Excavation Safety by safe-build

In almost any construction scenario there will come a time when earth needs to be removed or moved in order for the project to progress.  Excavating is one of the most hazardous construction operations conducted on site. If a collapse occurs whilst persons are working in an excavation the result is normally catastrophic. It must be one of the worst ways to die if trapped underneath collapsing soil. 

The Occupational Health and Safety Act , Act 85 of 1993 requires that all excavation work must be carried out under the supervision of a competent person who has been appointed in writing. 

When explosives are involved then a Method Statement is to be developed in accordance with the applicable explosive legislation by a competent person. The supervisor must make sure that the excavation work that involves explosions must be carried out in terms of this statement.  

Inspections of excavations must be made before every shift, after rain, after blasting, after ground fall and after any damage. The appointed competent person must always keep the register up to date according to the inspections that are conducted. 

Excavation work presents serious hazards to all workers involved. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavation-related accidents to result in worker fatalities. In order to prevent this from happening excavations must be adequately shored, braced and supported or the sides of the excavation are sloped to at least the maximum angle of repose measured relative to the horizontal plane. It is important to note that if the excavation is in stable material and is not shored or braced and it is not possible to apply angle of repose then persons may only enter the excavation after a competent person has examined the excavation and given written permission that it is safe to do so.

Adequate and sufficient means of access and egress to and from the excavation must be provided. This access must not be further than 6m from the point where any worker within the excavation is working. 

If the public is exposed to the excavation then it must be adequately guarded with a barrier or fence of at least 1m in height and suitably illuminated at night with sufficient warning notices placed at the excavation. Make sure that warning signs are positioned next to excavations within which persons are working or carrying out inspections or tests.

Excavated material must be placed a suitable distance away from the excavated area, at the lowest side of the excavation and vehicles must be so directed not to come in close proximity to the excavation.

All excavation work must be conducted in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable Regulations and Method Statements.

For more information on excavation  safety and other related safety topics visit  www.safebuild.co.za

Neels Nortje | Health & Safety Manager