Excavation Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Excavation work presents risks of collapse, buried services strikes, and falls. Proper planning and support systems are critical.

Excavation includes any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the ground formed by earth removal.

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Key Hazards

⚠️Collapse of sides
⚠️Materials falling on workers in excavation
⚠️Falls into excavation
⚠️Undermining nearby structures
⚠️Contact with underground services
⚠️Hazardous substances or contaminated ground
⚠️Flooding or water ingress
⚠️Access/egress difficulties

Control Measures

✓Competent person to plan and supervise
✓Locate underground services before start (CAT scan, service plans)
✓Support excavations >1.2m deep or where collapse risk
✓Safe means of access/egress (ladder every 7.5m)
✓Barriers and edge protection
✓Excavated material stored >0.6m from edge
✓Daily inspections, plus after any event affecting stability
✓Emergency rescue plan

PPE Requirements

  • 🛡️Hard hat
  • 🛡️Safety boots
  • 🛡️High-visibility clothing
  • 🛡️Gloves
  • 🛡️Safety glasses
  • 🛡️Hearing protection (machinery)
  • 🛡️Respiratory protection (if contaminated ground)

Legal Requirements

  • 📋Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
  • 📋Work at Height Regulations 2005 (excavations >2m)
  • 📋Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

Step-by-Step Method

1. Obtain service plans and conduct CAT scan
2. Set out excavation and mark services
3. Install barriers and signage
4. Excavate trial holes by hand to confirm service locations
5. Proceed with machine excavation under supervision
6. Install support systems as required
7. Provide safe access ladder
8. Inspect excavation daily and before each shift
9. Pump out water if necessary
10. Maintain barriers and edge protection
11. Backfill under supervision when work complete

Emergency Procedures

• In case of collapse: Evacuate area immediately, call 999
• If person trapped: Do not enter unstable excavation, call emergency services
• Service strike: Evacuate area, notify service provider emergency line, call 999 if required
• Flooding: Evacuate, stop pumping if electrical hazard
• Emergency contacts: [List]