What work should be avoided within 10 feet of fire service trenches?

The reasoning behind avoiding heavy machinery operation within 10 feet of fire service trenches primarily relates to the safety and structural integrity of the fire service mains and their appurtenances. Heavy machinery can exert significant forces and vibrations on the surrounding soil, potentially leading to trench collapse or damage to the buried infrastructure. This is critical as fire service mains are essential for emergency response systems, and any disruption could hinder fire protection efforts.

Maintaining safety around these trenches is key to reducing risks, as operations involving heavy machinery can also result in accidental strikes to the pipelines. This concern ensures that essential fire service infrastructure remains intact and can function properly during emergencies.

In contrast, while cleaning and maintenance, routine inspections, and the excavation of small holes may still pose some risks, they are generally less impactful on the structural integrity of the trench compared to the operation of heavy machinery, which poses a much greater threat to safety and system reliability.