The #1 concern on construction projects in the 21st century has been safety; safety for the community where the project is being conducted, safety for the workers, tradesman, contractors, and safety for those that occupy the project after its completion. The last several decades have seen an increase in OSHA standards and policies. Individual contractors are taking it on themselves to raise the bar even further than the aggressive OSHA standards and commit to injury free projects. There are many ways that these safety standards are being achieved; uncompromising project management, personal protective equipment, advancements in technology for the tools being used, project condition analysis, tagging procedures, etc. The list of improvements is seemingly endless.

Hiring a professional Ground Penetrating Radar company can be a part of your company’s commitment to safety. We have talked, previously, of the different ways that GPR can help determine the location of private underground utilities or how it can image the concrete to determine where post-tension cables are located. To date we have discussed them in terms of scheduling, budgeting, information, and risk. The concluding peace of mind that GPR can provide is that of the safety of those on your job site or in the community.

In many cases, Ground Penetrating Radar can be used to locate live electrical conduit or other hazardous utility lines prior to cutting, digging, or construction. This information will ensure that potentially unsafe utilities or obstructions below the surface are known prior to engaging in the work. Further, Ground Penetrating Radar can be used to perform concrete imaging services thereby informing you where post-tension cables and other structurally dangerous embedments may be.

While there is not a technology, science, or procedure that can absolutely guarantee safety on a job site there are services that can be used to make the job safer. Consider ground penetrating radar the next time your project presents unknown issues or safety concerns. GPR may just be able to keep you on schedule, under budget while providing you valuable information that limits risk and keeps your project SAFE.

Prior to digging a trench for a future gas line, a contractor wanted to identify all utilities for the existing area. They called Ground Penetrating Radar Systems of Virginia to investigate, using 350MHz dual stack radar technology. The investigation produced valuable information to the client of what and how much utilities to expect upon drilling. The on-site scanning and marking process was completed within a few short hours and the contractor was able to begin the project in a timely fashion and with valuable information of what to expect. This was all done in a safe, time efficient, non-destructive way. The radar emits radiation less than 10% of that found to be emitted by standard cell phones. This means practically no hazardous radiation to operators or persons above or below the work zone. Lastly, it is vital to identify any unknown utilities prior to excavation and drilling. Ground Penetrating Radar Systems is called when it is crucial to not hit any unknown subsurface utilities. The client avoided serious damages that could cost downtime and repairs.

For more information or a quote about a job in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, contact jim@gprsinc.com or call (703) 728-7333, and visit our website at www.gp-radar.com.