Purpose of this procedure is to outline the steps for site clearance, grubbing and topsoil removal.
The detailed guide will provide the clear steps undertaken to complete the process of the site clearance activities in a safe, systematic and efficient manner in compliance to the statutory and environmental requirements.
Procedure also includes the removal and disposal of all plants, equipment, components, materials, waste, existing structures and topsoil stripping and grading, prior to the initiation of the earthworks and structural works within the boundary of the construction of the vehicle and pedestrian bridges, maintenance roads, siphons and earth embankment reservoirs.
The above works may also be alternatively applicable to areas outside the site of work mentioned above ( i.e. borrow pits and disposal areas).
Responsibilities
Construction Manager within whose scope of works the site clearance are taking place shall be responsible for ensuring that the site clearance activities are carried out in accordance with this procedure.
The site manager is responsible for induction, briefing and advising of all personnel and site visitors.
Site Clearance Work Methodology
Clearing and Grubbing
The process of clearing and grubbing is the removal of all trees, bushes, vegetation, rubbish and any other relevant obstruction within the line of work.
Establish the survey markers to indicate the working area for the site clearance.
Produce a record of conditions that includes a photographic survey to be agreed by the Engineer, Landowners and any relevant authorities prior to commencement.
Takeout a topographic survey on land that may be affected by ROW operations and serve as a basis for final reinstatement.
Inspect Measure and Agree with the Engineer and the Forest Authority (Regional Directorate of Forest Affairs) where trees require to be felled.
Identify and Mark clearly all the trees to be felled prior to commencement of the operation.
Remove all the marked trees, bushes, vegetation, stumps and roots to their full depth, while ensuring that the following precautions are implanted:
- Minimizing the falling of trees and loss of topsoil.
- Agree with the Engineer for any individual trees which have to be retained within the ROW.
- Avoid unnecessary damage to the trees, crops, trunks and canopy by machines or other disturbances.
- Do not totally remove the vegetation over the slop, to avoid the potential risk of soil erosion on the slope.
Construct temporary roads when needed, to provide better access to vehicles and equipment.
Remove unusable and hazardous materials accordingly to the following:
- Test any hazardous waste or material discovered and report to the Engineer before undertaking any action.
- Remove or Dispose off-site all materials which are not considered of value by the Engineer.
- Remove any loose boarders or materials located outside the ROW that may impose danger to the constructions.
- Separate and Load all materials to locations shown on drawings or approved by the Engineer.
- Obtain the written arrangement for the disposal locations outside the ROW from the owner or governmental authorities.
Back fill and Compact the cavities of the surrounding ground.
Maintain the surface in a clean, tidy and stable condition allowing it to fall water and to prevent ponding.
Removal of Existing Structures
The procedure involves the safe removal of all existing structures such as walls, fences, drainage, water pipes and cables while ensuring that alternatives are found to resume their existing functions.
Inspect Measure and Report to the Engineer for major structures, underground structures, manholes, wells and similar items to be removed.
No action will be taken until the Engineer provides his instruction for disposal.
Back fill and Compact voids lift after removal with suitable material and compacted density similar to that in the surrounding ground.
Fill with aggregate or sand in case of compaction is impractical, unless another
treatment is shown on the drawings or instructed by the Engineer.
Back filling procedure is carried out as per the back filling method statement.
Avoid unnecessary damage to fences, walls, hedges and property on or adjacent to the ROW.
The places where a section of an existing fence is removed shall be supported to maintain the tension in the fence wire.
Flume existing drainage ditches and small watercourses across the running track to provide access to construction at crossed area and prevent water flow interruption.
The temporary drainage management plan will be submitted separately considering the following precautions:
- Complete the diversion before the original drain is cut minimizing the interruptions to its operation.
- Ensure that the free flow of water through the flume pipes is maintained throughout the project and that discharging location is suitable and agreed by the Engineer.
- Make sure that fill material used to make up the grade level of the flume pipe does not spill into the watercourse and blocks the channel.
Ensure the following steps are undertaken where cables and underground services are detected:
- Use cable detector and/or hand excavation (Trial Holes) where the presence of a cable is suspected.
- Inform the Engineer immediately of the presence of any telephone or electricity cables that require moving and contact the relevant authority to arrange the work accordingly.
- Mark clearly any underground services indicating the service details and depth.
- Do not precede with site clearance operations at electric pole or below overhead cable until the cables and poles have been abandoned.
Topsoil Removal Method
Establish survey markers to identify the working area in which the removal of topsoil is required.
Strip the topsoil to subsoil level or as instructed by the Engineer.
Use tracked equipment such as bulldozer.
Dispose and Stockpile the topsoil separately from subsoil or other excavated material for subsequent re-use in covering the required areas.
Ensure that sufficient material for this purpose is preserved.
Place the topsoil in piles at locations shown on drawings or approved by the Engineer.
Storing of topsoil shall be prohibited in the following areas:
- Under overhead electrical cables.
- Areas where structures are to be erected or materials are to be stored.
- Within 5 meters of a watercourse or ditch.
- Within flood plains, unless gaps in possible water pounding areas are left in the stockpile to allow water to pass through.
Spread the topsoil over the required areas in a uniform pattern, followed by compaction and leave it with a neat and tidy appearance.
Grade sufficient portions of the ROW that are necessary to assist with subsequent construction operations after completion of clearing works and topsoil striping.
Project Risk Assessment
Works shall be carried out in line with the issued Health and Safety, Control, Monitoring and Inspection Plan. Risk Assessment sheet of each activity shall be prepared by specialist before commencing any activity.
Health and Safety Requirements
The occurrence of site accidents should be kept to a minimal.
Health, Safety and Environment Plan will be provided at site to ensure smooth running of works in safe manner, taking into consideration the following precautions:
Ensure that all safety precautions and recommendations outlined in the Risk Assessments have been applied.
Make sure that:
- All personnel including Third Parties are safety inducted prior to site entry.
- Workers are trained and competent in their duties.
- Operators are qualified, hold license for machine operation and trained in the maintenance of machinery.
- All tools and equipment are in safe and good conditions.
Provide First Aid Facility on working Site in case of minor injury treatment.
Arrange for all personnel the pertinent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety helmet, safety boots (Boots up to the knees are required when clearing shrubs and trees, to avoid snake bites), ear / eye protectors, dust mask, gloves and reflective vest (When working in vicinity of the road or nearby the excavator or other heavy machines).
Place warning signs, barricades, lighting or fences at relevant locations such as:
- Critical excavations
- Pedestrian crossings
- Main roads where traffic flow is disturbed by work – Use signalmen wearing high visibly clothes to arrange traffic.
- Demolition areas – Produce structural engineer assessment to ensure a safe demolition process.
Arrange with the owners of third party services like telephone lines, cables, pipelines or other types of utilities, to make secure the use and operation of the utilities.
Consider all cables as “Live” unless otherwise indicated, and adopt a safe system of work when such cables cannot be terminated.
Contact Authorities to determine the presence of any explosive or un exploded bombs, or upon finding any suspected danger.
Investigate fall prevention method to identify the presence of any abandoned wells or drainage systems to prevent personals from falling in it.
Ensure safe access to the right of way and maintain the permanent and temporary access roads in a good condition during construction activities.
Prevent sliding of materials along the slope.
Check, Cover and Secure all materials debris prior to its movement outside the site.
Environmental Requirements
Site Clearing, Topsoil Stripping and Grading shall be carried out in accordance with requirements as described in the Contractor’s Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan, taking into consideration the following precautions.
Site Disturbance:
Ensure that the site is kept in a tidy condition at all times and that all the waste generated by the works is cleared from the site.
Do not burn combustible material arising from clearance on site without the written consent of the Engineer; otherwise it shall be disposed of as spoil.
Switch off all vehicle engines when not in use to minimize combustion emissions.
Collect and Dispose used chemicals and engine oils in appropriate containers, prohibiting its discharge to land or surface waters.
Store all removable items which are to be preserved on site in a safe location and manner appropriate to their nature.
Protect all trees, shrubs, walls, buildings and other items that are to be preserved from injury or damage.
Nesting birds are not to be disturbed as far as practicable.
Install all required drainage measures to prevent erosion and washout caused by surface water during times of inclement weather conditions.
Disturbance beyond the Right of Way
- Minimize disruption caused by clearing along the route that passes through built up areas.
- Prevent trespassing beyond the ROW for any personnel or equipment.
- Avoid or Minimize the land damage caused by the operation of vehicles.
- Protect all Ecological areas or Archaeological sites from any damage.
- Report any complain by the public to the Community Relation Manager.
Public Roads Disturbance:
- Carry out appropriate survey prior to construction activities on roads that will be used to access the ROW, following notifications and approvals received by community relations.
- There shall be no unauthorized creation of access routes to otherwise inaccessible areas.
- Reinstate any damage caused by construction traffic to roads.
- Form shallow areas near entrance/exit at public roads for vehicles wheel washing before leaving the site.
- Minimize the project footprint at the ROW and any access roads.
Water Pollution:
- Identify any watercourses surface or field drains that maybe affected by the work.
- Do not strip soil up to tile edges at any watercourse, stream or drainage.
- Do not discharge or allow water contaminated with silt to enter a watercourse or drain.
- Consider surface water path once vegetation is cleared.
Noise and Dust:
- Check with residents or occupied premises that they are aware of the risk.
- Keep noise to the lowest possible amounts and wear ear protection when necessary.
- Use selective water sprays or other pertinent controls to minimize dust created during demolition and loading activities causing hazardous to surrounding vicinity and works.
- Put eye goggles and dust mask to avoid eye wound and dust inhalation.
Quality Control Requirements
Document the conformance of site construction through inspections, examinations and tests which serve as a reference to the Quality Control, Monitoring and Inspection Plan.