24 - Excavation and Trenching Procedure V2.0 PDF

EXCAVATION &
TRENCHING PROCEDURE
Version No
4.0
Issued
3rd Sept 2014
Next Review
Sept 2017
GDS
12.63.1.1
1. OVERVIEW
The Flinders Ranges Council as part of its commitment under its Hazardous Work Policy,
recognises its obligation to manage the health and safety risks associated with excavation and
trenching carried out as part of construction work.
This Procedure aims to make sure that:
Risks to health and safety associated with excavation work are identified and managed
before the work commences having regard to all relevant matters including:
The nature of the excavation.
The nature of the excavation work, including the range of possible methods of carrying
out the work.
The means of entry into and exit from the excavation (if applicable).
When there is a need to excavate a trench at least 1.5m deep, The Flinders Ranges Council:
Minimises the risk to any person arising from the collapse of the trench by adequately
supporting the sides of the trench.
Secures the work area from unauthorised access (including inadvertent entry) and does
so having regard to all relevant matters including:
Risks to health and safety arising from unauthorised access to the work area.
The likelihood of unauthorised access occurring.
Where The Flinders Ranges Council has management or control of the workplace,
reasonable steps are taken to obtain current underground essential services information
about the areas in and surrounding the excavation before directing or allowing the
excavation work to commence.
Measures are taken to eliminate, minimise or control risks before, during and after the
performance of the work.
SIGNED
Chief Executive Officer
Chairperson, WHS Committee
Date: 3 / 9 / 2014
Date: 3 / 9 / 2014
This Procedure relates to excavation work if the work includes a trench, tunnel or shaft.
This Procedure does not apply to the following:
A mine; or
A well; or
A trench for use as a place of interment
Any excavation and trenching activities that involve hazards and risks to workers and others are
subject to the Hazard Management Procedure.
This Procedure deals with excavation and trenching, which is part of construction work, as
defined in WHS legislation. Users of this Procedure are advised to ensure that all legal
requirements for construction work are addressed. This may be assisted by reference to the
LGAWCS Model WHS Construction Activities Guidance Checklist.
Electronic version on the Intranet is the controlled version. Printed copies are considered uncontrolled.
Before using a printed copy, verify that it is the current version.
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EXCAVATION &
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Next Review
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GDS
12.63.1.1
2. CORE COMPONENTS
The core components of our Excavation and Trenching Procedure aim to make sure:
Where the cost of any construction work is $250,000 or more, the obligations of a
construction project are met.
Excavation and trenching activities carried out as part of construction works are recorded on
the Hazard / Risk Register.
Risks to health and safety associated with excavation work are managed before the work
commences, including the risk of:
A person falling into an excavation.
A person being trapped by the collapse of an excavation.
A person working in an excavation being struck by a falling thing.
A person working in an excavation being exposed to an airborne contaminant.
When trenching, all sides of a trench are adequately supported by through shoring (by
shielding or other comparable means), benching or battering unless written advice from a
geotechnical engineer that all sides of the trench are safe from collapse.
A Safe Work Method Statement is prepared for proposed trenching work more than 1.5
metres deep.
Risk assessment documentation is completed as required.
Appropriate controls in line with the hierarchy of control are identified, put in place and
documented (elimination, identification of services etc).
Training requirements are identified as part of the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and a
record of any licences is maintained.
Records are maintained as per the Document Management Procedure.
3. DEFINITIONS
Battering
Benching
Competent
person:
Construction work
To form the face or side or wall of an excavation to an angle, usually less than the
natural angle of repose, to prevent earth slippage
[as defined in the COP: Excavation Work July 2012, p.42].
The horizontal stepping of the face, side, or wall of an excavation
[as defined in the COP: Excavation Work July 2012, p.42]
A person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience and the
knowledge and skills to carry out the task
[as defined by the WHS Regulations 2012 (5), p. 31-32].
Work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fittingout, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition,
decommissioning or dismantling of a structure
[as defined by the WHS Regulations 2012 (289)(1)]
Construction work does not include:
(a) The manufacture of plant.
(b) The prefabrication of elements, other than at a place specifically established for
the construction work, for use in construction work.
(c) The construction or assembly of a structure that once constructed or
assembled is intended to be transported to another place;
(d) Testing, maintenance or repair work of a minor nature carried out in
connection with a structure;
(e) Mining or the exploration for or extraction of minerals.
[as defined by the WHS Regulations 2012 (289(3)]
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EXCAVATION &
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Construction
project
Excavation work
Geotechnical
Engineer
Hierarchy of
Control
High risk
construction work
HSR
Interment
Nominated
person
PCBU
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A project that involves construction work where the cost of the construction work is
$250,000 or more [as defined by WHS Regulations, 2012 (292), p.188]
(a) Make an excavation; or
(b) Fill or partly fill an excavation
[as defined in the WHS Regulations 2012 (5) p. 35].
An engineer:
(a) Whose qualifications are acceptable for membership of the Institution of
Engineers, Australia; and
(b) Who has qualifications and experience in soil stability and mechanics and
excavation work
[as defined in the COP: Excavation Work July 2012, p.42]..
If it is not reasonably practicable for risks to health and safety to be eliminated,
risks must be minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable, by doing 1 or more of
the following:
(a) Substituting (wholly or partly) the hazard giving rise to the risk with something
that gives rise to a lesser risk.
(b) Isolating the hazard from any person exposed to it.
(c) Implementing engineering controls.
If a risk then remains, the duty holder must minimise the remaining risk, so far as
is reasonably practicable, by implementing administrative controls.
If a risk then remains the duty holder must minimise the remaining risk, so far as
is reasonably practicable, by ensuring the provision and use of suitable personal
protective equipment.
[as defined by the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012, Regulation 36]
Construction work that
(a) Involves a risk of a person falling more than 3 metres; or
(b) Is carried out on a telecommunication tower; or
(c) Involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or
otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure; or
(d) Involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos; or
(e) Involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to
prevent collapse; or
(f) Is carried out in or near a confined space; or
(g) Is carried out in or near
(i) A shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 metres; or
(ii) A tunnel; or
(h) Involves the use of explosives; or
(i) Is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping; or
(j) Is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines; or
(k) Is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services; or
(l) Is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable
atmosphere; or
(m) Involves tilt-up or precast concrete; or
(n) Is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic
corridor that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians; or
(o) Is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of
powered mobile plant; or
(p) Is carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature; or
(q) Is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning; or
(r) Involves diving work.
[as defined by the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012(291]
Health and safety representative
The burial of a corpse in a grave or tomb
The person who has been nominated to take control of certain activities within the
management of construction work and who is responsible for making sure certain
actions are managed, monitored and reviewed.
Council may need to nominate a number of persons to enable various elements of
this procedure to be implemented.
Person Conduction a Business or Undertaking [as defined in the WHS Act
2012(5)]
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EXCAVATION &
TRENCHING PROCEDURE
Personal
Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Principal
contractor
Safe Work
Method
Statement
(SWMS)
Shoring
Structure
Trench
Tunnel
Well
WHS
Management Plan
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Anything used or worn by a person to minimize risk to the person's health and
safety, including air supplied respiratory equipment [as defined in the WHS
Regulations, 2012 (5) p. 44].
The PCBU that commissions a construction project is the principal contractor,
unless the person appoints another PCBU to be the principal contractor and
authorises such person to have management or control of the workplace and
discharges the duties of the principal contractor.
A construction project has only one principal contractor at any specific time
[as defined in the WHS Regulations, 2012 (293) p. 188].
[as explained in the COP: Construction Work, July 2012, p.11].
A document that records; the steps in an activity, the hazards associated with the
activity, the controls required to conduct the activity safely and the method for
employing such controls.
The use of timber, steel or other structural material to support an excavation in
order to prevent collapse so that construction can proceed
[as defined in the COP: Excavation Work July 2012, p.43]
Anything that is constructed, whether fixed or moveable, temporary or permanent,
and includes
(a) Buildings, masts, towers, framework, pipelines, transport infrastructure and
underground works (shafts or tunnels); and
(b) Any component of a structure; and
(c) Part of a structure.
[as defined in the WHS Act, 2012 s4.]
Examples of structures as documented in the WHS Regulations 2012 (290)
include:
- A roadway or pathway.
- A ship or submarine.
- Foundations, earth retention works and other earthworks, including river works
and sea defence works.
- Formwork, falsework or any other structure designed or used to provide
support, access or containment during construction work.
- An airfield.
- A dock, harbour, channel, bridge, viaduct, lagoon or dam.
- A sewer or sewerage or drainage works.
[WHS Regulations 2012 (290)]
A horizontal or inclined way or opening
(a) The length of which is greater than its width and greater than or equal to its
depth; and
(b) That commences at and extends below the surface of the ground; and
(c) That is open to the surface along its length;
An underground passage or opening that
(a) Is approximately horizontal; and
(b) Commences at the surface of the ground or at an excavation;
An opening in the ground excavated for
The purpose of obtaining access to underground water
Some other purpose but that gives access to underground water
Natural opening in the ground that gives access to underground water

A document which records the significant (Prescribed) information relating to WHS
for a construction project.
As required and prescribed under Chapter 6, Part 4 of the WHS Regulations 2012
Note: this regulation commences on 1 January 2014
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EXCAVATION &
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4.
PROCEDURE
4.1. Responsibility for managing excavation or trenching work:
4.1.1. Anyone managing excavation or trenching work as a construction activity must
ensure that all legal requirements for construction work are addressed. This may
be assisted by reference to the LGAWCS Model WHS Construction Activities
Guidance Checklist which will assist to determine whether the work will require the
completion of a risk assessment/JSA, a SWMS or a WHS management plan.
4.1.2. Where the value of construction work is $250,000 or more, the construction work
is considered a construction project for which additional duties apply to the
principal contractor.
The principal contractor may be:
Council itself, through a Council employee (such as a project manager or
contract manager) commissioning construction work for Council. In these
instances The Flinders Ranges Council may carry out the functions of the
principal contractor for the Council.
A PCBU appointed by the contract manager to act as the principal contractor
for the contracted work.
4.1.3. The department manager will appoint project manager/s to manage any
construction work involving excavation and trenching undertaken by Council
workers.
4.1.4. The department manager will appoint contract manager/s in accordance with the
Contractor Management Procedure, where construction work involving excavation
and trenching is undertaken by other PCBUs. The contract manager/s will manage
such work by making sure:
a. Council procurement processes are complied with for the selection of
contractors.
b. Contractual documentation specifies which PCBU is the principal contractor
and is authorised:
As having management or control of the workplace, and
To discharge the duties of a principal contractor.
c. PCBUs have been given information Council has in relation to hazards and
risks and underground essential services information at or in the vicinity of the
workplace where the construction work is to be carried out.
d. PCBUs undertake hazard identification, risk assessment and elimination and
control activities and where relevant, supply documentation to verify this has
occurred.
e. Processes are implemented to monitor and review contracted work during and
at the end of the work in accordance with the contractor management
procedure.
4.2. Hazard identification associated with excavation work
4.2.1. Risks to health and safety associated with excavation work are managed before
the work commences, including the risk of:
a. A person falling into an excavation.
b. A person being trapped by the collapse of an excavation.
c. A person working in an excavation being struck by a falling thing.
d. A person working in an excavation being exposed to an airborne contaminant.
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4.2.2. To manage the risks, all relevant matters must be considered including:
a. The nature of the excavation.
b. The nature of the excavation work, including the range of possible methods of
carrying out the work.
c. The means of entry into and exit from the excavation (if applicable).
4.2.3. Examples of excavation specific hazards include:
a. Underground essential services - including gas, water, sewerage, electricity,
telecommunications, chemicals and fuel or refrigerant in pipes or lines.
b. The fall or dislodgement of earth or rock.
c. Falls from one level to another.
d. Falling objects, for example tools, debris and equipment.
e. Inappropriate placement of excavated materials, plant or other loads.
f. Instability of any adjoining structure caused by the excavation.
g. Any previous disturbance of the ground including previous excavation.
h. The instability of the excavation due to persons or plant working adjacent to the
excavation.
i. The presence of or possible inrush of water or other liquid.
j. Hazardous manual tasks.
k. Hazardous chemicals (eg these may be present in the soil where excavation
work is to be carried out) or through handling, use, storage, and transport or
disposal of hazardous chemicals.
l. Hazardous atmosphere in an excavation (eg using Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
solvent for PVC pipes in poorly ventilated trenches) including welding fumes,
gases and arcs.
m. Vibration and hazardous noise.
n. Overhead essential services (powerlines) and ground mounted essential
services (transformers, gas and water meters).
o. The construction workplace itself, including its location, layout, condition and
accessibility.
p. The use of ladders, incorrectly erected equipment, unguarded holes,
penetrations and voids, unguarded excavations, trenches, shafts and lift wells,
unstable structures such as incomplete scaffolding or mobile platforms, fragile
and brittle surfaces such as cement sheet roofs, fibreglass roofs, skylights and
unprotected formwork decks.
q. Collapse of trenches.
r. Structural collapse.
s. The presence of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
t. The interface with other works or trade activities.
u. The physical working environment, for example the potential for electric shock,
immersion or engulfment, fire or explosion, slips, trips and falls, people being
struck by moving plant, exposure to noise, heat, cold, vibration, radiation, static
electricity or a contaminated atmosphere, and the presence of a confined
space.
4.2.4. The project/contract manager will make sure consultation occurs in accordance
with Councils Consultation Procedures with workers and their representatives and
other PCBUs where their duties overlap, during the hazard identification process.
Consultation should include discussions on the following:
Nature and/or condition of the ground and/or working environment.
Weather conditions.
Nature of the work and other activities that may affect health and safety.
Static and dynamic loads near the excavation.
Interaction with other trades.
Site access.
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SWMS.
Management of surrounding vehicular traffic and ground vibration.
Type of equipment used for excavation work.
Public safety.
Existing services and their location.
The length of time the excavation is to remain open.
Provision of adequate facilities.
4.3. Risk assessment

A Pre-Excavation Risk Assessment Worksheet is attached as Appendix 3.
4.3.1. Risk assessment processes shall be conducted in accordance with the following
table:
Project value / type
Requirements
Less than $250,000
Risk assessment / JSA
High risk construction work (less than
SWMS
$250,000)
WHS management plan
$250,000 or more (becomes a
(includes risk
construction project)
assessments/JSAs or SWMS)
High risk construction work ($250,000 SWMS + WHS management
or more is a construction project )
plan
4.3.2. The project manager should form a team to undertake risk
assessment/SWMS/WHS Management Plan. The team should consist of a
competent person to lead the risk assessment / JSA process, workers who are
involved in the activity to be assessed, a HSR (where one exists), the manager or
supervisor and other stakeholders or experts, where relevant.
4.3.3. The assessment should consider all foreseeable hazards and risks including the
following associated with excavation work:
a. Local site conditions, including access, ground slope, adjacent buildings and
structures, water courses (including underground), underground cables and
other services and trees.
b. Depth of the excavation.
c. Soil properties, including variable soil types, stability, shear strength, cohesion,
presence of ground water, effect of exposure to the elements.
d. Fractures or faults in rocks, including joints, bedding planes, dip and strike
directions and angles, clay seams.
e. Any specialised plant or work methods required (eg ground support).
f. The method(s) of transport, haul routes and disposal.
g. What exposures might occur, such as to noise, ultra violet rays or hazardous
chemicals.
h. The number of people involved.
i. The possibility of unauthorised access to the work area.
j. Local weather conditions.
k. The length of time that the excavation will be open.
4.3.4. The contract manager should make sure that the relevant risk assessment (risk
assessment/JSA, SWMS, WHS management plan) has been provided by a PCBU
undertaking excavation or trenching work for Council before work commences.
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4.4. Risk control

4.4.1. Controls should be implemented to eliminate, so far as is reasonably practicable,
identified risks to health and safety.
In all instances, an attempt should be made to eliminate the need for persons to
enter an excavation or trench.
4.4.2. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks, risk controls should be selected
in descending order from the Hierarchy of Control, and in accordance with the
WHS Hazard Management Procedure.
Examples of risk controls subsequent to elimination include, but are not limited to:
Substitution
Isolation
Engineering
Administrative
Personal Protective
Equipment
Using an excavator with a rock breaker rather than

manual method
Using concrete barriers to separate pedestrians and
powered mobile plant to reduce the risk of collision
Benching, battering or shoring the sides of the
excavation to reduce the risk of ground collapse
By installing warning signs near the excavation
Providing workers with hard hats, hearing protectors and
high visibility vests
4.4.3. Factors that should be considered when choosing suitable control measures
include:
a. Excavating plant - when quantities are large, it may be effective to use different
types of plant for the various materials to be excavated.
b. Stockpiling arrangements - another site may need to be found for temporary
stockpiling of materials.
c. Material placement - the methods and plant used for excavating, transporting
and compacting the material should be evaluated
d. Dewatering equipment, if required, and the system to be used.
e. Transport of the excavated material - the type of plant used, the length of haul,
the nature of the haul route, and the conditions of tipping and/or spreading.
f. The need for any remote or isolated work.
4.4.4. The risk assessment, SWMS or WHS Management Plan must be documented
and clearly indicate what control measures are to be used.
4.4.5. Any plant or equipment, work practice or personal protective equipment used in
excavation and trenching must comply with any relevant legislative and Australian
Standards requirements.
4.4.6. The controls identified by the risk assessment /SWMS/WHS Management Plan
must be in place before work commences. This may be facilitated through the use
of :
a. A pre-start checklist
b. Procedures to deal with emergencies
c. Making sure Dial Before You Dig has been contacted on 1100 or via their
website http://www.1100.com.au/# for details of underground cables.
4.4.7. Specific controls for risks in excavation work
a. This section provides example information around controls for excavation work.
However the project/contract manager needs to ensure in the risk management
process that competent workers have considered the tasks associated with the
work.
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b. The following table lists common hazards associated with excavation work and
examples of control measures
Potential hazards
Ground collapse
Water inrush
Falls
Hazardous manual
tasks
Airborne
contaminants
Buried contaminants
(eg asbestos)
Underground
services
Examples of control measures

The use of benching or the installation of ground
support (eg shoring)
Pumps or other dewatering systems to remove water
and prevent build-up
Ramps, steps or other appropriate access into the
excavation
Rotating tasks between workers
Mechanical ventilation to remove airborne
contaminants
Training to identify buried contaminants and what
action to take
Obtain information from the relevant authorities on
the location of underground services.
4.4.8. Any hazards that are unable to be immediately controlled within the risk
assessment process should be transferred to the Hazard Register or project
hazard register for further action and management.
4.4.9. Each worker involved in the job will sign their acknowledgement of the risk
assessment/JSA or SWMS and where relevant be made aware of the content
WHS Management Plan, prior to work commencing.
4.4.10. When identified as a requirement in the risk assessment process, a Permit for
Work must be issued by a person competent to issue such permits, prior to work
commencing eg Work at Height Permit, Confined Space Entry permit, etc.
4.4.11. The project manager will inform relevant persons about the control measures
selected or corrective actions that have been implemented as a result of the
hazard identification and risk assessment process. Toolbox, site or project
meeting minutes and / or JSAs (where relevant) should demonstrate that this has
occurred.
4.4.12. The project manager should confirm that any new hazards that may have been
introduced by the selected controls methods are identified by:
a. Regular monitoring and evaluating of the controls for effectiveness (refer to
Appendix 4 Excavation Daily Inspection Sheet).
b. Recommencing the risk assessment process, outlined at section 4.3 above, if:
New hazards are identified.
The measure is not effective in controlling the risk it was implemented to
control so far as is reasonably practicable.
Before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or
different risk to health or safety that the measure may not effectively control.
The results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary.
If a HSR requests a review.
c. Communicating the outcomes of the risk assessment process within the
department or work group and to the WHS committee, as required.
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4.4.13. The project/contract manager should consult and coordinate activities with other
PCBUs who are undertaking excavation and trenching work, so far as is
reasonably practicable, if their duty of care overlaps. The outcomes of this process
should be communicated to affected Council workers.
4.4.14. The contract manager should make sure all required risk assessment
documentation has been provided before work commences.
4.5. Planning and managing the excavation work
4.5.1. Designers (in house or external)
a. Must give the PCBU who commissioned the design a written report that
specifies the hazards associated with the design of the structure that, so far as
the designer is reasonably aware
Create a risk to the health or safety of persons who are to carry out
construction work on the structure or part, and
Are associated only with the particular design and not with other designs of
the same type of structure.
b. Consider possible excavation work methods and health and safety control
measures when producing any final design documents and the safety report
for the structure.
4.6. Project/contract managers must:
a. Consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with the designer of the whole or any part
of the structure about eliminating and controlling risks.
b. Take all reasonable steps to obtain the designers safety report, if the Council is
commissioning the construction work but did not commission the design of the
construction project (as per 4.6.1.a below).
4.6.1. Principal Contractor
a. If project/contract managers did not commission the design of the construction
project, they must take all reasonable steps to obtain the designers safety
report.
b. The LGAWCS Model WHS Construction Activities Guidance Checklist may
assist in determining and recording who the principal contractor is for the work
c. Where significant excavation work is being carried out and building works have
not commenced, an excavation contractor may be appointed as the principal
contractor for the site preparation phase of the project and then be replaced
with a building expert after this phase is completed.
4.6.2. Safe Work Method Statements
a. A SWMS is prepared before the high risk construction work starts, if the
excavation work is or involves high risk construction work. The SWMS must:
Identify the type of high risk construction work being done.
Specify the health and safety hazards and risks arising from that work.
Describe how the risks will be controlled.
Describe how the control measures will be implemented, monitored and
reviewed.
Be developed in consultation with workers and their representatives who are
carrying out the high risk construction work.
b. In some circumstances one SWMS can be prepared to cover more than one
high risk construction work activity being carried out by contractors and/or
subcontractors. For example, where there is:
A risk of a person falling more than 3 metres.
A trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 metres.
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c. In this case, checks should be made to ensure that all SWMS are consistent
and they are not creating unintended additional risks at the workplace. The
responsibility for this will need to be assigned and documented. LGAWCS
Model WHS Construction Activities Guidance Checklist may assist in identifying
and recording this responsibility.
d. Further guidance on SWMS and an example SWMS template is available in the
Code of Practice: Construction Work.
4.6.3. Adjacent buildings or structures
a. Excavation work does not commence until steps are taken to prevent the
collapse or partial collapse of any potentially affected building or structure.
b. The following should be taken into account:
Any excavation that is below the level of the footing of any structure
including retaining walls that could affect the stability of the structure must be
assessed by a competent person and secured by a suitable ground support
system which has been designed by a competent person.
Using a competent person to identify whether suitable supports to brace the
structure may be required.
Evaluating whether other buildings in and around the excavation site could
be adversely affected by vibration or concussion during the excavation work.
Making sure that excavation work is carried out in a way that does not cause
flooding or water penetration to any adjacent building.
4.6.4. Essential Services
a. The principal contractor/project manager must manage the risks associated
with essential services at the workplace during excavation activities, including:
Implementing specific control measures before using excavators or other
earthmoving machinery near overhead electric lines.
Consulting with the relevant authority regarding approach distances and
appropriate control measures implemented to prevent any part of the plant
or any load carried on it from coming too close or contacting overhead
electric lines.
Obtaining underground service plans and information on current
underground essential services about the areas at the workplace where the
excavation work is to be carried out and providing these to the principal
contractor and/or the excavation contractor.
Information on the location of underground services may be obtained by
contacting the Dial Before You Dig service (see section 4.4.6 for contact
details)
Providing other relevant parties including any subcontractors and plant
operators carrying out the excavation work with information about essential
services and other plans so the information is considered when planning all
work in the area.
b. Project/contract managers must make sure that underground essential services
information is:
Made available to workers, principal contractors and subcontractors.
Readily available for inspection, and
Retained until the excavation work is completed or, if there is a notifiable
incident relating to the excavation work, 2 years after the incident occurs.
c. It is important that excavation methods include an initial examination of the area
to be excavated, for example, sampling the area by exposing a short section of
underground services usually using water pressure and a vacuum system to
excavate or pothole the area.
d. Further guidance on underground essential services and how to locate them is
available in the Code of Practice: Construction Work.
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4.6.5. Securing the work area.

a. Secure from unauthorised access (including inadvertent entry), so far as is
reasonably practicable, the work area in which an excavation of a trench of at
least 1.5 m deep is proposed.
b. In securing the trench or excavation, consider:
Risks to health and safety arising from unauthorised access to the work
area, and
The likelihood of unauthorised access occurring.
c. This requirement is specific to the excavation or trench and is in addition to
general security requirements for construction sites.
Examples of methods to meet this requirement include: Fencing the excavation
and only allowing authorised workers into the area, providing supervision to
prevent unauthorised persons in the vicinity of the excavation and covering the
excavation when work is not occurring.
4.7. Additional controls trenches
4.7.1. If a worker is required to enter a trench and there is a risk of engulfment, control
measures should be implemented regardless of the depth of the trench.
a. A report from a geotechnical engineer may be required to provide information
on the stability and safety of a trench excavation.
The report should include details of the soil conditions, any shoring or trench
support requirements, dewatering requirements and any longer term effects on
stability and safety of the excavation.
b. A competent person (eg an engineer) should design any support systems or be
involved in the selection of other ground collapse control measures, such as
trench shields.
c. Shoring, benching and/or battering may not be required if written advice is
received from a geotechnical engineer that all sides of the trench are safe from
collapse.
d. Any advice should state the period of time to which it applies and may be
subject to a condition that specified natural occurrences may create a risk of
collapse.
4.7.2. The project /contract manager or principal contractor who proposes to excavate a
trench at least 1.5m deep, must minimise the risk to any person arising from the
collapse of the trench by ensuring that all sides of the trench are adequately
supported by one or more of the following :
a. Shoring by shielding or other comparable means (for example, boxing).
b. Benching.
c. Battering.
4.7.3. A combination of these control measures may be the most effective depending on
the work environment and characteristics of the excavated material. In built up
areas or streets the excavation may have to be fully or partly sheeted or supported
to prevent collapse due to localised vehicle movement.
4.7.4. The soil condition and the state of shoring, battering and trench walls should be
frequently checked by a competent person for signs of earth fretting, slipping,
slumping or ground swelling. Where necessary, the excavation should be repaired
or the shoring system strengthened from above before allowing work below
ground to continue. The frequency of inspections should be determined and
documented as part of the hazard management process.
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The LGAWCS have engaged a geotechnical engineer to develop guidelines for

the excavation activities involved in rubble raising or borrow pits. If this guidance
note is followed it will meet the requirements of a Geotechnical engineers report,
as required in 4.7.1 c above. (Refer to Appendix 1)
4.8. Additional controls tunnelling
4.8.1. Safe tunnel construction depends on adequate pre-construction engineering
investigation of the ground and site and accurate interpretation of the information
obtained. Designers should:
a. Obtain or be provided with all available relevant information.
b. Be advised of any gaps in the information for planning and construction.
c. Undertake or be involved in data acquisition for the site investigation program.
d. Have on-site involvement during the engineering investigation.
4.8.2. The information obtained from the engineering investigation and the anticipated
excavation methods should be considered in preparing a tunnel design. The
design should include:
a. Details on the tunnel dimensions and allowable excavation tolerances.
b. Temporary and final support and lining requirements for each location within the
tunnel.
c. Details of expected tunnel drive lengths and location of shafts.
d. Any other requirements for the finished tunnel.
4.8.3. The design should also include information on the excavation methods and ground
conditions considered in the design. This will allow the design to be reviewed if
another excavation method is chosen or the ground conditions differ from that
expected as the excavation proceeds.
4.8.4. The design also needs to take into account the construction methods that may be
used to construct the tunnel so that a safe design for construction purposes is
achieved.
Further details on hazards, risk and relevant control measures can be found in the
Code of Practice: Excavation Work.
4.8.5. Using ground support designed for the unique circumstances of the work is
essential to control the risk of a collapse or tunnel support failure. All excavation
for tunnelling should be supported.
4.9. Additional controls - preventing ground collapse
4.9.1. When undertaking excavation work, ground collapse is one of the primary risks to
be controlled.
4.9.2. The project/contract manager or principal contractor should check that appropriate
excavation methods and control measures have been selected for the specific
work, including that consideration has been given to:
a. The type and strength of the material to be excavated (eg whether the ground
is natural and self-supporting or has been previously backfilled)
b. The moisture content of the soil.
c. If the ground is level or sloping.
d. If groundwater is present.
e. If there are any discontinuities or faults in the strata.
f. If there are any other nearby water courses, drains or run-off that might affect
the stability of the excavation.
g. The work area and any access or operational limitations.
h. The planned height of the excavated face.
i. If vehicular traffic and/or powered mobile plant will operate near the excavation.
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j. If there will be other construction activity nearby that may cause vibration.
k. Any other loads adjacent to the planned excavation. (e.g. buildings, tanks,
retaining walls, trees)
l. If the need for persons to enter the excavation can be eliminated.
m. Any underground essential services.
4.10. Emergency and rescue procedures
4.10.1. The project/contract manager must make sure:
a. An emergency plan has been prepared that considers emergency and rescue
scenarios that might arise from excavation and trenching activities, in
consultation with workers and their representatives, such as:
Falls from one level to another.
Ground slip.
Flooding.
Gas leaks, and
The rescue of workers from an excavation.
b. A register of all persons who are at the construction workplace on a particular
day is kept so that in the case of any emergency everyone can be accounted
for.
c. When establishing emergency procedures, the following should be taken into
account:
Location of the work area i.e. remote, isolated, accessible, distance from
medical facilities etc.
Communications ie how will workers communicate in an emergency?
Rescue equipment ie relevant to the nature of the task, proximity of such
equipment.
Capabilities of rescuers i.e. are they trained in specific rescue requirements,
have emergency procedures been tested?
First aid i.e. appropriate first aid kits and trained first aiders?
Local emergency services i.e. how will they be contacted and time for
response if they are to be relied on for rescue?
d. If a fall arrest system is used as a control measure in any work activity where
there is a risk of fall, emergency procedures should include suspension
intolerance as a potential hazard and the appropriate controls developed to
manage the hazard in accordance with the requirements of the prevention of
falls procedure.
e. Access is available to first aid equipment, facilities for the administration of first
aid, and workers trained to administer first aid, in accordance with the First Aid
Procedure.
f. Emergency procedures are tested regularly with workers who undertake the
work in accordance with the Emergency Management Procedure.
4.10.2. The project/contract manager in consultation with the WHS Coordinator with WHS
responsibility should make sure that:
a. The emergency procedures and first aid response have been incorporated into
the Council Emergency Plan.
b. Relevant workers are provided with suitable and adequate information, training
and instruction in relation to the relevant emergency procedures, including:
Making sure any emergency rescue process starts immediately (when safe
to do so)
Making sure workers do not put themselves at risk during a rescue.
c. Training frequency takes into account the workers competence and their ability
to retain competence through regular exposure to the equipment and skills
needed to perform a rescue.
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4.10.3. Contract managers must make sure that PCBUs prepare and supply an
emergency plan before work commences.
4.11. Incidents or accidents related to excavation and trenching
4.11.1. Any Council worker involved in an incident involving excavation or trenching
activities should report the incident to their project manager as soon as reasonably
practicable. Contractors should immediately notify their contract manager or direct
supervisor.
4.11.2. The relevant manager should immediately notify the WHS Coordinator with WHS
responsibility, who will ascertain whether statutory reporting to SafeWork SA or
the Office of the Technical Regulator is required.
4.11.3. If an a notifiable incident occurs that involves an excavation or trenching, namely
- The death or a person; or
- A serious injury or illness of a person; or
- A dangerous incident
A report must be made by the WHS Coordinator as follows:
a. SafeWork SA:
Report by the fastest available means. The report can be made by phone or
in writing (such as by fax, email or other electronic means).
If the notification is by phone this must be followed up in writing within 48
hours if SafeWork SA requests it.
The 24 hour Emergency Telephone number is 1800 777 209.
b. Office of the Technical Regulator
All incidents involving electricity must be reported to the Office of the
Technical Regulator by the electrical worker or the occupier of the premises
where the incident occurs
Death must be reported immediately via telephone. Phone: 8226 5500 Business Hours (1800 558 811 After Hours)
Any accident where a person requires medical assistance must be reported
within one working day.
All other accidents involving electricity must be reported to the Office of the
Technical Regulator within 10 working days of the day of the accident.
4.11.4. The Accident and Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedure should be
complied with, including the requirement that the site where the incident occurred
is not disturbed until an inspector arrives at the site or any earlier time that an
inspector directs.
4.12. Monitoring and evaluation
4.12.1. Project/contract managers should review and revise any existing risk control
measures related to excavation and trenching during project coordination or site
meetings, using the same methods as the initial hazard identification process:
a. When the control measure does not minimise the risk so far as is reasonably
practicable.
b. Before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or different
health and safety risk that the control measure may not effectively control.
c. If a new hazard or risk is identified.
d. If the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary.
e. If a HSR requests a review.
4.12.2. When reviewing control measures, a SWMS must be reviewed and revised where
necessary.
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4.12.3. During the course of contracted work, the contract manager or delegate should
monitor the contract in accordance with the requirements of the Contractor
Management procedure and contractual arrangements.
a. The monitoring may be conducted against the Risk Assessment/JSA, SWMS or
WHS Management Plan provided by the Contractor.
b. The contract manager should verify that any corrective actions identified have
been effectively closed out within the designated timeframes.
4.12.4. The WHS Committee should monitor the CAPA Register (including any issues
related to excavation or trenching or contracted work) during its meetings. A report
should be presented to the Senior Leadership Team listing outstanding items
requiring their direction or enforcement.
4.12.5. The Senior Leadership Team should:
a. Review statistics, audit results, legislative changes and other information
relating to excavation and trenching and direct action when required. Minutes
should record outcomes of discussion and actions undertaken.
b. Include the excavation and trenching procedure as part of the ongoing
management review process and report the findings of internal audits, as
relevant.
c. Set, monitor and review objectives, targets and performance indicators for any
construction work program as relevant.
5.
TRAINING
5.1. The Flinders Ranges Council training needs analysis should identify the training needs for
those persons required to:
5.1.1. Carry out excavation and trenching work; or
5.1.2. Undertake a risk assessment/SWMS for excavation and trenching work; or
5.1.3. Prepare a WHS management plan; or
5.1.4. Manage or supervise persons working in or with excavations and trenches; or
5.1.5. Maintain equipment used for or during work in excavation and trenching; or
5.1.6. Purchase, distribute or maintain personal protective equipment for use in
excavation and trenching; or
5.1.7. Potentially be involved in a rescue or first-aid procedure resulting from excavation
or trenching work.
5.2. The training needs analysis should have regard to:
5.2.1. The nature of the work carried out by the worker.
5.2.2. The nature of the risks associated with the work at the time of the information,
training and instruction.
5.2.3. The control measures implemented.
5.3. Workplace specific training should be conducted by the project manager or by the
principal contractor for the construction project.
5.3.1. Training should be provided by a competent person that is specific to the
excavation work and to the site.
5.3.2. Training requirements include:
a. Each worker undertaking excavation or trenching activities holding a general
construction induction training card.
b. Workers operating certain types of plant at the workplace possessing a valid
licence to operate that plant.
c. Workers in a supervisory role (eg leading hands or team leaders) being
experienced and trained in excavation or trenching work to make sure the work
is carried out in accordance with The Flinders Ranges Council documented
requirements.
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d. Other training insofar as is relevant to the performance of the particular work

and the worker's duties, may cover:
Safety documents, policies and plans, including the WHS management plan
and SWMS that cover:
o Planning and preparation of work.
o Setting out excavation and erecting safety equipment.
o Assisting machine excavation operations.
o Installation of excavation support.
o Clean up.
Supervisory, consultation and reporting arrangements.
Workplace safety rules, including first aid provisions and emergency
procedures.
Workplace facilities, including their location, use and maintenance.
Emergency procedures, including after-hours emergency contacts.
Health monitoring requirements and procedures.
Access, egress and security.
Workplace specific hazards and control measures.
The selection, use, fit and maintenance of PPE.
How safety issues are resolved, including HSR arrangements.
How to report hazards and unsafe work practices.
How to report accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences.
What to do if a person is injured, including first aid provisions.
5.4. Such training may be competency based and should be in accordance with the WHS
Regulations, relevant Codes of Practice, or Australian Standards. Training should be
documented and relevant information forwarded to the Executive Assistant with WHS
responsibility for inclusion to the training records.
5.5. The project/contract manager should check that the findings of the risk assessment/JSA
or SWMS is explained to those persons involved in the activity and is signed by each
person before any work commences.
6.
RECORDS
The following records should be maintained:
6.1. Contract documentation
6.2. Permit processes
6.3. Plant and equipment inspection, testing and maintenance records
6.4. Plant and equipment registration and certification records
6.5. Plant and equipment registers
6.6. Purchase or hire documentation, including operation manuals
6.7. Risk assessments/JSAs, SWMS, WHS management plans
6.8. Statutory notifications.
6.9. Training records, licences and other competency records
6.10. Underground essential services information
All records must be retained in line with the current version of GDS20
7.
RESPONSIBILITIES
7.1. The Senior Leadership Team is accountable for:
7.1.1. Monitoring compliance to the Councils legislative responsibilities for excavation
and trenching.
7.1.2. Budgetary expenditure for construction work.
7.1.3. Setting objectives, targets and performance indicators for any construction work
program, as relevant.
7.1.4. Checking that managers and supervisors have been provided with training to
ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, they understand and can:
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a.
7.1.5.
7.1.6.
7.1.7.
7.1.8.
7.1.9.
Apply the requirements of the construction work legislation, codes of practice

and this procedure to the areas and activities under their control.
b. Apply the requirements of procurement and contract management
procedures, as relevant.
c. Provide adequate training and supervision to the persons under their
management.
Consulting with other PCBUs, so far as is reasonably practicable, if their duty of
care overlaps.
Checking, so far as is reasonably practicable, that reasonably foreseeable
hazards are identified, assessed and controlled when elimination is not
practicable.
Monitoring the Hazard Register and enforcing close out of items when required.
Reviewing the effectiveness of the excavation and trenching processes.
Including excavation and trenching management within the management review
process.
7.2. The department manager is accountable for:

7.2.1. Appointing project managers and contract managers to manage excavation and
trenching work.
7.2.2. Checking that persons required to manage excavation and trenching work have
been trained and assessed as competent where relevant, in accordance with
legislative requirements.
7.2.3. Checking that all plant and PPE used in excavation and trenching work is fit for
purpose, inspected prior to use and maintained by competent persons, in
accordance with legislative requirements.
7.2.4. Checking that Council workers required to undertake excavation and trenching
work have been trained and assessed as competent as relevant, in accordance
with legislative requirements.
7.3. The contract manager is accountable for:
7.3.1. Complying with Council procurement processes.
7.3.2. Checking contractual documentation specifies which party is the principal
contractor and has control of the workplace.
7.3.3. Making sure PCBUs have been given any information Council has in relation to
hazards and risks at or in the vicinity of the workplace where the construction work
is to be carried out.
7.3.4. Checking PCBUs undertake hazard identification, risk assessment and control
activities and where relevant, have supplied documentation to verify this has
occurred.
7.3.5. Assigning responsibility to check that all SWMS are consistent and they are not
creating unintended additional risks at the workplace.
7.3.6. Making sure processes are implemented to monitor and review contracted work
during and at the end of the work in accordance with the contractor management
procedure.
7.4. The project / contract manager is accountable for:
7.4.1. Making sure that risks to health and safety associated with excavation work are
managed before the work commences.
7.4.2. Consulting with workers and their representatives and other PCBUs where their
duties overlap during the hazard identification process.
7.4.3. Consulting, so far as is reasonably practicable, with the designer of the whole or
any part of the structure about eliminating and controlling risks and taking all
reasonable steps to obtain the designers safety report.
7.4.4. Making sure each excavation activity has a documented risk assessment/JSA,
SWMS or WHS management plan (as required by this Procedure), that clearly
indicates what control measures are to be used.
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7.4.5. Checking that all plant and PPE used in excavation and trenching work is fit for
purpose, inspected prior to use and maintained by competent persons, in
accordance with legislative requirements.
7.4.6. Making sure that any hazards that are unable to be immediately controlled within
the risk assessment process are transferred to the Hazard/Risk Register or
project hazard register for further action and management.
7.4.7. Informing relevant persons about the control measures selected or corrective
actions that have been implemented as a result of the hazard identification and
risk assessment process.
7.4.8. Making sure that an emergency response plan has been developed, implemented
and documented before any work which involves entry into excavation and
trenching work areas is commenced for the first time.
7.4.9. Making available information about essential services to any worker, principal
contractor and subcontractors and making that information available for inspection
as required under the WHS Act.
7.4.10. Making sure that excavation work does not commence until steps are taken to
prevent the collapse or partial collapse of any potentially affected building or
structure.
7.4.11. Checking that written reports have been obtained from a geotechnical engineer
when required.
7.4.12. Checking that the frequency of inspections of soil condition and the state of
shoring, battering and trench walls have been determined and documented as
part of the risk assessment process.
7.4.13. Checking that appropriate excavation methods and control measures have been
selected for the specific work.
7.4.14. Making sure that any permits for work have been issued.
7.4.15. Checking that any excavation and trenching signage is maintained.
7.4.16. Checking that excavation and trenching work areas are secured against
unauthorized entry.
7.4.17. Implementing control measures in line with this procedure to make sure, so far as
is reasonably practicable, the safety of workers when undertaking excavation and
trenching work.
7.4.18. Checking that persons required to undertake excavation and trenching work have
been trained and assessed as competent, where relevant, in accordance with
legislative requirements.
7.4.19. Checking that any person who works in an excavation is given information about
the hazards that are present in the work location, prior to the work being
undertaken.
7.4.20. Undertaking inspections, to monitor compliance with requirements.
7.4.21. Consulting and coordinating activities with other PCBUs who are undertaking
excavation and trenching work, so far as is reasonably practicable, if their duty of
care overlaps.
7.4.22. Checking that all persons working in an excavation have returned from their tasks
at the end of the day.
7.4.23. Checking that hazards identified or incidents that occur when undertaking
excavation and trenching work, are reported, investigated and control measures
are implemented in accordance with The Flinders Ranges Council WHS Hazard
Management Procedure.
7.4.24. Implementing any corrective or preventative actions required for excavation and
trenching work.
7.4.25. Maintaining documented records for excavation and trenching activities.
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7.5. The WHS Coordinator is accountable for:

7.5.1. Maintaining the Hazard / Risk Register and CAPA Register
7.5.2. Making sure training for workers undertaking excavation and trenching activities,
is identified and delivered and the training register in relation to this training, is
kept up to date.
7.5.3. Initiating the development and the testing of the Council Emergency Plan for
excavation or trenching related emergencies.
7.5.4. Undertaking statutory reporting when required.
7.5.5. Ensuring the LGAWCS has been notified when any statutory reporting has
occurred.
7.5.6. Maintaining legislative currency of procedures and systems in relation to
excavation and trenching.
7.5.7. Initiating audit and review activities as required.
7.6. The designer is accountable for:
7.6.1. Making sure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the structure is designed
without risks to the health and safety of persons who construct the structure at a
workplace.
7.6.2. Considering possible excavation work methods and health and safety control
measures when producing any final design documents for a structure.
7.6.3. Producing a written report that specifies the hazards associated with the design of
the structure, that so far as the designer is reasonably aware:
a. Create a risk to the health or safety of persons who are to carry out
construction work on the structure or part, and
b. Are associated only with the particular design and not with other designs of the
same type of structure.
7.7. The principal contractor has a range of duties in relation to a construction project that
should be complied with, including:
7.7.1. Preparing and reviewing a WHS Management Plan.
7.7.2. Confirming Hazards and risks are managed before excavation work begins.
7.7.3. Obtaining SWMS before any high risk construction work commences.
7.7.4. Putting in place arrangements to manage the work environment including falls,
facilities, first aid, an emergency plan and traffic management.
7.7.5. Installing signs showing the principal contractors name, contact details and
location of any site office.
7.7.6. Securing the construction workplace.
7.8. Any person required to undertake work associated with excavation or trenching is
accountable for:
7.8.1. Complying with the requirements of risk assessment/JSA, SWMS and WHS
management plan as relevant, any permits for work and relevant WHS policies
and procedures whilst undertaking their tasks.
7.8.2. Attending training when required.
7.8.3. Only undertaking tasks they are competent to undertake (or are in training to
undertake with appropriate supervision)
7.8.4. Demonstrating and maintaining competency in accordance legislative
requirements.
7.8.5. Keeping their general construction induction training card available for inspection.
7.8.6. Following reasonable instructions related to work associated with excavations or
trenching.
7.8.7. Using personal protective equipment and safety equipment provided.
7.8.8. Assisting in assessing risk, implementing control measures and evaluating them
for effectiveness as required.
7.8.9. Seeking assistance to manage identified hazards when required.
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7.9. The WHS Committee is accountable for:

7.9.1. Facilitating co-operation between management and workers in matters relating to
excavation and trenching activities.
7.9.2. Monitoring the Hazard / Risk Register and referring issues to The Flinders Ranges
Council Senior Leadership Team that require management direction or
enforcement.
7.10. Health and safety representatives may:
7.10.1. Facilitate consultation between department managers and workers in relation to
any excavation and trenching activities that affect the workgroup they represent.
7.10.2. Request and assist in the review and revision, where necessary, of risk control
measures related to excavation and trenching activities.
8.
REVIEW
8.1. The Excavation and Trenching Procedure should be reviewed by the WHS Committee, in
consultation with workers or their representatives, every three years or more frequently if
legislation or The Flinders Ranges Council needs change. The review may include a
review of:
8.1.1. Legislative compliance issues.
8.1.2. Audit findings relating to excavation and trenching management or contractor
management.
8.1.3. Changes in the products, operations or activities of the organization.
8.1.4. Incident and hazard reports, claims costs and trends related to excavation and
trenching management.
8.1.5. Feedback from managers, workers or other stakeholders.
8.1.6. Other relevant information.
8.2. Results of reviews may result in preventative and/or corrective actions being implemented
and revision of this document.
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9.
REFERENCES
Work Health and Safety Act 2012
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012
General Disposal Schedule for Local Government
WorkCoverSA Performance Standards for Self-Insurers
Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
Code of Practice: Excavation Work, July 2012
Code of Practice: Construction Work, July 2012
Code of Practice: Safe Design of Structures, July 2012
Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces, December 2012
Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
Office of the Technical Regulator: Working Safely Near Overhead Powerlines pamphlet
10. RELATED DOCUMENTS

LGAWCS Model WHS Construction Activities Guidance Checklist
WHS guidelines for rubble raising pit excavations
Risk assessments/JSAs, SWMS, WHS Management Plan
Emergency Management Plan
Contractor Management Procedure
Electrical Safety Procedure
Emergency Management Procedure
First Aid Procedure
Incident Reporting & Investigation Procedure
Plant Procedure
Remote & Isolated Work Procedure
WHS Hazard Management Procedure
Hazard / Risk Register
CAPA Register
Project Register
11. DOCUMENT HISTORY:

Version No:
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Issue Date:
March 2003
May 2007
June 2010
Sept 2014
Description of Change:
New document
Unknown
New Document
Terminology changes to reflect 2012 WHS Act, Regulations and
Codes of Practice.
Examples of changes include; OHS to WHS and employee to
worker where appropriate
Expansion of Definitions section.
Expansion of Hazard identification and Risk control sections to
include specific information from appropriate COPs.
Inclusion of considerations for Construction work
12. APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Work Health & Safety Guidelines for Rubble Raising Pit Excavations (as
supplied by LGAWCS & Golder Associates)
Appendix 2: LGAWCS Model WHS Construction Activities Guidance Checklist
Appendix 3: Pre-Excavation Risk Assessment Worksheet
Appendix 4: Excavation Daily Inspection Sheet
Page 22 of 46
EXCAVATION &
TRENCHING PROCEDURE
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Next Review
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GDS
12.63.1.1
Appendix 1: Work Health & Safety Guidelines for Rubble Raising Pit Excavations (as supplied
by LGAWCS & Golder Associates)
Page 23 of 46
WORK HEALTH & SAFETY

GUIDELINES FOR RUBBLE
RAISING PIT EXCAVATIONS
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Appendix 2: LGAWCS Model WHS Construction Activities Guidance Checklist
OVERVIEW
The purpose of this checklist is to provide guidance and a tool, to confirm that the
appropriate WHS legislative considerations relating specifically to construction, have been
made for current and planned construction activities.
User notes
This Guidance Checklist is comprised of various parts and sub-checklists.
1. Complete Part A first.
2. Complete Part B only after the checklists (1-3) have been completed. Part B is a tool for
recording additional requirements and actions.
2. Complete Checklist 1 to determine if the current or planned construction activity is, or
is likely to be, construction work:
If the activity is construction work, complete Checklist 2 to identify if the
construction work is high risk construction work.
If the activity is construction work, but not high risk construction work, complete
Checklist 1a to confirm which parts of the WHS legislative framework apply to that
activity.
If the activity is high risk construction work, complete Checklist 2a to confirm
which parts of the WHS legislative framework apply to that activity.
If the activity is a construction project with a value of more than $250,000
complete checklist 3 to confirm which parts of the WHS legislative framework apply
to that activity (in conjunction with checklists 1, 1a, 2 and 2a as appropriate)
Principal contractors
When Council commissions a construction project, Council will be the principal contractor
for the project unless:
1. Council appoints another person to be the principal contractor and
2. Authorises such person to have management or control of the workplace and
discharges the duties of the principal contractor.
Principal contractors should have regard to the WHS Management Plan Guidance at Part
C.
A construction project has only one principal contractor at any specific time.
NOTE:
This guidance checklist is provided as a template support tool. As an example method for Council to confirm that appropriate
considerations regarding the proposed activities and their status as construction work have been made. Council may already do this
through other processes, and as such this template is provided for guidance only, and it remains Councils obligation to ensure all WHS
considerations have been identified and addressed.
Page 26 of 46

Version No
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12.63.1.1
DEFINITIONS
Competent
Person
Construction
work
Competent person means

(a) For electrical work on energised electrical equipment or energised electrical
installations (other than testing (R150 and 165) a person registered to
undertake work under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995;
(b) For general diving work (R174 and 177)
(c) For a major inspection and testing of mobile cranes and tower cranes (R235)
(d) For inspection of amusement devices and passenger ropeways (R241)
(e) For design verification a person who has the skills, qualifications, competence
and experience to design the plant or verify the design (R252)
(f) For a clearance inspection (R473) a person who has acquired through training
or experience the knowledge and skills of relevant asbestos removal industry
practice and holds
(i) A certification in relation to the specified VET course for asbestos assessor
work; or
(ii) A tertiary qualification in occupational health and safety, occupational
hygiene, science, building, construction or environmental health
(g) For any other case a person who has acquired through training, qualification
or experience, the knowledge and skills to carry out the task
Means any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration,
conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance,
refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure
[as defined by the WHS Regulations 2012 (289)(1)]
But does not include the following:
(a) The manufacture of plant;
(b) The prefabrication of elements, other than at a place specifically established for
the construction work, for use in construction work;
(c) The construction or assembly of a structure that once constructed or assembled
is intended to be transported to another place;
(d) Testing, maintenance or repair work of a minor nature carried out in
connection with a structure;
(e) Mining or the exploration for or extraction of minerals.
[as defined by the WHS Regulations 2012 (289(3)]
In connection with means related to or associated with construction. Contracts
covering a project are a good guide to what activities are done in connection with
construction.
Examples may include:
Work by architects or engineers in on-site offices or conducting on-site
inspections, but not architects or engineers working in offices away from the
construction site.
Work by a mechanic on an excavator on-site and not in an isolated service area.
Delivering building materials to different points on the site, but not making
deliveries to a single designated delivery area.
Excavating for a basement garage.
Testing fire equipment on the construction site.
Supervisors and manager moving around the site to monitor work.
Surveying a site after construction has started, but not surveying a Greenfield
site before construction has started.
Traffic control on a construction site.
Source: COP: Construction Work July 2012, p 6
Page 27 of 46

Construction
project
Designers
General
construction
induction
training
General
construction
induction
training card
High risk
construction
work
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Is a project that involves construction work where the cost of the construction work is
$250,000 or more [as defined by WHS Regulations, 2012 (292), p.188]
Means a PCBU that designs a structure that is to be used as, or could reasonably be
expected to be used as or at, a workplace. There may be multiple designers who are
involved in the design of a structure and have the same duties, for example
architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, structural
engineers and hydraulic engineers. A builder could also be considered to be a
designer if they are involved in altering the design for a building, even after
construction work has commenced
[as defined by WHS Act 2012 (22) and explained in the COP: Construction Work
July 2012, p.10]
Means training delivered in Australia by an RTO for the specified VET course for
general induction training.
(a) In Division 2 of Chapter 6 Part 5 a general construction induction training card

issued under that Division;
(b) In any other case a general construction induction training card issued(i) under Division 2 of Chapter 6 part 5 or under a corresponding WHS law; or
(ii) by an RTO under an agreement between the regulator and an RTO or a
corresponding regulator and an RTO.
Note: The SA Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Committee and
the Construction Industry have expressed a strong view that online training for this
course is not acceptable to the industry in South Australia. The Code states that the
course has a nominal duration of 6 hours face-to-face delivery and it is expected that
the construction industry will comply with the Code. Construction site managers in
South Australia may choose to refuse entry to a person, or require a person to be retrained if they decide that there is a need for re-training.
Means construction work that:
(a) Involves a risk of a person falling more than 3 metres; or
(b) Is carried out on a telecommunication tower; or
(c) Involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise
related to the physical integrity of the structure; or
(d) Involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos; or
(e) Involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent
collapse; or
(f) Is carried out in or near a confined space; or
(g) Is carried out in or near:
(i) A shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 metres; or
(ii) A tunnel; or
(h) Involves the use of explosives; or
(i) Is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping; or
(j) Is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines; or
(k) Is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services; or
(l) Is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere;
or
(m) Involves tilt-up or precast concrete; or
(n) Is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic
corridor that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians; or
(o) Is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of
powered mobile plant; or
(p) Is carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature; or
(q) Is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning; or
(r) Involves diving work.
Page 28 of 46

Principal
contractor
Safe Work
Method
Statement
(SWMS)
Structure
WHS
management
plan
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[as defined by the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012(291]

A PCBU that commissions a construction project is the principal contractor for the
project [as defined in the WHS Regulations, 2012 (293) p. 188].
The person conducting a business or undertaking that commissions a construction
project is the principal contractor, unless that PCBU engages another PCBU to be
the principal contractor and authorises such person to have management or control
of the workplace and discharge the duties of the principal contractor the person so
engaged [as explained in the COP: Construction Work, July 2012, p.11].
A document that records; the steps in an activity, the hazards associated with the
activity, the controls required to conduct the activity safely and the method for
employing such controls. (See Councils Contractor Management Procedure for an
example template SWMS)
In relation to high risk construction work - a safe work method statement as referred
to in Regulation 299 (as revised under regulation 302)
means anything that is constructed, whether fixed or moveable, temporary or
permanent, and includes
(a) Buildings, masts, towers, framework, pipelines, transport infrastructure and
underground works (shafts or tunnels); and
(b) Any component of a structure; and
(c) Part of a structure.
[as defined in the WHS Act, 2012 s4.]
Examples of structures include:
- A roadway or pathway.
- A ship or submarine.
- Foundations, earth retention works and other earthworks, including river works
and sea defence works.
- Formwork, falsework or any other structure designed or used to provide support,
access or containment during construction work.
- An airfield.
- A dock, harbour, channel, bridge, viaduct, lagoon or dam.
- A sewer or sewerage or drainage works.
A document which records the significant (Prescribed) information relating to WHS
for a construction project. (See part C of this document for guidance on a WHS
management plan)
As required and prescribed under Chapter 6, Part 4 of the WHS Regulations 2012
Note: this regulation commences on 1 January 2014
Page 29 of 46

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Part A
Council Name
Department initiating activity
Person/s responsible for activity
Internal:
External (This may be the nominated principal contractor):
Descriptor of activity being reviewed (Include
Location of activity
project name if applicable)
Value of activity (or project)
Proposed dates for activity
Person completing this review
Date of review
Location of reference documents
(Insert file name and path or physical locations of any documents (Such as project files etc) that
are used as reference in completing this checklist)
Part B
Complete Part B only after the checklists (1-3) have been completed
Outcome of review
(Provide the key information here that has come out of the review i.e. whether the activity is
construction work, high risk construction work or construction project)
Identify the major safety risks & corresponding control measures
Identify additional training needs, licences & competent training personnel
Summary of next steps and person responsible.

(Document here the actions identified from completion of the appropriate checklists in this
document that need to be completed in order to safely manage the activity, who is responsible for
the action and when it needs to be completed by). (Actions may be included in the organisations
corrective and preventative action registers).
Action required
Person responsible
Completion date
Page 30 of 46

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PART C: WHS Management Plan

All construction projects must have a written WHS Management Plan prepared by the
principal contractor.
The WHS Management Plan must include:
The names, positions and health and safety responsibilities of all persons at the workplace
whose positions or roles involve specific health and safety responsibilities in connection with
the construction project.
The arrangements in place between any persons conducting a business or undertaking at the
workplace for consultation, cooperation and coordination of activities in relation to compliance
with their duties under the WHS Act and Regulations.
The arrangements in place for managing any work health and safety incidents that occur.
Any site-specific health and safety rules and the arrangements for ensuring that all persons at
the workplace are informed of these rules, and
The arrangements to collect and assess, monitor and review the SWMS.
The WHS Management Plan may include the following information:
Details of the person commissioning the construction work, for example their name, ABN (if
available) and address.
Details of the principal contractor.
Details of the construction project, for example address of the workplace, anticipated start and
end date and a brief description of the type of construction work that the WHS management
plan will cover.
Details on how contractors and subcontractors will be managed and monitored, including how
the principal contractor intends to implement and ensure compliance with the WHS
management plan such as checking on the performance of contractors and subcontractors
and how non-compliance will be handled.
Details on how the risks associated with falls, falling objects and any high risk construction
work that will take place on a construction project will be managed.
It may also include information on:
The provision and maintenance of a hazardous chemicals register, safety data sheets
and hazardous chemicals storage.
The safe use and storage of plant.
The development of a construction project traffic management plan.
Obtaining and providing essential services information
Workplace security and public safety.
Ensuring workers have appropriate licences and training to undertake the construction work.
Source: COP: Construction Work July 2012, pp.24-25
Page 31 of 46

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12.63.1.1
CHECKLIST 1: CONSTRUCTION WORK

Do any of the following apply to this activity? Check box if undertaking any of the activities
listed below and complete details.
Is there any installation or testing carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out,
commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a
structure?
(Insert detail of intended activity that meets above requirement)
Will there be removal from the workplace of any product or waste resulting from demolition?
(Insert details of waste from demolition)
Will the prefabrication or testing of elements, at a place specifically established for the construction work, for use in
construction work, be done?
(Note this only applies if, as part of your project, an area has been set up to prefabricate or test elements to be used in
the project)
(insert details)
Is there the assembly of prefabricated elements to form a structure, or the disassembly of prefabricated elements
forming part of a structure?
(insert details)
Is there installation, testing or maintenance of an essential service in relation to a structure?

(insert details)
Is there any work connected with an excavation?

(See excavation and trenching procedure for specifics on managing this type of work)
(insert details)
Is there any work connected with any preparatory work or site preparation (including landscaping as part of site
preparation) carried out in connection with any construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commissioning,
renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure?
(insert details)
Will any construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment,
demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure be carried out on, under or near water, including work on
buoys and obstructions to navigation?
(insert details)
Is there any other activity being undertaken in connection with any construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out,
commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a
structure that has not been covered by the above?
(Insert Details)
If any box has been checked, the work is construction work and you should
assess if it is high risk construction work by completing checklist 2.
If the activity is not high risk construction work, confirm that all appropriate considerations
for construction work have been made by completing checklist 1a
Page 32 of 46

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12.63.1.1
CHECKLIST 2: HIGH RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK

Do any of the following apply to this activity? Check box if undertaking any of the activities
listed below and complete details.
Does the work involve a risk of a person falling more than 3 metres?
(See Prevention of falls procedure for specifics on managing this type of work)
Is the work carried out on a telecommunication tower?
Does it involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise

related to the physical integrity of the structure?
Does it involve, or is it likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos?
Does it involve structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent
collapse?
Is it carried out in or near a confined space?

(See Confined Space procedure for specifics on managing this type of work)
Is it carried out in or near
(i) a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 metres;
or
(ii) a tunnel?
(See Excavation and Trenching procedure for specifics on managing this type of work)
Does it involve the use of explosives?
Is it carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping?

Is it carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
Is it carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
(See Electrical Safety procedure for specifics on managing this type of work)
Is it carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
Does it involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
Is it carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor
that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians?
(See Work Zone Traffic Management procedure for specifics on managing this type of
work)
Is it carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of powered
mobile plant?
(See Plant procedure for specifics on managing plant)
Is it carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature?
Is it carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
Does it involve diving work?
If any box has been checked, the work is High risk construction work and you should
confirm that all appropriate considerations have been made by completing checklist 2a
Page 33 of 46

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CHECKLIST 1a: CONSTRUCTION WORK

Considerations and controls where there is no high risk construction work
Who has management control of the workplace?
Council project manager or contract manager
External PCBU
Who is the designer for this project?
(insert name and details this could be internal or external)

Regulation 294 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 requires the person who commissions construction
work to consult with the designer about how to ensure that risks to health and safety arising from the
design, during construction work are eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable or if that is not
reasonably practicable, to minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable).
Who is responsible to consult with designer and provide any information Council
has in relation to the hazards and risk where the construction work is to be carried
out?
(insert name and details)
(Regulation 295 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 requires the designer of the structure or any part
of a structure that is to be constructed to provide the PCBU who commissioned the design, a written
(safety) report that specifies the hazards relating to the design of the structure.
If the PCBU who commissions a construction project did not commission the design of the
construction project, the person must take all reasonable steps to obtain the written (safety) report in
relation to that design.
Regulation 296 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 also requires any information the person who
commissions the project has in relation to hazards and risks at or in the vicinity of the workplace
where the construction work is being undertaken to be provided to the principal contractor).
Designers safety report received
Date
Yes
No
N/A
Licences current and available including general construction induction training

card (white card)
Risk assessments /JSAs completed, or
Risk assessments /JSAs obtained from contractor
Risk assessments /JSAs obtained have been checked
First aid provisions in place
Emergency plan developed and tested
Processes for consultation, cooperation and coordinating of activities with other

duty holders is in place and agreed
Processes for consultation with workers and their representatives in place
Site secured from unauthorised access
Work zone traffic management requirements determined
Yes
No
N/A
Competent workers selected
Public safety issues managed
Page 34 of 46

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CHECKLIST 1a: CONSTRUCTION WORK

Considerations and controls where there is no high risk construction work
Information available re underground essential services and provided to
workers, principal contractor and subcontractors
Information available re underground essential services available for

inspection
Written reports from geotechnical engineers or other competent persons

obtained
Permits for work required?
Yes
No
(List permits here)
Responsibility for obtaining permits

Yes
No
N/A
Relevant signage is in place
Responsibility allocated for checking that all persons have returned from their tasks
at the end of the day
Processes in place for monitoring and review of work
Electrical equipment and installations comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS

3012:2010 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites.
Other
free text insertion
If any of the above considerations have not been addressed or documented

appropriately, insert an action in part B
Page 35 of 46

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12.63.1.1
CHECKLIST 2a: HIGH RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK

Considerations and controls where there is High risk construction work
What aspect of this construction work poses a high risk?
What control measures are in place in respect of this risk?

External PCBU

(Regulation 294 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 requires the person who commissions
construction work to consult with the designer about how to ensure that risks to health
and safety arising from the design, during construction work are eliminated so far as is
reasonably practicable or if that is not reasonably practicable, to minimise the risks so far
as is reasonably practicable).
Who is responsible to consult with designer and provide any information Council
has in relation to the hazards and risk where the construction work is to be carried
out?

(Regulation 295 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 requires the designer of the structure
or any part of a structure that is to be constructed to provide the PCBU who
commissioned the design, a written (safety) report that specifies the hazards relating to
the design of the structure.
If the PCBU who commissions a construction project did not commission the design of
the construction project, the person must take all reasonable steps to obtain the written
(safety) report in relation to that design.
Regulation 296 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 also requires any information the
person who commissions the project has in relation to hazards and risks at or in the
vicinity of the workplace where the construction work is being undertaken to be provided
to the principal contractor).
Yes
No
N/A
Competent workers selected
Licences current and available including general construction induction training card
(white card)
Designers safety report received
Date
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Yes
No
N/A
SWMS prepared, or
SWMS obtained from contractor
Responsibility allocated for making sure all SWMS for high risk construction
work developed by contractors are consistent with each other and appropriate
Workers trained in SWMS
SWMS available to all persons carrying out high risk construction work
If the SWMS is revised:

Responsibility allocated to make sure all previous versions are retained
All person advised that revision made to SWMS and how they can access the
revised SWMS
Copy given to principal contractor
All workers provided with relevant information and instruction to enable them to
understand and implement SWMS
SWMS easily accessible at workplace where work is being carried out or able
to be promptly delivered
First aid provisions in place
Emergency plan developed and tested
Processes for consultation, cooperation and coordinating of activities with

other duty holders in place
Processes for consultation with workers and their representatives in place
Site secured from unauthorised access
Work zone traffic management requirements determined
Public safety issues managed
Information available re underground essential services and provided to

workers, principal contractor and subcontractors
Information available re underground essential services available for

inspection
Written reports from geotechnical engineers or other competent persons

obtained
Permits for work required?
(List permits here)

Responsibility for obtaining permits assigned
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Yes
No
N/A
When excavation work is being undertaken, the frequency of inspections of

soil condition and the state of shoring, battering and trench walls have been
determined and documented as part of the risk assessment process
Electrical equipment and installations comply with Australian Standard

AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition
sites.
Relevant signage is in place
Responsibility allocated for checking that all persons have returned from
their tasks at the end of the day
Processes in place for monitoring and review of work including making

sure SWMS is complied with
Other free text insertion
If any of the above considerations have not been addressed or documented

appropriately, insert an action in part B.
Page 38 of 46

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CHECKLIST 3: CONSTRUCTION PROJECT:

Value $250,000 or more , may or may not include high risk construction work
Does anything in this project qualify as high risk construction work? YES / NO
1a
(if no, ensure Checklist 1a has been completed. If yes, include details and ensure checklist 2a
has been completed)
2a
Who is the principal contractor?

(insert name)
External PCBU

If external PCBU contract specifies who is principal contractor
Information has been given to principal contractor in relation to hazards and risks at or in the
vicinity of the workplace?

External PCBU

(Regulation 294 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 requires the person who commissions construction
work to consult with the designer about how to ensure that risks to health and safety arising from the
design, during construction work are eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable or if that is not
reasonably practicable, to minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable).
Who is responsible to consult with designer and provide any information Council has in
relation to the hazards and risk where the construction work is to be carried out?

(Regulation 295 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 requires the designer of the structure or any part of a
structure that is to be constructed to provide the PCBU who commissioned the design, a written (safety)
report that specifies the hazards relating to the design of the structure.
If the PCBU who commissions a construction project did not commission the design of the construction
project, the person must take all reasonable steps to obtain the written (safety) report in relation to that
design.
Regulation 296 of the SA WHS Regulations 2012 also requires any information the person who
commissions the project has in relation to hazards and risks at or in the vicinity of the workplace where
the construction work is being undertaken to be provided to the principal contractor).
Designers Safety report received
Date
WHS Management plan prepared, or

(see page 6 for details of what is required within a WHS management plan)
WHS Management plan prepared and/or obtained from contractor

Responsibility allocated for checking that all persons have returned from their tasks at
the end of the day
Other free text insertion

If any of the above considerations have not been addressed or documented appropriately,
insert an action in part B.
Page 39 of 46
EXCAVATION &
TRENCHING PROCEDURE
Appendix 3:
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Pre-Excavation Risk Assessment Worksheet
Page 40 of 46
Version Number
Adopted
Next Review
GDS Reference
PRE-EXCAVATION RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
2
XX 2014
XX 2017
12.16.6.1
THIS DOCUMENT IS TO BE HELD IN THE FRONT OF THE WORKING FILE AND HANDED TO THE OPERATIONAL STAFF PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK
PART A Assessment Summary

Risk Assessment Number:
Assessment Date:
Assessment Title (Excavation Task):

Site:
Department:
RISK ASSESSMENT TEAM

POSITION
NAME
SIGNED
Location of work
activity:
Other:
What is the purpose of this task?

Incident History (Incident Numbers):
DEPARTMENT MANAGER:
Name:
Proposed Verification Date(s):
Signed:
Date:
INSERT PHOTO / DIAGRAM
OHS REPRESENTATIVE (HSR):

Name:
Signed:
Date:
Page 41 of 46
DATE
PART B Hazard Identification and Action Plan
To identify potential hazards at the worksite to enable planning of control measures before work commences.
Yes
No
N/A
Current Controls
Has a Geotechnical engineers report been obtained for

excavations over 1.5 metres.
ETSA power lines
Telecom lines
Service infrastructure supports (Poles etc)
Nature of ground
Soil or rock
Moisture content
Water table level
Faults or bedding planes
Possibility of flooding
Stormwater drains
Surface run off after heavy rain
Swamp, dam, reservoir, lake or river
Underground services (Dial Before You Dig 1100)
High pressure gas lines
Electrical cables
Sewer
Water mains
Telephone lines
Previous trenching work
Hazards natural or artificial
Intersecting old trenches
Manholes and other shafts
Bends in an excavation line
Leaking services
Trees
Ground contamination Industrial/waste
Location of Industry
Pedestrian ways
Page 42 of 46
Risk
Rating
Proposed Additional
Controls
Risk
Rating
Responsible
Person
Date
Yes
No
N/A
Current Controls
Static loads
Spoil pile
Buildings inc garage and outbuildings
Fence lines
Water tanks/towers
Brick or stone walls
Earth embankment
Dynamic loads
Traffic (highway/rail)
Excavation equipment and other plant
WorkZone Traffic Management (AS 1742.3)
Facilities
Lunch
Toilet and hygiene
Inclement weather
Excavation Plant
Storage
Access
Pre-start checklist completed
Staff
Plant operator competency requirements
Personal protective equipment requirements
Training for task
Competent person to inspect site
Trench support requirements
Equipment (shoring, etc)
Staff training
Prevention of falls (ladders, fall arrestors, platforms,
signage, pedestrian safety, PPE)
Any other issues identified affecting the design or work.
Eg Confined Space requirements
Page 43 of 46
Risk
Rating
Proposed Additional
Controls
Risk
Rating
Responsible
Person
Date
RISK RATING MATRIX
LIKELIHOOD
(Ref: AS 4360:1999 Risk Management)

CONSEQUENCES
Moderate
Major
Catastrophic
First aid treatment, onsite release immediately

contained, medium
financial loss
Medical treatment
required, on site release
contained with outside
assistance, high
financial loss
Extensive injuries, loss

of production capability,
off-site release with no
detrimental effects,
major financial loss
Death, toxic release offsite with detrimental

effect, huge financial
loss
Insignificant
Minor
No injuries, low financial

loss
5
A Almost certain
-is expected to occur in
most circumstances
B Likely
-will probably occur in
most circumstances
C Possible
-might occur at some
time
D Unlikely
-could occur at some
time
E Rare
-may occur only in
exceptional
circumstances
High (H)
High (H)
Extreme (E)
Extreme (E)
Extreme (E)
Medium (M)
High (H)
High (H)
Extreme (E)
Extreme (E)
Low (L)
Medium (M)
High (H)
Extreme (E)
Extreme (E)
Low (L)
Low (L)
Medium (M)
High (H)
Extreme (E)
Low (L)
Low (L)
Medium (M)
High (H)
High (H)
Hierarchy of Controls
1. Eliminate: remove the hazard completely
2. Substitute: replace a hazardous process/substance with one which is less hazardous
3. Isolation: remove the person from the hazardous environment or the hazardous environment form the person
4. Engineering: provide a physical barrier or other engineered modifications to manage the hazard
5. Administrative: establish policies, procedures & work practices, provide training
6. Personal Protective Equipment: use equipment that provides protection to all individual persons against the hazard
Page 44 of 46
EXCAVATION &
TRENCHING PROCEDURE
Appendix 4:
Excavation Daily Inspection Sheet
Page 45 of 46
Version No
4.0
Issued
Xx 2014
Next Review
X 2017
GDS
12.63.1.1
EXCAVATION DAILY
INSPECTION SHEET
Version No
2.0
Issued
Xx 2014
Next Review
X 2017
GDS
12.16.6
WORKSITE ________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES FROM PREVIOUS WEEK ______________________________________________________________
Check that the following are satisfactory
Mark N/A where not applicable
Week Commencing Mon ___ / ___ / ____

DATE
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
10
11
Effective barricades (access control & fall prevention),

Traffic control, to plan signs and records
Open excavation/trench
Angle of repose
Depth of cut
Material excavated
Undercutting
Climatic conditions
Traffic Vehicular/pedestrian
Flammable liquid, gasses, potential Monoxide fumes in
close proximity to trench/excavation
Excavation area clear of: Spoil
Tools
Pipes/supplies
Equipment/machinery not in use
Other materials (rubbish, off-cuts of timber, containers
etc)
Adequate surface water control (reduce erosion/flooding)
Appropriate Protective Equipment being worn
Safety helmet in excavation or near plant
Gloves, high visibility clothing, footwear
Shoring where used, securely fixed
Toms, Struts, Whalers, Props, Wedges, sheeting
Mechanical Ground support systems
Screw hydraulic spreaders
Wall plates
Tools & equipment
Warning signs of collapse
Timber/supports creaking/becoming tight/loose
Water entering excavation
Tension cracks along top of trench
Subsidence, fretting or sag under plant weight
Previous excavation in immediate area
Efficient means of Access/Egress
Ladders installed within immediate work area
First aid
First aid kit available on site
First aider on site as required
Emergency procedure known
Communication system
An operating radio or phone on site
Name of Person(s) Inspecting Site
Signature of person(s) inspecting site
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N
__________________________________
__________________________________
p
MAKE APPROPRIATE COMMENTS ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM

THIS DOCUMENT MUST BE HELD AT THE WORKSITE AT ALL TIMES
Page 46 of 46

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What is the purpose of this procedure?

What is the purpose of this procedure?

What are the core components that this procedure aims to ensure?

What are the core components that this procedure aims to ensure?

EXCAVATION &

3rd Sept 2014

Chief Executive Officer

Chairperson, WHS Committee

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

Natural opening in the ground that gives access to underground water

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

4.3. Risk assessment

3rd Sept 2014

4.4. Risk control

Using an excavator with a rock breaker rather than

3rd Sept 2014

Examples of control measures

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

4.6.5. Securing the work area.

3rd Sept 2014

The LGAWCS have engaged a geotechnical engineer to develop guidelines for

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

d. Other training insofar as is relevant to the performance of the particular work

3rd Sept 2014

Apply the requirements of the construction work legislation, codes of practice

7.2. The department manager is accountable for:

3rd Sept 2014

3rd Sept 2014

7.5. The WHS Coordinator is accountable for:

3rd Sept 2014

7.9. The WHS Committee is accountable for:

3rd Sept 2014

10. RELATED DOCUMENTS

11. DOCUMENT HISTORY:

3rd Sept 2014

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY

Appendix 2: LGAWCS Model WHS Construction Activities Guidance Checklist

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY

Competent person means

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY

(a) In Division 2 of Chapter 6 Part 5 a general construction induction training card

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY

[as defined by the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012(291]

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY

Identify additional training needs, licences & competent training personnel

Summary of next steps and person responsible.

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY

PART C: WHS Management Plan

Details of the principal contractor.

The safe use and storage of plant.