Our Excavation Safety Solutions

With an ever growing emphasis on Health and Safety and in particular, working at height, Groundforce's safety-led approach to new products has led to the creation of the SiteSafe range of safety products, to compliment a market leading portfolio of excavation support systems.

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FAQs

What is the Davit Arm Compact Trench System use for?

The Davit Arm Compact Trench System is part of a personal protection equipment range intended to act as a support structure or anchor for use in fall protection, work positioning and rescue within confined spaces.


What is the Davit Extended Reach Towbar System used for?

The Davit Arm Extended Reach Towbar System is part of a personal protection equipment range intended to act as a support structure or anchor for use in fall protection, work positioning and rescue within Manholes.


What is the Davit Extended Reach System used for?

The Davit Arm Extended Reach System is part of a personal protection equipment range intended to act as a support structure or anchor for use in fall protection, work positioning and rescue within confined spaces.


What is the Davit Arm Standard Trench System used for?

The Davit Arm Standard Trench System is part of a personal protection equipment range intended to act as a support structure or anchor for use in fall protection, work positioning and rescue within confined spaces.


What is the Davit Arm Urban Manhole System?

The Davit Arm Urban Manhole is the only patented system on the market that allows the fitting of a Davit Arm on a manhole guard for rescue purposes. 


What components make up the Davit Arm Urban Manhole System?

The system comprises a mast and davit arm, Manhole Guard and Manhole Guard Stabiliser, together with winches and cables.


What components make up the Davit Arm Standard Trench System?

The system comprises an extendable mast and davit arm that provides a reach of up to 610mm, an Adjustable Wall Adaptor and winches, together with cables.


What is EdgeSafe?

EdgeSafe and EdgeSafe MKII are similar lightweight mesh barrier systems.


What components make up the Davit Arm Extended Reach System?

The system comprises a built-in mast that provides a reach of up to 1210mm, together with an Adjustable Wall Adaptor, a Man Riding Winch and/or a Fall Arrestor together with cables.


What components make up the Davit Arm Extended Reach Towbar System?

The system comprises an extendable Davit Arm with Davit Arm Mast, Towbar Base, Extension Bar, Height and Towbar Base Reducer and winches together with cables.


What components make up the Davit Arm Compact Trench System?

The system comprises a built-in mast that provides a reach of up to 610mm, together with an Adjustable Wall Adaptor, a Man Riding Winch and/or a Fall Arrestor together with cables.


What is EndSafe?

EndSafe is a structural steel panel designed to close-off the end of trench boxes and manhole boxes.


What is the Dual Access Platform?

The Dual Access Platform is a heavy duty, temporary, gated platform to allow access or egress for medium-depth excavations.



Note: If Groundforce’s Super Mega Brace is installed within an excavation, the Dual Access Platform has the advantage of being able to span both the Super Mega Beam width plus the width of a standard Tuffsteel Ladder.


What applications best suit a Dual Access Platform?

The platform provides access up and over elevated structures, walls or pile caps. The platform is compatible with our Tuffsteel Ladders.


What is the purpose of EndSafe?

EndSafe is used to safely retain the backfill and prevent accidental dislodgement of loose material into the excavation. It also removes the need to improvise with other unsuitable equipment such as steel road plates or timber.


In what scenarios is the Compact Trench system used?

This compact and lightweight system offers the ideal solution for users requiring access into confined spaces where space and height is particularly restricted.


In what scenarios is the Extended Reach Towbar system used?

The system is designed to facilitate vertical entry and evacuation and is connected to the vehicle’s tow bar. The vehicle itself is then used as a counterweight, providing operatives with a more versatile way of gaining access into a confined space.


Is the Extended Reach Trench System adjustable?

Yes, featuring a fully adjustable jib arm, users have the choice of three work positions (reach) ranging from 770 - 1210mm which provides operatives with a more versatile way of gaining access into a confined space.


What is EdgeSafe used for?

EdgeSafe provides a protective barrier to help prevent falls from height into excavations and can be used on short or long continuous runs.


In what scenarios is the Davit Arm Standard Trench System used?

This compact and lightweight system offers the ideal solution for users requiring access into confined spaces where space and height is particularly restricted.


In which applications is the Standard Davit Arm typically used?

As well as used for Manholes, this versatile system has multiple uses and can be adapted for use in a variety of confined spaces.


Is the Davit Arm Urban Manhole System a lightweight product?

Advanced design and the use of an advanced composite makes this system one of the lightest and most ergonomic systems of its kind on the market. It can be easily transported and then installed by one person in a matter of minutes.


In which applications is the Standard Davit Arm typically used?

Typical applications include: water treatment works, pump houses, filter replacement and works waste.


What is the difference between EdgeSafe and EdgeSafe MKII?

EdgeSafe MKII introduces an additional level of safety by preventing possible uplift of the posts and/or panels due to external forces. EdgeSafe MKII is designed in accordance with BS EN 13374 2018 Class A.


In which applications is the Extended Reach Trench typically used?

Typical applications include: water treatment works, pump houses, filter replacement and works waste.


In which applications is the Extended Reach Towbar typically used?

This system is designed for multiple uses in a variety of confined spaces and applications found on more remote manhole entry points when ground conditions cannot safely support a fall arrest tripod or standard davit arm system


In which applications is the Compact Trench typically used?

Typical applications include: water treatment works, pump houses, filter replacement and works waste.


Are there any additional benefits to using EndSafe?

EndSafe also provides an effective barrier to prevent unauthorised access to the excavation.


How is the Dual Access Platform installed?

The platform sits astride the structure and is firmly clamped centrally in position by 8 adjustable clamps (4 each side) and the range of adjustment is 0 to 600mm: an option to bolt-down into the wall via two side brackets is also available.



If a StepSafe Stairway is required, this can be facilitated by using a Platform Extension that can be directly bolted to the Dual Access Platform.


What components make up The Dual Access Platform?

The system is self-contained, incorporating all necessary clamps and fittings. 


Are there different sizes of EndSafe?

EndSafe panels are available in lengths ranging from 1.0m through to 5.0m. Panel thicknesses are 60mm, 107mm or 127mm depending on panel size.


Is the Davit Arm Compact Trench system a lightweight product?

Advanced design and the use of an advanced composite makes this system one of the lightest and most ergonomic systems of its kind on the market.


Is the Davit Arm Extended Reach Towbar a lightweight product?

Advanced design and the use of an advanced composite makes this system one of the lightest and most ergonomic systems of its kind on the market. It can be easily transported and installed by two people.


Is the Davit Arm Extended Reach a lightweight product?

Advanced design and the use of an advanced composite makes this system one of the lightest and most ergonomic systems of its kind on the market. It can be easily transported and installed by one person.


Which Groundforce Shorco products most commonly use EdgeSafe?

EdgeSafe is commonly used on sheeted excavations. It is also used for edge protection on Trench, Manhole and Drag Boxes.


Is the Davit Arm Standard Trench system a lightweight product?

Advanced design and the use of an advanced composite makes this system one of the lightest and most ergonomic systems of its kind on the market.


Is the Davit Arm Urban Manhole System an industry compliant product?

The Davit Arm Urban Manhole System is in compliance with ANSI, OSHA, CSA and EN 795:2012


Do Groundforce offer training courses for the use of Davit Arms?

Yes, Groundforce Training offers a safety course which has been designed to cover current legislation and guidance including the HSE’s L101 and the use of Davit Arm systems along with stretchers and harnesses. Learners will become familiarised with the component parts, assembly and use of Davit Arm systems on trench boxes and sheet piles.


Is the Davit Arm Standard Trench system an industry compliant product?

The Davit Arm Standard Trench System is in compliance with ANSI, OSHA, CSA and EN 795:2012 standards.


Does EdgeSafe have any limitations?

EdgeSafe is An effective protective barrier used widely throughout the construction industry, however EdgeSafe should not be used to restrain or support loads.


Is the Davit Arm Extended Reach System industry compliant?

This system is in compliance with ANSI, OSHA, CSA and EN 795:2012 standards. 


Do Groundforce offer training courses for the use of Davit Arms ?

Yes, Groundforce Training offers a safety course which has been designed to cover current legislation and guidance including the HSE’s L101 and the use of Davit Arm systems along with stretchers and harnesses. Learners will become familiarised with the component parts, assembly and use of Davit Arm systems on trench boxes and sheet piles.


Is the Davit Arm Compact Trench system an industry compliant product?

The Compact Trench Davit Arm system is in compliance with ANSI, OSHA, CSA and EN 795:2012 standards.


Is EndSafe easy to fit?

Yes, with no assembly required, EndSafe panels are simply lifted using Chain Slings and pushed into position against the open end of the Trench / Manhole Box 


Can the Dual Access Platform incorporate edge protection?

All excavations should incorporate an edge protection system such as the Groundforce EdgeSafe system. 


Do Groundforce offer training courses?

Groundforce Training Services offer industry leading accredited safety training primarily for those working in utilities, construction and civil engineering. From short duration health and safety awareness to more complex or specialist safety consultancy solutions.


Where should EndSafe never be used?

To avoid costly damage, EndSafe should never be used for anything other than its original intention. (e.g. do not use as  a road plate or for vehicle / plant crossing).


Is the Davit Arm Compact Trench system an industry compliant product?

The Compact Trench Davit Arm system is in compliance with ANSI, OSHA, CSA and EN 795:2012 standards.


Is a user guide available for the Davit Arm Extended Reach Towbar System?

Yes, a user guide will be provided with every hire and can be requested from Groundforce or can be downloaded from the Groundforce Shorco section of the Groundforce website. 


Do Groundforce offer training courses for the use of Davit Arms?

Yes, Groundforce Training offers a safety course which has been designed to cover current legislation and guidance including the HSE’s L101 and the use of Davit Arm systems along with stretchers and harnesses. Learners will become familiarised with the component parts, assembly and use of Davit Arm systems on trench boxes and sheet piles.


How many components make up EdgeSafe?

EdgeSafe comprises three main components: Steel Mesh Panels, Posts and various clamps (depending on application). A stillage is also provided for transport.


Do Groundforce offer training courses for the use of Davit Arms ?

Yes, Groundforce Training offers a safety course which has been designed to cover current legislation and guidance including the HSE’s L101 and the use of Davit Arm systems along with stretchers and harnesses. Learners will become familiarised with the component parts, assembly and use of Davit Arm systems on trench boxes and sheet piles.


Is EdgeSafe easy to assemble and fit?

Yes, Simply attach the clamps and the EdgeSafe panels and posts can then be fitted in seconds


Do Groundforce offer training courses for the use of Davit Arms ?

Yes, Groundforce Training offers a safety course which has been designed to cover current legislation and guidance including the HSE’s L101 and the use of Davit Arm systems along with stretchers and harnesses. Learners will become familiarised with the component parts, assembly and use of Davit Arm systems on trench boxes and sheet piles.


Is there a video available that demonstrates EndSafe?

Yes, a video showing a number of Groundforce Shorco SiteSafe solutions, including EndSafe is available to watch now on our YouTube channel.


Is a user guide available for EndSafe?

Yes, a user guide will be provided with every hire and can be requested from Groundforce or can be downloaded from the Groundforce Shorco section of the Groundforce website. A user guide for EndSafe is also available below to download as a PDF.

 


Is a user guide available for the Davit Arm Compact Trench System?

Yes, a user guide will be provided with every hire and can be requested from Groundforce or can be downloaded from the Groundforce Shorco section of the Groundforce website. 


Is there a video available that demonstrates EdgeSafe?

Yes, a video showing a number of Groundforce Shorco SiteSafe solutions, including EdgeSafe is available to watch now on our YouTube channel.