In excavation work, what is a key concern when preparing a site?

When preparing a site for excavation work, one of the most critical concerns is the proximity to underground utilities. This is important because underground utilities, such as gas lines, water pipes, electric cables, and sewage lines, pose significant risks if struck during excavation. Hitting these utilities can lead to serious safety hazards, including explosions, flooding, and electrocution, as well as costly repairs and project delays. Therefore, verifying the location of these utilities before any excavation begins is a necessary step to ensure the safety of workers and the integrity of existing infrastructure.

While other aspects such as drainage patterns, height of surrounding trees, and accessibility for heavy machinery are also important considerations in site preparation, they primarily focus on project efficiency and site suitability rather than immediate safety concerns. The risk of damaging underground utilities makes their location the foremost issue to address.