Meeting OSHA Regulations During Excavation Projects

Meeting OSHA Regulations During Excavation Projects

* Long-Term Performance and Maintenance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Foundations

Identifying Potential Excavation Hazards in Foundation Repair


Okay, so you're digging around a foundation, right? House settling can cause visible cracks that require immediate repair professional slab foundation repair service power tool. That's already a recipe for things getting tricky. OSHA's got rules about excavation for a reason, and when you're dealing with foundation repair, identifying potential hazards *before* you even break ground is absolutely critical. Think of it like this: your foundation is the backbone of the house, and you're messing with the ground around it. You need to know what's lurking down there.

First, there's the obvious stuff: utilities. Gas lines, water pipes, electrical conduits – hitting any of those is a major problem, from a safety standpoint and a cost standpoint. Before you even think about excavating, you've gotta call 811. They'll mark the locations of underground utilities, so you know where to steer clear. Don't just assume they're where you think they should be. Trust me, surprises underground are rarely good.

Then, think about the soil itself. Is it stable? Is it sandy and likely to collapse? Are you digging near existing structures that could be undermined? Soil type is a huge factor in determining what kind of shoring or sloping you'll need to prevent cave-ins. Cave-ins are the biggest killer in excavation work, so you need to take soil analysis seriously. A competent person (someone trained and qualified) needs to be on site to inspect the excavation and make sure it's safe.

Beyond utilities and soil, consider the environment. Is there heavy equipment operating nearby? Are there overhead power lines? Are you working in an area with a lot of pedestrian traffic? All of these are potential hazards that need to be addressed. You might need to put up barriers, reroute traffic, or implement specific safety procedures to protect workers and the public.

Finally, don't forget about the foundation itself. Is it already damaged? Is it unstable? Digging around a compromised foundation can make things even worse, potentially leading to collapse. You might need to provide additional support to the foundation before you even start excavating.

Basically, identifying potential hazards in foundation repair excavations is all about being thorough and thinking ahead. It's about asking "what could go wrong?" and then taking steps to prevent it. It's not just about following the rules; it's about keeping everyone safe.

Safe Excavation Practices: Soil Testing and Protective Systems


Okay, so you're digging a hole, right? Sounds simple, but OSHA's got thoughts, and those thoughts are basically about keeping you alive. We're talking about excavation projects, and that means potentially dangerous situations. The first thing is understanding what kind of dirt you're dealing with. Soil testing isn't just some academic exercise; it tells you how likely that wall of earth is to come crashing down on your head. Is it solid rock? Great. Is it something resembling damp sugar? Not so great. You need to know, and that's where soil testing comes in.

Then comes the fun part: protective systems. Think of these as your safety net, or maybe a very sturdy shield against tons of collapsing earth. We're talking about shoring, sloping, and shielding. Shoring is like building a fortress inside the excavation, using timbers or metal supports to hold the walls back. Sloping involves cutting the sides of the excavation at an angle, so gravity is less likely to cause a collapse. Shielding, or trench boxes, are essentially giant metal boxes you put in the trench to protect workers inside.

Choosing the right system isn't a guessing game. OSHA has rules, and you need to follow them. They're not just being annoying; they're based on years of experience and, unfortunately, accidents. Meeting these regulations isn't just about avoiding fines (though that's a nice bonus). It's about making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. It's about respecting the power of the earth and taking the necessary precautions to work safely within it. Ignoring OSHA on an excavation project? You're not just rolling the dice; you're betting lives. And that's a bet nobody should be willing to make.

Competent Person Requirements and Responsibilities


Okay, so you're digging a hole, right? No big deal, maybe for a new fence or something. But OSHA, they're all about making sure that hole doesn't turn into a disaster. And a big part of that is having a "Competent Person" on site. Think of them as your excavation safety guru.

This Competent Person, they're not just some random dude with a hard hat. They've got to have the training, the knowledge, and the experience to spot potential hazards in and around the excavation. We're talking things like unstable soil, underground utilities (nobody wants to hit a gas line!), hazardous atmospheres, and even just the right way to shore up the sides so the whole thing doesn't collapse.

Their responsibilities are pretty serious. They're the ones who inspect the excavation daily, or even more often if conditions change. They're looking for anything that could compromise safety. Found a crack in the soil that wasn't there yesterday? That's the Competent Person's job to notice it and figure out what to do. They have the authority to stop work if something's not right. Their decisions are about keeping people safe, period.

They also have to make sure protective systems, like trench boxes or sloping, are designed and installed correctly. And they're responsible for classifying the soil type, which is crucial for determining what kind of protection is even needed in the first place. It's not just guesswork; there are tests and procedures they need to know.

Basically, the Competent Person is the safety backbone of any excavation project that wants to stay on the right side of OSHA. They're there to identify, evaluate, and control hazards, making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. It's a critical role, and it's a big reason why OSHA puts so much emphasis on having a qualified individual in that position. So if you're digging, make sure you've got a competent person watching your back – and the sides of that hole!

Equipment Safety and Inspection Protocols


Okay, let's talk about keeping everyone safe when we're digging holes, and how OSHA wants us to do it. Excavation projects, even seemingly small ones, can be seriously dangerous if we don't follow the rules. We're talking cave-ins, utility strikes, falls – stuff nobody wants to deal with. That's where Equipment Safety and Inspection Protocols come in.

Think of it like this: before you even fire up that backhoe, you need a plan. Part of that plan is making sure all your equipment is up to snuff. Are the brakes working? Are the seatbelts intact? Are the warning lights bright and clear? We're talking about everything from the big excavators to the smaller power tools and even the ladders. Regular, documented inspections are key. It's not enough to just glance at it and say, "Yeah, looks good." We need checklists, records, and someone designated to be responsible for making sure this stuff actually happens.

And it's not just about the equipment itself. It's about how we *use* it. Is the operator properly trained and certified? Are we following safe operating procedures? Are we using the right equipment for the job? For example, you wouldn't use a garden shovel to dig a trench that's four feet deep, right? Common sense, but you'd be surprised.

Then there's the whole "utilities" thing. Before you dig *anything*, you *have* to call 811 (or your local one-call number). You absolutely *must* know where those underground pipes and cables are. Striking a gas line or a power cable isn't just inconvenient; it's potentially fatal. The equipment you use for locating these utilities needs to be properly maintained and the people using it need to know exactly what they're doing.

OSHA has specific regulations covering all of this – everything from shoring and sloping to atmospheric testing. But honestly, it boils down to this: take the time to assess the risks, make sure your equipment is safe and functioning, train your people properly, and follow the rules. It's not just about avoiding fines; it's about making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. Because at the end of the day, that's what really matters.

Trenching and Shoring Best Practices for Foundation Work


Okay, so you're digging a foundation, right? That's awesome, new building, new dreams. But hold on a sec – before you get too carried away, let's talk about keeping everyone safe, and by that, specifically, let's talk about trenching and shoring. OSHA doesn't mess around when it comes to excavations, and for good reason. A collapse in a trench can be absolutely devastating, even fatal. We're talking tons of soil here, and it happens faster than you can blink.

Think of it like this: you wouldn't drive a car without brakes, would you? Well, digging deep without proper trenching and shoring is just as risky. Best practices aren't just suggestions; they're the brakes on your excavation project.

What exactly are we talking about? Well, trenching is the actual digging, creating that narrow underground space. Shoring is the system you put in place to support the sides of the excavation, preventing them from collapsing. There are a few options here, like sloping or benching the sides, which means creating a gradual slope or steps to reduce the pressure. Or, you can use support systems like trench boxes, which are basically giant steel coffins that protect workers inside the trench. Sometimes, you'll use hydraulic shoring, which uses pressurized jacks to hold the walls in place. The best choice depends on the soil type, the depth of the excavation, and other site-specific factors.

Now, "best practices" aren't just about picking a system and hoping for the best. It starts with a competent person – someone who's trained and experienced in excavation safety – inspecting the trench daily, and ideally before each shift. They're looking for signs of instability: cracks in the soil, water seeping in, vibrations from nearby traffic. They're also making sure the shoring system is installed correctly and that workers are trained on how to use it safely.

Beyond just the physical elements, it's about communication, too. Everyone on the site needs to know the potential hazards and what to do in case of an emergency. Clear procedures need to be in place, and everyone needs to follow them. Ignoring a small crack or rushing the shoring process can have catastrophic consequences, so it's important to foster a culture of safety.

Meeting OSHA regulations isn't some optional extra; it's absolutely essential. It's not just about avoiding fines (though those can be hefty!), it's about protecting the lives of the people doing the hard work on your project. By implementing trenching and shoring best practices, you're creating a safe work environment, ensuring that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. And that's something worth investing in.

Emergency Procedures and Hazard Communication


Okay, let's talk about staying safe when digging holes – because that's essentially what excavation is, right? And OSHA, well, they're the folks making sure we don't turn those holes into, you know, accidental graves. So, when we're talking about meeting OSHA regulations during excavation projects, two big things pop up: Emergency Procedures and Hazard Communication.

Think about it: Excavation is inherently risky. You've got potential cave-ins, underground utilities, heavy machinery rumbling around, and all sorts of other hazards lurking. That's why having a solid plan for emergencies is absolutely critical. What happens if someone gets trapped in a trench? What's the protocol if we hit a gas line? Who's in charge of calling 911 and directing emergency services? These aren't questions you want to be scrambling to answer *after* something goes wrong. A well-defined emergency procedure, practiced and understood by everyone on site, can literally be the difference between life and death.

And then there's Hazard Communication, often shortened to "HazCom." This is all about making sure everyone knows what dangers are present on the job site. Are there unstable soil conditions? Are we working near power lines? Is there a risk of encountering hazardous materials underground? HazCom requires clear communication about these risks, typically through things like safety meetings, warning signs, and proper training. Think of it as keeping everyone in the loop so they can make informed decisions and avoid preventable accidents.

Ultimately, both Emergency Procedures and Hazard Communication are about being proactive. It's about anticipating potential problems and having a plan in place to deal with them. It's not just about ticking boxes to satisfy OSHA; it's about creating a culture of safety where everyone looks out for each other and goes home safe at the end of the day. Because at the end of the day, nobody wants to be a statistic. So, let's dig smart, dig safe, and make sure everyone knows the plan.

Compliance Documentation and Record Keeping


Okay, so you're digging a hole, right? Excavation. It's more than just dirt flying; it's a serious business, especially when OSHA gets involved. And OSHA *will* get involved because, well, digging holes can be surprisingly dangerous. That's where compliance documentation and record keeping come in. Think of it as your "CYA" file, but instead of covering your backside from a personal blunder, it's protecting your entire crew and your company from serious repercussions if something goes wrong – or, even better, preventing something from going wrong in the first place.

Basically, you need to prove you're playing by the rules. What rules? All the OSHA rules about excavation. That means having a competent person (someone who knows their stuff about soil types, shoring, sloping, and all that jazz) inspect the site daily, *before* work starts, and after any event that could mess with the excavation, like rain. And you can't just say they inspected it; you need to document it. Date, time, findings, any corrective actions taken – all written down.

Then there's the training. Did everyone on the crew get the proper training for the tasks they're doing? Proof, please. Training records, certifications, anything that shows they're not just winging it. Permits? Utility locates? Soil classification reports? All that goes in the file. And it's not just about collecting the documents, it's about keeping them organized and easily accessible. Imagine an OSHA inspector shows up and asks to see your shoring plan. You don't want to be scrambling through a pile of papers; you want to pull it out quickly and confidently.

Look, nobody *likes* paperwork. But in excavation, good compliance documentation and record keeping isn't just about avoiding fines; it's about creating a culture of safety. It forces you to think through the potential hazards, plan accordingly, and ensure everyone is on the same page. It's literally the difference between a safe, productive project and a potential disaster. So dig that hole, but also dig into those regulations and keep those records straight. Your crew, and your business, will thank you for it.



Facebook about us:

Residential Foundation Repair Services

Strong Foundations, Strong Homes


 

Code Violation: This fire-rated concrete block wall is penetrated by cable trays and electrical cables. The hole should be firestopped to restore the fire-resistance rating of the wall. Instead, it is filled with flammable polyurethane foam.

A building code (also building control or building regulations) is a set of rules that specify the standards for construction objects such as buildings and non-building structures. Buildings must conform to the code to obtain planning permission, usually from a local council. The main purpose of building codes is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures — for example, the building codes in many countries require engineers to consider the effects of soil liquefaction in the design of new buildings.[1] The building code becomes law of a particular jurisdiction when formally enacted by the appropriate governmental or private authority.[2]

Building codes are generally intended to be applied by architects, engineers, interior designers, constructors and regulators but are also used for various purposes by safety inspectors, environmental scientists, real estate developers, subcontractors, manufacturers of building products and materials, insurance companies, facility managers, tenants, and others. Codes regulate the design and construction of structures where adopted into law.

Examples of building codes began in ancient times.[3] In the USA the main codes are the International Building Code or International Residential Code [IBC/IRC], electrical codes and plumbing, mechanical codes. Fifty states and the District of Columbia have adopted the I-Codes at the state or jurisdictional level.[4] In Canada, national model codes are published by the National Research Council of Canada.[5] In the United Kingdom, compliance with Building Regulations is monitored by building control bodies, either Approved Inspectors or Local Authority Building Control departments. Building Control regularisation charges apply in case work is undertaken which should have had been inspected at the time of the work if this was not done.[6]

Types

[edit]

The practice of developing, approving, and enforcing building codes varies considerably among nations. In some countries building codes are developed by the government agencies or quasi-governmental standards organizations and then enforced across the country by the central government. Such codes are known as the national building codes (in a sense they enjoy a mandatory nationwide application).

In other countries, where the power of regulating construction and fire safety is vested in local authorities, a system of model building codes is used. Model building codes have no legal status unless adopted or adapted by an authority having jurisdiction. The developers of model codes urge public authorities to reference model codes in their laws, ordinances, regulations, and administrative orders. When referenced in any of these legal instruments, a particular model code becomes law. This practice is known as 'adoption by reference'. When an adopting authority decides to delete, add, or revise any portions of the model code adopted, it is usually required by the model code developer to follow a formal adoption procedure in which those modifications can be documented for legal purposes.

There are instances when some local jurisdictions choose to develop their own building codes. At some point in time all major cities in the United States had their own building codes. However, due to ever increasing complexity and cost of developing building regulations, virtually all municipalities in the country have chosen to adopt model codes instead. For example, in 2008 New York City abandoned its proprietary 1968 New York City Building Code in favor of a customized version of the International Building Code.[7] The City of Chicago remains the only municipality in America that continues to use a building code the city developed on its own as part of the Municipal Code of Chicago.

In Europe, the Eurocode: Basis of structural design, is a pan-European building code that has superseded the older national building codes. Each country now has National Annexes to localize the contents of the Eurocodes.

Similarly, in India, each municipality and urban development authority has its own building code, which is mandatory for all construction within their jurisdiction. All these local building codes are variants of a National Building Code,[8] which serves as model code proving guidelines for regulating building construction activity.

Scope

[edit]

The purpose of building codes is to provide minimum standards for safety, health, and general welfare including structural integrity, mechanical integrity (including sanitation, water supply, light, and ventilation), means of egress, fire prevention and control, and energy conservation.[9][10] Building codes generally include:

  • Standards for structure, placement, size, usage, wall assemblies, fenestration size/locations, egress rules, size/location of rooms, foundations, floor assemblies, roof structures/assemblies, energy efficiency, stairs and halls, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, site drainage & storage, appliance, lighting, fixtures standards, occupancy rules, and swimming pool regulations
  • Rules regarding parking and traffic impact
  • Fire code rules to minimize the risk of a fire and to ensure safe evacuation in the event of such an emergency[citation needed]
  • Requirements for earthquake (seismic code), hurricane, flood, and tsunami resistance, especially in disaster prone areas or for very large buildings where a failure would be catastrophic[citation needed]
  • Requirements for specific building uses (for example, storage of flammable substances, or housing a large number of people)
  • Energy provisions and consumption
  • Grandfather clauses: Unless the building is being renovated, the building code usually does not apply to existing buildings.
  • Specifications on components
  • Allowable installation methodologies
  • Minimum and maximum room ceiling heights, exit sizes and location
  • Qualification of individuals or corporations doing the work
  • For high structures, anti-collision markers for the benefit of aircraft

Building codes are generally separate from zoning ordinances, but exterior restrictions (such as setbacks) may fall into either category.

Designers use building code standards out of substantial reference books during design. Building departments review plans submitted to them before construction, issue permits [or not] and inspectors verify compliance to these standards at the site during construction.

There are often additional codes or sections of the same building code that have more specific requirements that apply to dwellings or places of business and special construction objects such as canopies, signs, pedestrian walkways, parking lots, and radio and television antennas.

Criticism

[edit]

Building codes have been criticized for contributing to housing crisis and increasing the cost of new housing to some extent, including through conflicting code between different administrators.[11] Proposed improvements include regular review and cost-benefit analysis of building codes,[12] promotion of low-cost construction materials and building codes suitable to mass production,[11] reducing bureaucracy, and promoting transparency.[13]

History

[edit]

Antiquity

[edit]

Building codes have a long history. The earliest known written building code is included in the Code of Hammurabi,[3] which dates from circa 1772 BC.

The book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Bible stipulated that parapets must be constructed on all houses to prevent people from falling off.[14]

In the Chinese book of rites it mentions that ancestral temples and houses should be a certain standard length in ancient China they measured land in the chu or well field system so it was important to be precise though most of the actual lengths are lost or obscure.[15][16]

In ancient Japan a certain official destroyed a courtiers house because the size was above his rank.[17]

Modern era

[edit]

France

[edit]

In Paris, under the reconstruction of much of the city under the Second Empire (1852–70), great blocks of apartments were erected[18] and the height of buildings was limited by law to five or six stories at most.

United Kingdom

[edit]

After the Great Fire of London in 1666, which had been able to spread so rapidly through the densely built timber housing of the city, the Rebuilding of London Act 1666 was passed in the same year as the first significant building regulation.[19] Drawn up by Sir Matthew Hale, the act regulated the rebuilding of the city, required housing to have some fire resistance capacity and authorised the City of London Corporation to reopen and widen roads.[20] The Laws of the Indies were passed in the 1680s by the Spanish Crown to regulate the urban planning for colonies throughout Spain's worldwide imperial possessions.

The first systematic national building standard was established with the Metropolitan Buildings Act 1844. Among the provisions, builders were required to give the district surveyor two days' notice before building, regulations regarding the thickness of walls, height of rooms, the materials used in repairs, the dividing of existing buildings and the placing and design of chimneys, fireplaces and drains were to be enforced and streets had to be built to minimum requirements.[21]

The Metropolitan Buildings Office was formed to regulate the construction and use of buildings throughout London. Surveyors were empowered to enforce building regulations, which sought to improve the standard of houses and business premises, and to regulate activities that might threaten public health. In 1855 the assets, powers and responsibilities of the office passed to the Metropolitan Board of Works.

United States

[edit]

The City of Baltimore passed its first building code in 1891.[22] The Great Baltimore Fire occurred in February 1904. Subsequent changes were made that matched other cities.[23] In 1904, a Handbook of the Baltimore City Building Laws was published. It served as the building code for four years. Very soon, a formal building code was drafted and eventually adopted in 1908.

The structural failure of the tank that caused the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 prompted the Boston Building Department to require engineering and architectural calculations be filed and signed. U.S. cities and states soon began requiring sign-off by registered professional engineers for the plans of major buildings.[24]

More recently, the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse has prompted updates to California's balcony building codes, set for 2025, which include stricter material requirements, enhanced load-bearing standards, and mandatory inspections which known as SB326 and SB721.[25]These laws mandate regular inspections every six years for multifamily buildings. Property owners and HOAs are required to address any structural or waterproofing issues identified during inspections to ensure compliance and safety. Failure to comply can result in fines, increased liability, and legal consequences. The updates aim to prevent tragedies like the Berkeley collapse, which was caused by dry rot and structural failure, by ensuring the long-term safety and durability of elevated structures.[26]

Energy codes
[edit]

The current energy codes[clarification needed] of the United States are adopted at the state and municipal levels and are based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Previously, they were based on the Model Energy Code (MEC). As of March 2017, the following residential codes have been partially or fully adopted by states:[27]

  • 2015 IECC or equivalent (California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington)
  • 2012 IECC or equivalent (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, Texas)
  • 2009 IECC or equivalent (Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin)
  • 2006 IECC or equivalent (Utah)
  • 2006 IECC or no statewide code (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming)

Australia

[edit]

Australia uses the National Construction Code.

See also

[edit]
  • Building officials
  • Construction law
  • Earthquake-resistant structures
  • Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
  • Outline of construction
  • Seismic code
  • Uniform Mechanical Code
  • Variance (land use) – permission to vary zoning and sometimes building to code

References

[edit]
  1. ^ CEN (2004). EN1998-5:2004 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance, part 5: Foundations, retaining structures and geotechnical aspects. Brussels: European Committee for Standardization.
  2. ^ Ching, Francis D. K.; Winkel, Steven R. (22 March 2016). Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2015 International Building Code. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-119-15095-4.
  3. ^ a b "Hammurabi's Code of Laws". eawc.evansville.edu. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 24 May 2008.
  4. ^ "About ICC". www.iccsafe.org. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
  5. ^ Canada, Government of Canada. National Research Council. "Codes Canada - National Research Council Canada". www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  6. ^ Northampton Borough Council, Building Control - regularisation charges www.northampton.gov.uk Archived 11 May 2021 at the Wayback Machine, accessed 15 March 2021
  7. ^ NYC Construction Codes www.nyc.gov Archived 2 July 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ National Building Code www.bis.org.in
  9. ^ Hageman, Jack M., and Brian E. P. Beeston. Contractor's guide to the building code. 6th ed. Carlsbad, CA: Craftsman Book Co., 2008. 10. Print.
  10. ^ Wexler, Harry J., and Richard Peck. Housing and local government: a research guide for policy makers and planners. Lexington, Mass. u.a.: Lexington Books, 1974. 53. Print.
  11. ^ a b Listokin, David; Hattis, David B. (2005). "Building Codes and Housing". Cityscape. 8 (1). US Department of Housing and Urban Development: 21–67. ISSN 1936-007X. JSTOR 20868571. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  12. ^ Nwadike, Amarachukwu Nnadozie; Wilkinson, Suzanne (3 February 2022). "Why amending building codes? An investigation of the benefits of regular building code amendment in New Zealand". International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation. 40 (1): 76–100. doi:10.1108/IJBPA-08-2020-0068. ISSN 2398-4708.
  13. ^ Nwadike, Amarachukwu; Wilkinson, Suzanne (2021). "Promoting Performance-Based Building Code Compliance in New Zealand". Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities. 35 (4). doi:10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0001603. ISSN 0887-3828.
  14. ^ Deuteronomy 22:8
  15. ^ Confucius (29 August 2016). Delphi Collected Works of Confucius - Four Books and Five Classics of Confucianism (Illustrated). Delphi Classics. ISBN 978-1-78656-052-0.
  16. ^ Mencius (28 October 2004). Mencius. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-0-14-190268-5.
  17. ^ Shonagon, Sei (30 November 2006). The Pillow Book. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-0-14-190694-2.
  18. ^ New International Encyclopedia
  19. ^ 'Charles II, 1666: An Act for rebuilding the City of London.', Statutes of the Realm: volume 5: 1628–80 (1819), pp. 603–12. URL: british-history.ac.uk, date accessed: 8 March 2007.
  20. ^ 'Book 1, Ch. 15: From the Fire to the death of Charles II', A New History of London: Including Westminster and Southwark (1773), pp. 230–55. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=46732. Date accessed: 7 March 2007.
  21. ^ "A Brief History of Building Regulations". www.npt.gov.uk.
  22. ^ Baltimore (Md.) (1891). Ordinances and Resolutions of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore ... – via books.google.com.
  23. ^ Baltimore: The Building of an American City, Sherry H. Olson, Published 1997, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore (Md.), ISBN 0-8018-5640-X, p. 248.
  24. ^ Puleo, Stephen (2004). Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. Beacon Press. ISBN 0-8070-5021-0.
  25. ^ "SB 721- CHAPTERED". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
  26. ^ gh, amir (18 December 2024). "California Balcony Building Code Updates 2025 - DrBalcony". Retrieved 15 January 2025.cite web: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ^ "Residential Code Status | The Building Codes Assistance Project". bcapcodes.org. 12 November 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
[edit]
  • IAPMO Website
  • IAPMO Codes Website

 

Redirect to:

  • Piling
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo

Reviews for


Jeffery James

(5)

Very happy with my experience. They were prompt and followed through, and very helpful in fixing the crack in my foundation.

Sarah McNeily

(5)

USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

Jim de Leon

(5)

It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

View GBP