ABSTRACT
Explain the hazards and risk assessment of excavation work ■ Explain the control measures for excavation work ■ Explain the hazards and risks associated with confi ned space working ■ Outline the control measures for confi ned space working ■
The hazards and controls required for excavation work … The use of cofferdams and caissons, including hazards and controls … The inspection requirements for excavations and excavation support systems … The defi nition and hazards of a confi ned space … The additional controls required when working in a confi ned space, including emergency arrangements … EXCAVATIONS: WORK HAZARDS AND ASSESSMENT EXCAVATION HAZARDS
■ premature collapse of the sides (possibly due to soil composition);
■ materials falling on workers;
■ excavation machinery and equipment (e.g. pneumatic drills);
■ people and/or vehicles falling into the excavation;
■ workers struck by plant;
■ manual handling;
■ noise and vibration;
■ hazardous substances, particularly near the site of current or former industrial processes;
■ infl ux of ground or surface water and entrapment in silt or mud;
■ proximity of stored materials, waste materials or plant – surcharging;
■ proximity of adjacent buildings or structures and their stability;
■ contact with underground services;
■ contact with overhead power lines;
■ access and egress to the excavation; and
■ dust, fumes, lack of oxygen and other health hazards (such as Weil’s disease).
Site survey should include: