Excavation Work Guidelines

OHS System - Corporate
S2 OHS 17 Excavation Work Guidelines Page 1 of 9
EXCAVATION WORK GUIDELINES

1.0 1.1 PURPOSE The Shoalhaven City Council is regularly involved in excavation work. Infrastructure such as stormwater drainage, water supply and waste water disposal all require excavation work. This work is undertaken at various sites ( across roads, in footpath areas, through private property), in various soil types (i.e. sandstone, shale, clay, sand, silt) under wet and dry conditions and at various depths. SCOPE The objective of these guidelines is to assist employees to properly plan any excavation work, thus ensuring a safe system of work and appropriate control measures are implemented to prevent persons being injured. Section 5.0 of this guideline has been prepared by extracting relevant information from the Code of Practice for Excavation. The system of work and control measures selected is generally determined by individual job factors identified in the consultation and risk assessment process. There are three crucial times to perform a risk assessment: 2.2.1 At the design and planning stage this is the best time to eliminate hazards, and is usually done by an engineer. 2.2.2 Prior to works commencing to make sure that all planning assumptions are valid, and all employees and resources are fit for purpose. This is usually performed by the supervisor of the crew. 2.2.3 During the works, to make sure that systems are working properly and that the initial hazards and risks identified as part of the risk assessment process have not changed REFERENCES AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS OHSOHS Act 2000 OHSOHS Regulation 2001. Code of Practice Excavation Work 31 March 2000. Guide for Front End Loader and Excavator drivers a WorkCover NSW publication. SCC OHSOHS Risk Register. SCC OHSOHS Authorities, Responsibilities & Accountabilities for Managers, Supervisors and Employees Policy. SCC Confined Space Procedure SCC Working at Heights
2.0 2.1
2.2
3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8
Unique Document Number: S2 OHS 17 Adopted: 12.04.1996
Document Name: Excavation Work Guidelines Last Amended: 06/07/2010
Responsible Group: Assistant General Manager Review Date: 06/07/2013
Reference: 6841e PRD10/171 Version: 6 Page 1 of 9
4.0
DEFINITIONS
Some of the terms used in these guidelines are: Angle of repose The angle to the horizontal at which the material in the cut face is stable and does not fall away. Note: Different materials have different angles of repose, for example solid rock 90 degrees and sand 30 degrees. Barrier Anything that blocks a way or makes a separation i.e. shade cloth, sheet ply, plastic mesh webbing, etc. Note: Barriers are not necessarily designed to prevent falls. Single strand plastic tapes should not be used as a barrier. Barricade An object such as jersey kerb truck or plant capable of providing effective protection against traffic entering the work site. Batter or Slope An angle in relation to the horizontal surface. Benching The horizontal stepping of the face, sides, walls or bottom of an excavation. Competent person Means a person who has acquired through training, qualification, or experience, or a combination of these, the knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform the specified tasks. Construction Building including excavation, and the construction, work- includes alteration, renovation, repair, maintenance and demolition of all types of buildings or structures. Civil engineering, including excavation, and the construction, structural alteration, repair, maintenance and demolition of, for example, airports, docks, harbours, inland waterways, dams, river and avalanche and sea defence works, roads and highways, railways, bridges, tunnels, viaducts and works related to the provisions of services such as communications, drainage, sewerage, water and energy supplies. The erection and dismantling of prefabricated buildings and structures as well as manufacturing of prefabricated elements on the construction site. Cover A steel plate or other suitable material capable of withstanding the loads that may be imposed upon it and of sufficient weight or secured to prevent removal by children. Cutting An open cut excavation having a single wall or face. Excavation work Face Work involved in the excavation or filling of trenches, ditches, shafts, drifts, rises, tunnels, pier holes, cuttings, benches, wells or canals or any similar work. An exposed sloping or vertical surface resulting from the excavation of material.
Document Name: Excavation Work Guidelines Last Amended: 06/07/2010 Responsible Group: Assistant General Manager Review Date: 06/07/2013 Reference: 6841e PRD10/171 Version: 6 Page 2 of 9
OHS System - Corporate Fence Geotechnical Engineer Handrail Open Excavation Plant Shoring Support structure Trench Trench shield
Waling Work method statement Zone of influence
Continuous enclosure not less than 1800mm in height that prevents unauthorised access to the work place and of such strength to remain erect in position during all conditions. An engineer whose qualifications are acceptable for membership of the Institution of Engineers, Australia and who has qualifications and experience in soil stability and mechanics and excavation work. A rail one meter in height (plus or minus 100mm) effectively supported, secured and of such rigidity and strength capable of providing support so as to prevent persons falling. An excavation where the width is equal to or greater than the depth. Includes any machinery, equipment (including scaffolding), appliance, implement or tool and any components or fittings or accessories to them. The use of timber, steel or other structural material for the purpose of providing effective and adequate temporary support to maintain the stability of the walls of an excavation. A shoring system to maintain the stability of the walls and roof of an excavation and includes a trench shield. An excavation having a depth that exceeds its width, measured at the bottom. A structure with two vertical side plates permanently braced apart by cross frames or struts designed to resist the pressure from the walls of a trench and capable of being moved as a unit. The trench shield is intended to provide a safe working place for persons while work in an excavation is being carried out. A horizontal beam supporting vertical timbers, runners or sheeting. A statement that outlines the manner of carrying out the work in a safe and healthy way.
The volume of soil around the excavation affected by any external load, eg vehicles, plant, excavated material. Note: This volume is generally assumed to be that formed by planes extending from the load to a maximum angle to the horizontal of 30 degrees (1V:1.75H) in the case of sand and 45 degrees (1H: 1V) for clay.
5.0 5.1
DESCRIPTION Responsibilities
Document Name: Excavation Work Guidelines Last Amended: 06/07/2010 Responsible Group: Assistant General Manager Review Date: 06/07/2013 Reference: 6841e PRD10/171 Version: 6 Page 3 of 9
5.1.1 The OHS Regulation 2001 identifies a number of provisions in relation to Excavation Work. 5.2.2 According to the Regulation (Chapter 8 Part 8.5) an employer must ensure that: a) The excavation is stable; No excavation work that is likely to reduce the stability of any part of a building or structure is commenced; b) Adequate measures are taken in the immediate vicinity of excavation work so as to prevent the fall of mobile plant or materials into the excavation; c) No materials are placed, stacked or moved near the edge of excavation work so as to endanger a person present below; d) An adequate system of safety is in place to control risks to health and safety arising from unplanned contact with electricity cables, gas mains and other utility services; e) Excavation work at a depth of 1 metre or more is inspected by a competent person at the intervals determined during the risk assessment for the work; f) There is a safe means of access to and egress from excavations. 5.3 The responsibilities of the following positions within Council include (but are not limited to): 5.3.1 Employees before working in or around an excavation be aware of the risks and the control measures adopted on each site. Continually reassess the conditions of the excavation and bring any changes to the attention of their supervisors. Ensure that the appropriate PPE (including hard hats) are worn. 5.3.2 Supervisors ensure employees on the excavation sites are properly inducted onto the site, aware of the hazards; understand the system of work and able to provide input to the operation. Continually reassess the conditions of the excavation and take action as appropriate. Provide employees with appropriate PPE (including hard hats). 5.3.3 Managers are to provide the necessary support for supervisors, ensure that these guidelines are available and understood, and ensure that at the design phase hazards are eliminated from excavations where possible. 5.4 Hazards: 5.4.1 The following hazards are commonly associated with excavation work and should be considered during the risk assessment process; a) The fall or dislodgement of earth and rock b) The instability of the excavation or any adjoining structure c) The inrush or seepage of water
Unique Document Number: S2 OHS 17 Adopted: 12.04.1996 Document Name: Excavation Work Guidelines Last Amended: 06/07/2010 Responsible Group: Assistant General Manager Review Date: 06/07/2013 Reference: 6841e PRD10/171 Version: 6 Page 4 of 9
d) Unplanned contact with utility services eg, electricity cables and gas main (control measure, ensure the location of underground, above ground and overhead services are identified and clearly marked) e) The placement of excavated material f) Falls into excavations g) The movement and positioning of heavy plant and equipment affecting the excavation h) Ground vibration affecting the stability of the excavation i) Vehicle movement j) Excessive noise from the operation of machinery and plant k) Manual handling injuries l) Changes to excavation conditions 5.5 Benching and Battering Excavation Walls (As per the Code of Practice Excavation March 2000) 5.5.1 Both benching and battering of excavation walls are methods of work which minimise the risk of the soil or rock slipping onto the excavation. 5.5.2 Benching is the creation of stepped sides to an excavation. This is done by forming a series of vertical and horizontal planes forming a number of steps in the wall of an excavation. (See Figure 3a.) Benching is used to reduce the height of the vertical wall of an excavation by cutting a series of steps. A risk assessment should be conducted to determine the height and width of the steps necessary to ensure stability. 5.5.3 A batter is where the wall of an excavation is sloped back to a predetermined angle. Battering should commence from the bottom of the excavation. (See Figure 3b.) When benching or battering the walls of an excavation, an angle of repose of 45 degrees should not be exceeded unless certified in writing by a geotechnical engineer.
OHS System - Corporate Figures taken from Code of Practice Excavation Work Page 15 & 16,Section 3. Work Systems and Control Measures
1m min 1.5m min 1.5m min 1m min
1.5m max
45o min
1m min
1.5m min
45o max
1.5m max
Note: When determining the depth of an excavation or trench it is important to account for any over excavation that may be required. For example most engineering drawings that relate to stormwater pipelines specify depth from an approximation of the natural surface to the pipe invert. The trench will need to be this deep plus the thickness of pipe and the thickness of the bedding sand. 5.6 Materials and Loads Beside and Near Excavations 5.6.1 It is a legal requirement that employers must ensure that materials are not placed or stacked near the edge of any excavation work so as to endanger persons employed below.
OHS System - Corporate 5.6.2 5.6.3 5.6.4 5.6.5 5.6.6
5.6.7
5.6.8
It is a further requirement that no load be placed or moved near the edge of any excavation work where it is likely to cause a collapse of the side of the excavation work and thereby endanger any person. To reduce the risk of excavation collapse, excavated or other loose material should be effectively stored or retained away from the excavation. Excavated material should be placed outside the zone of influence. Alternatively the support system should be designed to accommodate such additional loads including ground water pressures, saturated soil conditions and saturated materials. Mechanical plant, vehicles, storage of materials or any heavy loads should be prevented from approaching within or encroaching on the zone of influence of an excavation unless the support system has been specifically designed for such loads. (See Figure 5 a,b,c,&d.) Where the risk assessment has identified a risk of collapse as a result of loads or materials beside or near the excavation, shoring must be in place before any person enters the excavation. The following measures should also be considered before starting excavation work: a) Controlling access to exclude persons from hazardous areas, eg relocating means of access; b) Moving and storing loads outside the zone of influence of the excavation; c) Adopting a system of dig and lay to reduce the risk of overloading from pipes stores near the excavation; d) Provision of wheel stoppers to limit movement of mobile equipment adjacent to the excavation; e) Reducing the number of trench shields stored near excavation by pulling along trench shields or drag box and backfilling as the excavation progresses securing all loose materials in place, including stored pipes. When working on a slope, a risk assessment should be conducted to determine the safest side of the excavation to dump soil and excavated material. This would often be on the lower side of the slope to reduce the risk of wall collapse or material falling into the excavation. Site factors would have to be considered (See Figure 5d). There are also risks in backfilling on sloping sites. For more information about working on sloping sites see the WorkCover NSW Publication A Guide for front end loader and excavator drivers.
5.7 5.7.1 Emergency and Rescue Procedures in the event of an accident, injury or other emergency, including the means of rescuing persons, and arrangements where necessary to protect any other persons in the vicinity. Risk factors such as the nature of possible emergencies, size and location of the work place, number of staff on site and the location the nearest emergency services.
5.7.2 Control measures for emergency procedures may include; a) Development and communication of a warning system and safe and rapid evacuation procedures including injured persons. b) Having trained personnel to oversee evacuation and rescue procedures until emergency services arrive. d) Appropriate medical treatment of injured personnel until emergency services arrive. e) Shutting down of work and machinery f) Provision of fire fighting and rescue equipment g) Display of evacuation procedures in appropriate work site locations. Figures taken from Code of Practice Excavation Work Page 23, Section 3. Work Systems and Control Measures
Note: For some site locations it may be appropriate for a backhoe to encroach within the zone of influence and place a front bucket of sand in a trench. This load is generally around two tonnes and the operation is performed with employees away from the position of sand placement. The operation and excavation wall must be constantly monitored by the site supervisor. In some instances a painted line at the edge of the zone of influence may be more appropriate than a timber wheel stopper.
In either case discussions between the operator and the site supervisor need to be recorded in the form of a Risk Assessment. 5.7 Shoring 5.7.1 In circumstances where shoring is required and where there is inadequate space for benching or battering employees are required to refer to the Code of Practice for Excavation. 6.0 6.1 7.0 7.1 8.0 8.1 QUALITY CONTROL Implementation of this procedure shall be audited through workplace inspections and desktop audits. APPENDICIES NIL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLENTATION The Human Resources Manager is allocated overall responsibility for the implementation of this procedure and all documents prepared for inclusion into the OHS&R Management System. PROCEDURE OWNER The OHS Unit (OHS Co-ordinator) is assigned ownership to ensure the procedure is maintained and updated. REVIEW OF DOCUMENT This procedure shall be reviewed every three years or earlier. Early review of this procedure shall occur in response to changes in: 10.1.1 Legislation; Australian Standards, Codes of Practice; and/or 10.1.2 OHSR Management System and/or 10.1.3 National Self Insurer OHS Audit Tool 10.1.4 OHS Act 2000 No40 10.1.5 OHS Regulation 2001 10.1.6 Code of Practice Excavation Work 31 March 2000 10.1.7 Guide for Front End Loader and Excavator drivers a WorkCover NSW publication
9.0 9.1 10.0 10.1

Excavation Work Guidelines

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OHS System - Corporate

S2 OHS 17 Excavation Work Guidelines Page 1 of 9