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MODULE 05
EXCAVATION
BSP-02-Standard-1643
Document Control
DOCUMENT TYPE DOCUMENT OWNER SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Standards SCO/4
DOCUMENT REFERENCE AUTHOR APPROVED BY
BSP-02-Standard-1643 SCO/4x SCO/4
KEY WORDS
Revision Record
REV REVISION DESCRIPTION DATE
2.1 Incorporating TSM/12 recommendations April 2003
Distribution Control
Distribution of this document is controlled by the Document Owner. The distribution is as follows:
-
Contents Page
CHAPTER 1 RESPONSIBILITIES........................................................................... 5
1.1 Excavation Supervisor ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.10 Lighting.................................................................................................................................................. 14
3.5 Barriers...................................................................................................................................................... 18
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 20
Appendix 1 - Ground Conditions and Slopes ...................................................................................................... 21
This module is one of a series produced by the Brunei Shell Companies (BSC), which represent
minimum acceptable HSE standards for a wide variety of operations. Individual operating procedures
and/or task specifications should reflect these minimum standards and should be consulted, where
appropriate, prior to start of work.
Comment and feedback from users of this module is encouraged, in order that the series may be
updated as appropriate to reflect current requirements.
For details of the current revision status of all modules, a summary of intermediate updates published
since the last issue, and information on how to comment on this module, please refer to the last
edition of Module 00, HSE Standards Master Index, which is republished at regular intervals.
This document is unregistered and copies are available from the Company Representative.
CHAPTER 1 RESPONSIBILITIES
The Process Owner of this module is SCO/4 (PPA/3, POP/2, SFE/21, EOP/1, TSM/22)
CHAPTER 2 REQUIREMENTS
2.1.1 Definitions
An “excavation” is any operation which lowers or disturbs the existing ground level to a depth greater
than 0.3 metres. Examples of activities which are considered to be excavation works include excavation
of trenches or ditches, insertion of spikes, piling, use of crane outriggers on soft soil, or other similar
activities. Normal gardening is not considered to be excavation.
A “shallow excavation” is any excavation which lowers the existing ground level to a depth of less than
1.5 metres.
An “unsupported excavation” is an excavation where the sides of the work are battered (i.e. sloped or
raked) away from the bottom of the excavation to ground level, without support.
A “deep excavation” is any excavation which lowers the existing ground level to a depth of 1.5 metres or
more.
A “supported excavation” is an excavation where the sides of the work are supported by timber, steel,
concrete or other materials.
Hand digging” means excavation using spades and other hand tools, but does not include use of spikes,
pickaxes and the like, unless specifically permitted in writing.
Mechanical digging” means use of excavators, breakers, or any similar power assisted tools.
The "total working area" is the area which is used to get the work done, i.e. the location of the trenching,
the planned area where spoil is stockpiled and the area where heavy equipment travels.
"Dewatering" is the removal of water from the water table by means of a mechanical pumping unit in
order to minimise water in the excavation / soil."
The maximum angle of batter permitted, in optimum conditions for any unsupported excavation,
shall be 45 degrees from the horizontal.
Appendix 1 gives a set of guidelines for the estimation of ground conditions and relevant slope angles.
Dewatering is necessary if the water table is less than 0.5m from the bottom of the intended maximum
dept of the excavation (i.e <1.7m depth). A dewatering plan is to be submitted to the relevant Site
Supervisor for approval in these case.
In addition to requiring an excavation plan, the following shall be detailed for all headings and tunnelling:
- the potential hazards which may be encountered.
- the specification and quality of materials.
- the excavation techniques which will be used.
- the level of workmanship which will be required.
- the level of supervision which will be required.
A detailed design shall be included for the full length of the heading or tunnel.
A competent civil engineer shall design the excavation plan for:
- any heading or tunnel which exceeds 2 metres in height or width, and
- any heading which is to be cut into rock.
2.4.2 Preparation
The excavation plan shall show that checks have been made to locate:
- electric cables (including overhead cables if a mechanical excavator is to be used).
- gas, water and oil pipes.
- telephone, TV and radio cables.
- storm water, sewage and other underground transportation systems.
- the proximity of any foundations which may be affected by the excavation.
- roots of trees.
The excavation plan shall detail the relevant requirements to deal with the above obstructions in a safe
manner.
2.7.2 Backfilling
Where backfilling using wheeled or tracked vehicles is to take place, or the excavation is in an area
where it is forseeable that vehicles may attempt to approach close to the excavation, stop boards should
be fitted at a distance of 1.2 metres from the excavation (see Figure 1).
In circumstances where a hazardous atmosphere is found to exist, the work shall be suspended and the
excavation shall be treated as a “Confined Space” (see HSE Standard Module 07 - Confined Spaces).
2.9 Ventilation
In conjunction with the gas testing programme, excavations which have a potential for:
- oxygen deficient atmospheres,
- the build up of flammable gas mixtures or
- the build up of toxic gases to occur shall be artificially ventilated by means of air scoops or electric
blowers.
In general, internal combustion engines should not be used inside excavations, except on a short term
basis such as compaction machines for backfilling. Where internal combustion engines are used near the
edge of an excavation, care shall be taken to ensure that the exhaust fumes are directed away from the
excavation.
All electrically operated blower must be classified for the hazardous area in which they are to be used.
2.10 Lighting
Consideration should be given to illuminating excavations during the hours of darkness, especially where
excavations are outside the Company operating areas and to which the public may have access.
When work is in progress during the hours of darkness, or in deep excavations, shafts and tunnels,
sufficient lighting shall be provided to allow work to progress safely. Such lighting shall be suitable for the
environment in which it will be used.
2.12.1 Access
Access to all excavations shall be controlled and restricted to the minimum number of personnel required
for the performance of the work.
A safe means of access to and egress from the excavation shall be provided for personnel and
machinery.
Reflective or illuminated barriers shall be considered where the ambient lighting is inadequate. This is
mandatory in public areas and places with a high volume of pedestrian traffic.
- that the edges of the excavation are not damaged or excessively loaded.
All bridges shall be clearly signposted to indicate the maximum permissible loads. Flashing lights shall
be installed on bridges that are to remain "swithed-on" at night.
The construction of temporary bridges across excavations by the use of simple steel plates, scaffold
boards etc. is prohibited.
2.12.3 Barriers
All excavations, irrespective of the depth, shall be suitably barriered to restrict access by personnel not
associated with the excavation activities.
Barriers and stop blocks shall be erected at a suitable distance from the excavation to prevent:
- personnel or vehicular traffic from damaging the excavation and,
- accidental access to the excavation of personnel and equipment.
Additionally, the edges of all excavations, where personnel may fall more than 2 metres shall be
protected by rigid barriers or, alternatively, excavations shall be securely covered.
Non-rigid barriers may be used in areas where access for persons and transport is not required. The
materials used shall give an obvious warning by being immediately apparent and brightly coloured.
Wherever barriers are set back from the edge of the excavation, all access to the excavation shall be
confined to proper paths and roads and materials should not be stacked in the space between the
barriers and the edge of the excavation.
2.13 Checklists
The following checklists are contained in the appendices of this document:
Appendix 2 is a checklist to be followed at the design stage of an excavation plan.
Appendix 3 is a checklist to be followed prior to the commencement of excavation work.
Appendix 4 is a checklist to be followed on a regular basis whilst work is in progress.
CHAPTER 3 PRECAUTIONS
3.2.3 Rock
Ensure that the rock being excavated in unsupported or battered rock excavations are not separated into
bedding planes, cleavage planes or fissures which form planes of weakness along which the rock may
slide.
Ensure that all loose rocks hanging to the excavation face are removed as the digging proceeds.
Large volumes of heavy rock can move short distances very rapidly. Ensure that rock excavations are
supported, even for shallow excavations, if there is any doubt over the integrity of the rock face.
3.4 Access
Ensure that safe means of access to and egress from excavations is provided and maintained throughout
the duration of the excavation.
Ensure that there is an easy means of escape in the event of an emergency.
Ensure that access to and from ladders is on firm ground and that the ladders are:
- placed in the supported part of the excavation.
- effectively secured, near to the top, to prevent slipping sideways, by lashing either to adjacent support
material or to stakes driven firmly into the ground for the purpose.
3.5 Barriers
Ensure that barriers are erected as soon as practicable after excavation commences. (Barriers may be
omitted, or moveable barriers may be placed, at specific points to allow access of personnel or the
movement of plant, equipment and materials.)
Ensure that:
- barriers or stop-blocks are fitted at all locations where cranes, dumpers, lorries, tippers etc.
manoeuvre close to the edge of the excavation.
- the edges of the excavation are protected from damage during vehicle manoeuvres.
3. Evacuate all personnel from the area following the normal evacuation procedure. Set up road barriers
if required. For an object up to 1.0 metre in length, an area with a radius of 100 metres from the
object should be evacuated. An area with a radius of 250 metres should be cleared for larger objects.
4. Using poles and flutter tape, set up a cordon round the evacuated area then notify management of the
action taken.
5. Prevent access to the cordonned-off area until FSE or the police arrive.
6. If the object is discovered in or near a company installation, all the services in the area shall be
isolated to minimise the effect of possible ruptures to pipelines and vessels. The decision to close in
hydrocarbon facilities shall be made at AU’s division head level.
REFERENCES
U.K. HSE:
Guidance Booklet HS(G)47 – Avoiding Danger from Underground Services
Guidance Notes EH 40 – Toxic and Hazardous Substances
THE SUGGESTED SLOPE ANGLES ARE FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY – SEE NOTES.
2. Dry’ site: minor or no seepage from excavated faces. Minor or no surface run off.
4. The behaviour of soils is influenced by the grading, particle size, shape and density. In mixed soils
the maximum grain size of the smallest 15 percent by weight of the grading tends to characterise
the soil.
5. Normally consolidated clays are usually stronger within a few metres of ground level due to
desiccation. However, the clay crust is fissured for the same reason (note the fissures may not be
visible) and is seldom more than 4 metres deep.
Due to the fissuring, the face becomes unstable and lumps fall into the excavation. In deeper
excavations there is a risk of toe failure due to underlying softer clay. The suggested slopes are
intended to avoid danger to workers from these risks and are offered as a guide only.
6. Flatter or steeper slopes may be applicable or required subject to the evidence on:
a) Incipient (structural) failure planes
b) Safety precautions against small or large falling fragments
4. Are there any obstructions to the line of the excavation? (e.g. public utility mains or cables, sewers,
industrial mains, overhead cables, or limited clearance on the line of the excavation which may
restrict choice of excavating equipment?
5. Has the condition of adjacent buildings been recorded? (e.g. cracks etc.)
6 Is there any risk of surface flooding whilst the work is being carried out? Is flooding from services
possible?
7. Is the excavation within the Company operating area, or are special precautions necessary to
protect the public?
8. If the excavation is a pipe trench, what are the maximum depths to be supported? What size and
length of pipe have to be handled? Can pipes be tested in short lengths or does the specification
require testing of greater lengths?
9. In the case of wide excavations, what will be the implications of the support system to the
permanent work – and vice-versa?
11.Will the support method involve vibration? Will it affect the stability of the excavation and/or
adjacent buildings?
12.Is it possible to formulate a safe excavation plan with the information available, or will other
information be required?
3. Are the necessary drawings or sketches (where on-site developed support designs are to be used)
available? Have the operatives been properly briefed and instructed as to what is required of them?
4. Are all materials necessary available on site and in accordance with the drawings/sketches?
5. Has all machinery to be used in the excavation been certified as fit for use and is it suitable for the
work it will be undertaking?
6. What arrangements are required with regard to site security (especially for those sites where
members of the public may enter the area)?
7. Is there adequate working space for the proposed plant and equipment to be used?
8. Is there adequate room for spoil heaps and are they positioned more than 1.5 metres from the edge
of the excavation?
9. Will bridges or gangways be needed? If so, are the materials and equipment ready?
10.Are there sufficient ladders available for access to and from the excavation?
12.Is all the appropriate personal protective equipment available for personnel?
13.Are all personnel competent to carry out this type of excavation without additional training and/or
supervision?
5. Are the spoil heaps being properly maintained and positioned more than 1.5 metres from the edge
of the excavation?
6. Are pipes, bricks and other materials kept well clear from the edge of the excavation so that there is
no risk of them falling into the excavation due to accidental dislodgment?
7. Is all plant and machinery kept well clear from the edge of the excavation so that there is no risk of
vibration damaging the support?
8. Are the drawings/sketches being properly followed in installing the support? (Particularly the
spacing of walings and struts.)
9. Are the walings and struts, or proprietary equipment, supported against falling downward – by
hangers, puncheons, lip blocks etc.?
10.Is there any risk of flammable or toxic gases entering the excavation?
11.Is there any risk of an oxygen deficient atmosphere occurring inside the excavation?
14.Have all personnel been instructed in the evacuation procedure for the excavation, and the correct
rescue procedure to follow, if someone is overcome by toxic or asphyxiating gases.
15.Have all support materials been checked before installation in the excavation? In particular are the
correct pins provided in the trench struts?
16.Is the work adequately barriered off? Have all the relevant safety signs been posted at entry/exit
points? Is the work adequately barriered or covered and lit at night? Are watchmen needed?
17.Are personnel wearing the proper personal protective equipment? Are any other items of PPE
required?
18.In pits, shafts and tunnels, in particular, is adequate lighting provided? Is the temporary lighting
system safe and free from damage?
19.Are gangways and bridges properly designed and constructed and in a good state of repair? Are
they the correct width? Do they have the correct guardrails and toeboards?
21.Is the support withdrawal part of the excavation plan still feasible? Are the persons carrying out
the support withdrawal competent to carry out the work and have they been properly instructed?
22.Where pumping is taking place, is a proper check being kept to ensure that fine material is not
being withdrawn from behind the support system?
24.Is the excavation plan being followed? Is it working or does it require some amendment so that the
task can be performed more safely? Do you require expert assistance in any of the tasks which are
being performed?
25.DOES THE SITE HAVE THE PROPER ONGOING SUPERVISION WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO
MAINTAIN A SAFE PLACE OF WORK?