Excavation and Trenching

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE
08PR062C EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING
Brierty Ltd ABN 65 095 459 448

72 Melville Parade South Perth WA 6151
Locked Bag 2001 South Perth WA 6951
Telephone (08) 9267 8000
Facsimile 1300 735 152
info@brierty.com.au
EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING
CONTENTS
1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................... 3
3 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................... 3
4 References ................................................................................................................................................. 3
5 procedure details ........................................................................................................................................ 4
5.1 Risk Management .............................................................................................................................. 4
5.2 Ground Conditions ............................................................................................................................. 4
5.3 Battering............................................................................................................................................. 5
5.4 Benching ............................................................................................................................................ 6
5.5 Ground Support Systems .................................................................................................................. 7
5.5.1 Types of Shoring ............................................................................................................................ 7
6 Trenching and Excavations ........................................................................................................................ 8
6.1 Excavation Permit .............................................................................................................................. 8
6.2 Supervision ........................................................................................................................................ 8
6.3 Depth Less than 1.5 Metres............................................................................................................... 9
6.4 Depth 1.5 Metres or Greater .............................................................................................................. 9
6.5 Re-excavating a Trench ..................................................................................................................... 9
6.6 Access and Egress .......................................................................................................................... 10
6.7 Barricading / Signage ...................................................................................................................... 10
6.8 Lighting ............................................................................................................................................ 10
6.9 Ventilation ........................................................................................................................................ 10
6.10 Equipment and Materials ................................................................................................................. 10
6.11 Excavation Beside or Beneath Underground Services ................................................................... 10
7 Emergency Response .............................................................................................................................. 11
8 Inspections and Audits ............................................................................................................................. 12
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document ID Document Name Comment
08PR062C Excavation and Trenching
Date Version Description Originator Reviewer Approver

30/09/08 1 Safe Work Procedure D Bergl / T Thompson S Hart S Hart
16/12/08 2 Safe Work Procedure Upgrade T Thompson S Hart S Hart
21/01/10 3 Safe Work Procedure Upgrade T Thompson E Kelman S Hart
20/07/10 4 New Document Control Guidelines K Berridge S Hart S Hart
05/04/13 5 Updated diagrams T Thompson B Bryan B Bryan
DOCUMENT1 9-JUL-17 2 OF 12
1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to manage the risks associated with excavations and provide guidance in
basic soil mechanics and associated construction methods on Brierty Limited sites.
2 RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of the site supervisor to ensure that this safe system of work as well as any site
requirements for excavation and trenching before under taking the task are complied with.
3 DEFINITIONS
Angle of Repose means the angle at which a sloping bank of soil will stand without lateral support.
Battering means where the wall of an excavation is sloped back to a predetermined angle.
Benching means the creation of stepped sides to an excavation, and is used to reduce the depth of an
excavation to a series of steps no greater than 1.0m in height for the first step, thereafter a maximum of 1.5m
unless certified by an engineer. At depths of >3m, trench faces should be benched, with consideration being
given to the affect the width of the bench has on machinery required to operate in the area.
Confined Space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space which is not intended or designed primarily as a
place of work with restricted means of entry or exit within which there is a risk of:
An oxygen atmosphere outside the safe oxygen range; or
A concentration of airborne contaminants which may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or

asphyxiation.
Excavation means is the cavity formed after the removal of rock or soil. They include trenches, and pits.
Ground Support Systems means a system of temporary supports and sheeting material used to maintain
the stability of the sides of an excavation.
Shall means mandatory.
Should means strongly recommended.
Spoil means waste materials, such as those thrown up in mining, excavating, quarrying, etc.
Work Permit means a signed statement that a job may be carried out under stated precautions.
4 REFERENCES
Worksafe WA Code of Practice for Excavation
[NOHSC 1016:2005] National Standard for Construction Work
WA Occupational Safety and Health Act (1984) and Regulations (1996)
WA Mine Safety and Inspection Act (1994) and Regulations (1995)
5 PROCEDURE DETAILS
There are statutory regulations for trenches or excavations over 1.5m in depth and where the nature of the
soil and slope of the side of the trench or excavation may collapse and bury, trap or strike a person who is or
will be exposed to it.
There are three basic methods for ensuring safety of excavations. These are battering, benching or the use
of ground support systems.
Suitable protection shall be provided for all excavations no matter what the depth, whether using battering,
benching or ground support systems.
All methods require assessment of ground conditions to ascertain potential hazards and risks. However, only
battering and benching, being unsupported, required the assessment of safe side slopes.
5.1 RISK MANAGEMENT

The most common causes of collapse in excavation and trenching work are:
Inadequate preliminary investigation;
Failure to use methods and install safeguards shown to be necessary by an engineering analysis of
the soil structure of the face;
Inadequate or improper ground support systems;
Failure to provide sufficiently for temporary loads above the face (excavated material, equipment or
traffic, and excessive vibration);
Inadequate subsoil drainage; or
Not allowing for changing weather conditions altering the ground water level and the conditions of
the soil.
Where there is a risk to the safety of people or equipment during the proposed work activities or the trench is
greater than 1.5m in depth, a JHA shall be conducted.
A JHA shall be prepared by the work crew. The risk controls shall be reviewed for adequacy by the
supervisor whenever the factors affecting the stability of excavations.
Where changes in circumstance require it, such as a change of soil type, and other factors as listed in
Excavation Safety Inspection, JHA shall be reviewed by the work crew before re- commencing excavation
work
The supervisor shall also use the Excavation Safety Inspection to monitor the effective implementation of the
procedure. This shall be done regularly while the work activity continues as conditions change i.e. depth of
excavation, soil composition, water intrusion etc.
5.2 GROUND CONDITIONS

Trenching and excavation will only commence after a competent person has examined the part of the site
where those activities will be carried out, and determined the most practicable method of excavation.
The method of excavation will be affected by ground conditions, i.e.:
The classification, type or condition of subsurface material; and
Other factors affecting the stability of that subsurface material and the associated excavation.
For the purposes of excavations, soils may be divided into three types based on their consistency, density
and moisture content. The Excavation Type may be considered to be either: Type A soils exhibiting good
properties for excavation stability. Type B soils in the mid-range. Type C soils exhibiting poor
properties for excavation stability.
5.3 BATTERING
The face of an excavation may be cut back to a safe side slope as an alternative to ground support systems
such as shoring. Soils have an internal friction between their particles which, to a varying degree, allows
them to be self-supporting. This angle is dependent on:
Soil type, moisture content and condition of the material in the face;
the depth of cut;
the length of time the face will be required to stand;
the type of plant and equipment to be used for excavation;
the type of plant and equipment operating in the vicinity of the excavation; and
Prevailing and expected environmental conditions e.g. the likelihood of rain.
Recommended side slope angles are given below. It is recommended that the slopes for Long Term
Exposure for depths 3-6m be used, wherever practicable. H = Horizontal; V = Vertical.
Short Term Exposure Long Term Exposure

Soil Type <4m Deep 4-6m Deep <3m Deep 3-6m Deep*
A (Good) 0.75H : 1V 1H : 1V 1H : 1V 1.25H : 1V

B (Average) 0.75H : 1V 1H : 1V 1.75H : 1V 2H : 1V
C (Poor) 1.50H : 1V 2H : 1V 2H : 1V 3H : 1V
* NOTE: Use these slopes wherever practicable.
Safe Side Slope Guidelines Only
(If in doubt, check with a competent engineer)
The safe side slopes from 4.3 may be used in the configurations shown below:
Spoil Pile
Battering Ordinary Slope
5.4 BENCHING
Benching & Battering Compound Slope
For Type A and Type B soils. Risk assessment by competent person required for all Type C Soils.
5.5 GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Proprietary shoring systems will be installed, used, maintained and dismantled in accordance with the
manufacturers specifications.
If non-proprietary shoring is to be used a competent person that is someone experienced in the design of
shoring systems shall design it and a copy of the design plans and calculations shall be kept in the Project
office.
People shall be trained in the installation and removal of the shoring systems to be used. Installation and
removal methods may be determined through consultation with suitably experienced and qualified engineers,
supervisors and safety advisors.
Shoring may be required for:
Unstable ground.
Uneven ground.
Lack of machinery manoeuvrability.
Proximity of foreign services.
Access restraints.
Directional or inclinational changes of a pipeline.
All lifting equipment used for lifting shoring boxes must have current certification, and shall be rated to lift the
weight of the loads.
5.5.1 Types of Shoring

Shields or Metal Boxes are most commonly used, and are mainly used where access is available for cranage
to lower and raise the shields or boxes into and out of a trench. Different configurations will require different
installation and removal procedures.
Soldier Sets or Piles involve H shaped piles that are driven into the ground approx. 1 3m apart. Planks
8mm thick called lagging are placed between the piles (locked in the flange of the H pile) to provide a barrier
for the excavation.
Close Sheeting is the primary method of ground support when unstable soil conditions, such as for soft
ground or in ground liable to get wet during excavation such as sand, silt or soft moist clay are encountered,
and there is a danger of the ground running or collapsing.
Sacrificial Sets are designed to prevent the undermining of existing foundations such as where a trench is
positioned next to a building. As they stay in the ground indefinitely, they are made from durable hardwood,
such as jarrah.
Alternative Soldier Set Hydraulic Support Systems are a relatively high cost hydraulic support system
mainly used to provide mobile ground support while soldier sets are being installed. Adequate inspection and
maintenance of these systems is essential to ensure continuing risk minimisation.
The shoring or support system shall be installed without delay as the excavation progresses. Operatives
installing the system must be given clear instructions preferably recorded as drawings or sketches.
The shoring shall extend at least 300mm above the edge of the excavation or a fender board of the same
height provided.
A competent person shall inspect the shoring on a daily basis prior to work commencing. Additional
inspections must be conducted after any fall of the sides or working face, or after blasting. Inspections must
be recorded. Where the installation of a support system differs to the requirement of the design plans any
changes shall be referred back to the designer.
6 TRENCHING AND EXCAVATIONS
6.1 EXCAVATION PERMIT

Prior to commencing any excavation work where existing services are present or the excavation is 1.5
metres or deeper wan excavation permit is required. In preparing the excavation permit the following shall be
taken into consideration:
A thorough JHA to be completed by all personnel involved in the excavation and signed off by all
personnel and Project engineer/Supervisor/Superintendent before commence
Complete site detail information e.g., project names, project number, permit requested by and date
Describe area to be excavated
Describe depth of excavation
Outline purpose of excavation
Detail duration of excavation
Sketch the excavation area
Describe the machines used for the excavation
Outline the methodology
Describe the services in the area
Detail the One Call drawing sequence number (Copies of drawings to be attached to Permit)
Detail the client excavation permit reference number (If there is a client excavation process) ((Copies
of drawings to be attached to Permit)
Detail any drawing references (Copies of drawings to be attached to Permit)
Outline how potholing is going to be conducted
Describe what controls are to be in place e.g., JHA, Spotter, cable locator or composite drawings
Detail how installed services are going to be marked
Project engineer/Supervisor/Superintendent signs authority to proceed
The permit is to be reviewed and signed by everyone at the commencement of the excavation
Ensure that once the excavation has been completed that the permit is cancelled by being signed
and dated
The excavation permit is in a triplicate booklet or available on B-online. If using the triplicate booklet the
white copies remains with the Project engineer/Supervisor/Superintendent, the blue copy remains with the
workgroup conducting the task and the yellow copy remains as a record in the excavation booklet.
6.2 SUPERVISION
Prior to commencing the excavation the following shall be considered:
Are adequate resources available along with appropriate PPE and drinking water for hot
weather conditions?
Are all plant and equipment operators competent in the use of the plant or equipment, and
do hold the relevant certificate of competence?
Has instruction and training been provided and documented in both the work process and
the associated risk control methods as appropriate?
Is the work site in an orderly fashion, with suitable access? Spoil shall be stockpiled neatly?
Has adequate supervision been provided taking into consideration the number of people
exposed?
Have manual handling issues been identified and suitable control methods implemented?
Have traffic management plans for the control of pedestrians, mobile plant and vehicles
been prepared and implemented?
Have emergency procedures (e.g. for trench collapse) been reviewed, and is there an
effective emergency communication system in place? Where there is a possibility of a
person being trapped by a cave-in, are there a number of suitably training persons
available to respond to an emergency?
6.3 DEPTH LESS THAN 1.5 METRES

A risk assessment shall be carried out to determine if a risk to employees exists and if so the method and
type of protection to be provided. The risk assessment shall address but not be limited to the following:
Water Table - is it above or below the trench bottom? Dewatering - is dewatering required, and if so will it
affect the stability of the trench. Adjacent building or are adjacent buildings, roads or services liable to roads
damage? Ground conditions - has the type of ground been examined to determine its structure, i.e. clay,
sand, silt, rock, fill or previously excavated ground.
6.4 DEPTH 1.5 METRES OR GREATER

Trenching or excavation work shall not be commenced until a competent person has examined the ground to
determine whether shoring is required. Shoring shall be erected and maintained having regard to the nature
of the soil and the slope of the side of the trench or excavation.
A JHA shall be completed along with an Excavation Safety Inspection form.
Minimum PPE shall be;
Hard Hat
Work Boots
Safety Glasses
High Visibility clothing
6.5 RE-EXCAVATING A TRENCH

Should the operator need to amend the depth or line of an already excavated trench, the trench shall be
filled in first, compacted then re-excavated to the correct depth or alignment.
6.6 ACCESS AND EGRESS

A safe means of access and egress shall be provided at all times when persons are working in a trench or
excavation. If ladders are used they shall be not spaced more than 10 metres apart and extend 1 metre
above the top.
Where gangways or walkways are required for access across a trench or excavation and where a person
could fall more than 2 metres, the gangway or walkway shall be provided with kick boards and guard rails
and be a minimum of 600mm wide.
6.7 BARRICADING / SIGNAGE

Every part of the trench or excavation where there is a likelihood of a person falling shall be provided with
barricades or guardrails as soon as possible after excavation. Barricades or guardrails can be removed to
allow access or movement of plant, or materials. Once access is no longer required the barricades or
guardrails shall be re-instated. Whenever barriers are set back from the edge of a trench all access to the
excavation should be confined to the proper pathways and no materials shall be stacked in the space
between the barrier and the trench edge. Appropriate signage should be installed to advise personnel of the
danger.
Barriers are also necessary to stop vehicles, or trucks etc from maneuvering too close to the edge of the
trench and endangering its stability. Timber baulks are effective against small-wheeled machines but taller
barriers are required for larger pieces of plant.
6.8 LIGHTING
During the hours of darkness, the edges of an excavation shall be illuminated, especially when it is adjacent
to a public thoroughfare. Battery operated flashing lights placed at intervals are usually sufficient.
In deeper excavations or during winter, lighting may be necessary to allow work to proceed in a safe manner.
Lighting shall be guarded and installed to prevent damage. The lighting shall be placed so that the level of
illumination at the working area is sufficient after conducting a risk assessment and access ways and
working areas are free of glare and deep shadow.
All electrical items shall comply with company standard procedures for temporary electrical installations on
building and construction sites.
6.9 VENTILATION
Should there be a likelihood risk of toxic gases being present; the atmosphere shall be tested prior to entry to
ensure the oxygen content is not less than 19% and not greater than 23%. The atmosphere must also be
checked if necessary for the presence of explosive gases. Where mechanical ventilation equipment is
required to establish and maintain a safe environment, the equipment shall be monitored regularly and have
the controls, including any remote power supply, identified and tagged to prevent any unauthorised and or
accidental interference.
Regular tests on the atmosphere shall be conducted throughout the duration of the work. Refer to the
Confined Space procedure.
6.10 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

Equipment, excavated material or other matter shall not be placed within 1.0 metres of the edge of a trench.
6.11 EXCAVATION BESIDE OR BENEATH UNDERGROUND SERVICES

The preferred method for removing soil from beneath underground services is by hand tools. Machinery may
be used if all of the following criteria have been met:
A JHA is completed and reviewed by the Supervisor.
Soil is sand or clay. If it is rock or shale, only hand digging is permitted.

A competent supervisor must approve the machinery and operator.
Exposed pipeline or ducting must be supported if there is any risk of it sagging.
An excavation permit has been obtained (if necessary) and there is a dedicated spotter
near the trench who has a direct line of sight between the pipeline and the machinery
operator.
The machinery can perform the excavation without impinging on the safety zone
around the trench (1.5 times the trench depth).
All the above must be met to ensure the safe use of machinery to assist in the excavation. Otherwise, hand
excavation using only shovels, crowbars and jackhammers will be used.
7 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Emergency response requirements shall be identified before work commences, and appropriate measures
taken to ensure the safety of all persons should any foreseeable emergency situation arise.
Suitable training will be provided to ensure continuing preparedness.
The response for trench collapse shall be as follows:
1. Conduct A headcount
2. Send For help. Contact the Supervisor immediately requesting

assistance and tell them - there has been a trench collapse; the
number of persons involved; the exact location including proximity
to any landmarks. To assist the Emergency Services - keep
access ways clear; if possible, send a person to look for the
assistance and guide it to the scene.
3. Assess
The situation. DO NOT ENTER A COLLAPSED TRENCH UNTIL
IT IS MADE SAFE AND DIRECTED BY YOUR SUPERVISOR.
4. Clear The area of unnecessary personnel.
5. Locate The victim(s) if possible - look for tools, shovels etc.
6. Batter The sides of the trench - if possible and safe to do so.
7. Insert Shoring - if possible and safe to do so.
8. Excavate
Collapsed soil with shovels, or if very deep, dig a trench BESIDE
the collapsed trench - but only if possible and safe to do so.
9. Keep All people OFF the collapsed surface.
10. Safety Belts and lines MUST be worn by rescuers in trenches over 1.5m
deep.
11. Nearer To the victim(s), use shovels CAREFULLY - preferably, use

HANDS.
12. Remove Soil from victims head and chest.
13. Check Victims breathing commence resuscitation if necessary.
14. Clear REST OF SOIL FROM VICTIMS BODY.
15. Commence First Aid procedure - check for bleeding, broken bones.
16. Carefully Remove victim from trench.
17. Commence Investigation by completing an Incident Report.
8 INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS

Inspections will be carried out in accordance with the requirements determined at the risk management
process. These will be recorded on the Excavation Safety Inspection.
Suitable records will be kept of all issues associated with excavation in accordance with the procedure for
records.

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SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE

08PR062C EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING

Brierty Ltd ABN 65 095 459 448

Date Version Description Originator Reviewer Approver

An oxygen atmosphere outside the safe oxygen range; or

A concentration of airborne contaminants which may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or

Shall means mandatory.

Should means strongly recommended.

[NOHSC 1016:2005] National Standard for Construction Work

WA Occupational Safety and Health Act (1984) and Regulations (1996)

WA Mine Safety and Inspection Act (1994) and Regulations (1995)

5.1 RISK MANAGEMENT

Inadequate preliminary investigation;

Inadequate or improper ground support systems;

Inadequate subsoil drainage; or

5.2 GROUND CONDITIONS

The method of excavation will be affected by ground conditions, i.e.:

The classification, type or condition of subsurface material; and

the depth of cut;

the length of time the face will be required to stand;

the type of plant and equipment to be used for excavation;

Prevailing and expected environmental conditions e.g. the likelihood of rain.

Short Term Exposure Long Term Exposure

A (Good) 0.75H : 1V 1H : 1V 1H : 1V 1.25H : 1V

Safe Side Slope Guidelines Only

(If in doubt, check with a competent engineer)

Battering Ordinary Slope

5.5 GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Shoring may be required for:

Lack of machinery manoeuvrability.

Proximity of foreign services.

Directional or inclinational changes of a pipeline.

5.5.1 Types of Shoring

6 TRENCHING AND EXCAVATIONS

6.1 EXCAVATION PERMIT

6.3 DEPTH LESS THAN 1.5 METRES

6.4 DEPTH 1.5 METRES OR GREATER

A JHA shall be completed along with an Excavation Safety Inspection form.

Minimum PPE shall be;

6.5 RE-EXCAVATING A TRENCH

6.6 ACCESS AND EGRESS

6.7 BARRICADING / SIGNAGE

6.10 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

6.11 EXCAVATION BESIDE OR BENEATH UNDERGROUND SERVICES

A JHA is completed and reviewed by the Supervisor.

Soil is sand or clay. If it is rock or shale, only hand digging is permitted.

Suitable training will be provided to ensure continuing preparedness.

The response for trench collapse shall be as follows:

2. Send For help. Contact the Supervisor immediately requesting

4. Clear The area of unnecessary personnel.

5. Locate The victim(s) if possible - look for tools, shovels etc.

6. Batter The sides of the trench - if possible and safe to do so.

7. Insert Shoring - if possible and safe to do so.

9. Keep All people OFF the collapsed surface.

11. Nearer To the victim(s), use shovels CAREFULLY - preferably, use

12. Remove Soil from victims head and chest.

13. Check Victims breathing commence resuscitation if necessary.

14. Clear REST OF SOIL FROM VICTIMS BODY.

16. Carefully Remove victim from trench.

17. Commence Investigation by completing an Incident Report.

8 INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS

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