the label

Cars commonly overheat during the summer months. The same goes for construction machinery, including excavators and their attachments. This is why summer excavator maintenance is essential for ensuring smooth operation under sunny weather.

Check Fluid Levels

Coolant and hydraulic fluids are really essential in the peak of summer. The coolant reservoir should always be near the full line. This keeps excess air from getting into the coolant system. You should also have a look at the coolant fill location. Some may contain the label “Newer OAT.” The OAT is an acronym for organic acid technology and is a coolant variation in newer excavators.

Add Antifreeze

A good hack is to add anti-freeze. This actually isn’t limited to winter use. The anti-freeze prevents the water in the excavator from overheating. If you go this route, just use a single mixture. Don’t mix different brands as this may erode the cooling system.

Lubricate Frequently

Oil becomes less dense under high temperatures. When oil becomes too watery, it loses its ability to lubricate the metal parts. Oil the hinges and joint assemblies in the attachment. Use oil with high heat resistance properties.

Clear Debris

Newer excavators have an auto-reverse fan. This blows out debris that accumulates around the radiator and cooling package. Operators should also inspect the excavator’s hood inlet and outlet pipes and remove obstructions as needed.

Remote Monitoring

Many contemporary construction vehicles have telematics, enabling crew members to inspect equipment health remotely. With this technology, you can check the engine temperature and other parts for signs of wear.

Don't Eschew Summer Excavator Maintenance in Auburn

Contact Active Excavator Rentals if you have a project lined up that requires an excavator. Learn about who we are and how we have served contractors all over Auburn. Make summer excavator maintenance a priority to prevent downtime.

Summer Excavator Maintenance in Auburn

Posted on May 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Best Practices for Evening Construction Work Near Shoreline

evening construction work, night construction, construction best practice

More construction companies are extending their hours to include some work in the early evening. This has its benefits. For starters, it’s less disruption to motorists and pedestrians. The weather is also cooler, making working conditions more bearable for crew members, especially during summer. Here are some best practices for maximizing evening construction work and ensuring a safe environment.

Visibility Is Key

Once the sun sets, natural light also gradually decreases. You’ll need to have light fixtures on hand. According to the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the lighting should provide a minimum illumination of 108 lux. This is especially true if there are excavators and other heavy machinery in use.

The positioning of the light fixtures is also important. The light should never be pointed directly at roads or private property.

Wear Reflective Clothing

Once evening arrives, all workers on deck should wear reflective vests. According to the Federal Highway Administration, crew members should wear class 2 apparel. This is the bare minimum, and workers are recommended to have on class 3 apparel. This includes reflective jackets and trousers that cover you from the neck down.

Plan for Noise Control

Noise control is more of a courtesy issue. You definitely need to have measures in place if the worksite is near a residential area. Use noise barriers to keep sound from reverberating. These days, there are advanced acoustical enclosures that completely enclose the work area. If using an excavator, there are mufflers that reduce the sound and vibration of breakers and attachments.

Boost Productivity with Evening Construction Work Near Shoreline

Evening construction work ensures you meet project deadlines. You can also count on Active Excavator Rentals to acquire the equipment you need for your upcoming projects. Remember to follow safety practices when conducting nighttime construction activities.

Evening Construction Work Near Shoreline

Posted on April 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Common Causes of Excavator Breakdown Near Redmond

An excavator breakdown during a construction project can spell major trouble. It leads to downtime and delays. What causes excavators to malfunction and what can you do to minimize vehicle and equipment troubles?

Contaminated Hydraulic Oil

Stale hydraulic oil is a primary factor in a breakdown. The oil lubricates the dozens of metallic moving parts and enables the movement of hydraulic components. Exposure to dirt and other contaminants can cause the oil to thicken and lose its ability to lubricate. Over time, this can lead to the deterioration of attachments like the breaker and hoe pack.

Periodically inspect the oil. Do this by removing the engine cover and examining the dipstick from the fluid reservoir. If the oil appears sludge-like, or you can see solid particles in the oil, then the excavator is due for fresh hydraulic oil.

Undercarriage Contamination

Excavators often operate on dirt surfaces. This leaves the undercarriage vulnerable to small rocks, gravel, and other debris. The debris can become lodged in the idlers, rollers, or sprockets, leading to accelerated wear. This may cause the wheels or tracks to lock up.

Offset undercarriage contamination by washing the undercarriage when you’re done using the excavator for the day. Use a pressure washer to loosen debris trapped in the nook and crannies. If you don’t have a pressure washer, get under the carriage and manually scrub the components with a hard brush.

We Minimize Excavator Breakdown Near Redmond

At Active Excavator Rentals, we inspect our excavators before releasing them for rent. However, renters still need to care for the equipment while it’s under their possession. Learn about us and our expansive inventory. With the proper maintenance, you can keep excavator breakdown from happening at the most inopportune moment.

Excavator Breakdown Prevention Near Redmond

Posted on March 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

How to Maintain an Excavator Undercarriage Near Woodinville

As an excavator rental service, we carefully maintain our rental units before releasing them to the client. Even so, contractors still need to take active measures to care for the vehicle while it’s under their possession. This includes excavator undercarriage maintenance. Learn how to care for this integral part of the machine.

Keep the Undercarriage Clean

Clean the undercarriage after each workday. Use a shovel and/or a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime. Dirt can lead to premature wear, especially during the cold season. The dirt can freeze, causing the bolts, rollers, and other joints to lock in place.

Check the Undercarriage

Perform a visual inspection of the undercarriage at the start of each day. Carefully examine components like the rollers, drive sprockets, and track tension. We inspect these parts before renting them out. However, these parts are still subject to wear especially under harsh working conditions.

Follow Best Operating Practices

Improper maneuvering can accelerate undercarriage wear. Follow these operational guidelines.

Minimize sharp turns when possible
Minimize time on slopes. If you must spend long periods on a hill or incline, verify the drive motor is facing the rear of the machine.
Select the right number of grousers. More grousers improve the track's traction and contact with the floor, thereby minimizing vibration and stress on the undercarriage.

Use the Right Track Tension

Is the track tension suitable for the surface condition? As a rule of thumb, the tracks should be slightly loose when working in muddy conditions. With steel tracks, the tracks should be neither too tight nor loose. Otherwise, you increase the risk of the tracks slipping.

Don't Ignore Excavator Undercarriage Maintenance Near Woodinville

At Active Excavator Rentals, we maintain our excavators and breakers and hoe packs. Even so, operators still need to perform basic care for all of the equipment under their care. Learn about us and our inventory. We follow industry guidelines regarding excavator undercarriage maintenance.

Excavator Undercarriage Maintenance Near Woodinville

Posted on February 25, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Why Excavator Operator Training Is Important Near Burien

Sufficient excavator operator training is critical for on-site safety. Furthermore, proper training helps the company save money indirectly. Learn how operator competency cuts down on overhead spending.

Reduce Fuel

Cutting down fuel use is one of the primary ways to reduce spending. New operators tend to use the highest excavator settings, even when the task doesn’t require that level of output. In fact, average operators typically use a setting that’s 200 to 400 RPM higher than needed. Be sure operators know to use the lowest setting necessary to get the job done. Modern breakers and hoe packs as well as other attachments are designed for efficiency and don’t require that much RPM.

Most modern excavators also have fuel-reducing technology, such as auto engine shutdown and auto idle. Do the operators know how and when to use these features, or are they even aware of them? Continue Reading �'

Steel Vs Rubber Excavator Tracks Near Covington: Which Is Better?

There is a multitude of factors to consider when renting an excavator. This includes variables like attachments and swing options. Another factor is the type of excavator tracks, in which you have between steel and rubber tracks to select from. Which of the two is better?

Steel Track Pros and Cons

Steel tracks are way more durable and hold up better under rigorous conditions. This is definitely so when working on hard and sharp surfaces. Steel is also more resistant to chemical exposure.

Steel also provides superior traction on muddy floors. The tracks have a firmer "bite" that enables them to grip onto loose surfaces. Rubber tracks, on the other hand, are susceptible to spinning when moving over muddy and wet terrain. Steel is also slacker than rubber, enabling it to expel gravel and other debris. Continue Reading �'