•

Identifying types of hazards Acceleration

•

: When we speed up or slow down too quickly

Toxic

•

: Toxic to skin and internal organs.

Radiation

•

: Non-ionizing - burns, Ionizing - destroys tissue.

Ergonomics

• 1. High Frequency;

: Eight risk factors

• 2. High Duration;

• 3. High Force;

• 4. Posture;

• 5. Point of Operation;

• 6. Mechanical Pressure;

• 7. Vibration;

• 8. Environmental Exposure.

• Pressure

•

: Increased pressure in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Mechanical

•

: Pinch points, sharp points and edges, weight, rotating

parts, stability, ejected parts and materials, impact.

Flammability/Fire

•

: In order for combustion to take place, the fuel and

oxidizer must be present in gaseous form.

Biological

•

: Primarily airborne and blood borne viruses.

Violence In The Workplace:

•

Any violent act that occurs in the

workplace and creates a hostile work environment that affects

employees’ physical or psychological well-being.

Explosives

•

: Explosions result in large amounts of gas, heat, noise,

light and over-pressure.

Electrical Contact

•

: Inadequate insulation, broken electrical lines or

equipment, lightning strike, static discharge etc.

Chemical Reactions

: Chemical reactions can be violent, can cause

explosions, dispersion of materials and emission of heat.

Accident Types

• Struck-by:

– A person is forcefully struck by an object. The force of contact is

provided by the object.

• Struck-against:

– A person forcefully strikes an object. The person provides the

force or energy.

• Contact-by:

– Contact by a substance or material that, by its very nature, is

harmful and causes injury.

• Contact-with:

– A person comes in contact with a harmful substance or material.

The person initiates the contact.

• Caught-on:

– A person or part of his/her clothing or equipment is caught on

an object that is either moving or stationary. This may cause

the person to lose his/her balance and fall, be pulled into a

machine, or suffer some other harm.

• Caught-in:

– A person or part of him/her is trapped, or otherwise caught in

an opening or enclosure.

• Caught-between:

– A person is crushed, pinched or otherwise caught between a

moving and a stationary object, or between two moving objects.

• Fall-to-surface:

– A person slips or trips and falls to the surface he/she is standing

or walking on.

• Fall-to-below:

– A person slips or trips and falls to a level below the one he/she

was walking or standing on.

• Over-exertion:

– A person over-extends or strains himself/herself while

performing work.

• Bodily reaction:

– Caused solely from stress imposed by free movement of the

body or assumption of a strained or unnatural body position. A

leading source of injury.

• Over-exposure:

– Over a period of time, a person is exposed to harmful energy

(noise, heat), lack of energy (cold), or substances (toxic

chemicals/atmospheres).

Hazards from "normal" operations: Sharp edges (lacerations) Anti-corrosive oil (dermatitis, makes parts difficult to grip) Posture: Bending torso to reach low/far parts Repetitive hand motion in gathering and moving Repetitive Trauma Disorder (repetition) Hazards from human error: Dropped parts (lower extremity injury) Lose balance (fall into bin) Pinch fingers on swing gate when opening or closing swingdown gate Leave vacuum tool in press (subsequent shattering of the tool or die) Release part early (blank will fall into point-of-operation, subsequent actions to retrieve blank may put operator at risk) Knock over stacked blanks of feed table (blanks could fall into press area or onto operator’s feet) Hazards from process/hardware failure: Platform could collapse Container edge could collapse Hazards from nearby operations: Noise from presses Struck by: lift truck traffic in aisles Struck by or CIUB: lift truck operations to place and remove parts bins Loss of vacuum = dropped part Unexpected press cycle (crushing injury, amputation) Dropped die (crushing injury, amputation

Hazards from nearby operations: Noise from presses Struck by: lift truck traffic in aisles Chicanes cleated Physical Hazards Acceleration - going too slow Acceleration - going too fast Toxic gas Toxic material Radiation Pressure hydraulic Pressure Oil Pressure pneumatic (air) Pressure gas Pressure Inert Pressure water Extreme hot temperature Extreme cold temperature High pitch noise Loud noise Dropped object Loose object on walkway Different elevation in floor Stiff walking ram Fall from height Fall from same level Poor illumination Different level in floor elevations Vibration Electric shock Short circuit Fire Flammability Explosion Radiation Chemical reactions Struck-by object Struck-against object Contact-by Contact-with Caught-in Caught-by Pinch point Crush point

Trapped In Entanglement Caught-between Fall-to-surface Fall-below Excessive vibration Continuous vibration Environmental exposure Heat stress above 40 degree Celsius Internal combustible xzos fumes High wind Sand Storm High dust Fog – reduce visibility Rain – reduce visibility High wind Sand Storm Chemical Irritant Harmful Corrosive Toxic Very toxic Flammable Fire Explosive Biological Blood pathogen Bacteria – Contaminated drinking water Infection – transmittable diseases Viruses Harm from animal (e.g. Snake) Harm from insects (e.g. Bee sting) Mechanical Drawing in Entanglement Punching Crushing, cut Ejection Cutting Trapped In

Psychological Stress Time pressure Peer Pressure Workplace Violence Undermine Bodily reaction Strain Bullied Young person Elderly person Handicap person Sick person Ergonomic hazards high frequency, high duration, high force, Akward posture, Manual handling excessive weight Manual handling above shoulder level Manual handling sharp object Manual handling weight unknown object Manual handling object from height “sudden drop” Team manual handling object weight cannot evenly distributed Manual handling large object Manual handling object with no lifting lid Manual handling object with protruding parts e.g. handle Manual handling object with tailing cable Manual handling object with low centre of gravity Manual handling unstable object Manual handling object with hot surface Manual handling object with extreme cold surface Repetitive movement Awkward posture Awkward Movement Poor work station design Bodily reaction Posture in same position for long hours – standing or sitting Mechanical pressure, Vibration ADDITIONAL TASK SPECIFIC PPE Additional Fire Retardant Clothing Chemical Protective Boots / Gloves Fall Arrest / Fall Restraint Equipment

Hearing Protection / Plugs / Muffs Face Shield Hand Protection – Gloves / Guards Welding Hood Cutting Goggles Air Purifying Respirator Air Supplied Respirator / SCBA Chemical Protective Clothing Chemical Protective Boots Chemical Protective Gloves Fall Arrest Fall Restraint Equipment Hearing Protection Ear Plugs Hearing Protection Ear Muffs Double Hearing Protection Ear Muffs + Ear Plug Face Shield Hand Protection Leather Gloves Pre-Job Questionnaire Consider When Completing a JSA 1. Moving equipment hazards 2. Slip, trip and fall hazards 3. Strain/overexertion hazards 4. Health hazards (such as chemicals) 5. Respiratory protection 6. Personal protective equipment 7. Insulation handling 8. Electrical hazards 9. Hand tool hazards 10.Fire or explosion hazards 11.Vapour release hazards 12.Environmental concerns 13.Housekeeping 14.Safe work permits 15.Lock-out/tag-out 16.Fall protection 17.Ventilation 18.Excavation or shoring requirements 19.Radiation hazards 20.Nearby Operations 21.Weather/heat stress

Hazards It effects & Control Measures to Mitigate

Task - Mobilization and demobilization of equipment, material and

manpower to job site.

Hazards

• All assigned to the task Mandatory to undergo H2S, OED, ISI and RG

induction.

1) Incompetence / Lack of site awareness lead to incident due to

failure to comply with PTW and safety requirements.

• Fully adhere to no training no entry RG policy. PP to check all employees

training card on daily basis.

• Do not enter in absent of any courses.

• Work to start only with valid RG PTW – dully signed by all authorized

persons.

• Carry out task only at location, time, and with condition specified in PTW.

• List equipment and hand tools in PTW.

• All tasks should be carried out by trained and suitably qualified

personnel’s.

• Defective tools to be marked red & remove from use immediately.

• PP full time at site. Stop the task if require to leave the job site.

• Tool & equipment inspected & fully comply with RG color coding system –

lifting gears, electric appliances.

• Any breaking or disturbance of ground strata shall require excavation

certificate.

• Strictly No Mobile Phone & Lighters in plant areas. Check & recheck

workers pocket.

• Pre task tool box talk & Stop Step Back 5X5 – observe-think-look for

hazards- what else going on in the area- carryout task.

• For lifting activity refer to lifting work sequence.

2)

3)

Traffic accident involving other vehicle or

• Vehicle inside RG plant shall have valid stickers Yellow or blue (life plant).

Struck Permanent structures in plant areas.

• Utilize RG shuttle service for workers transportations.

• Comply with plant speed limit signage.

• Minimize reversing while driving.

• Parking only at designated parking area.

• Assign banks man to assist in reversing.

• Familiarize with own & other vehicle blind spot.

• Don’t take short cuts, use designated path or access way.

• Petrol vehicle observe no entry zone (live plant area). If lost stop and get

help.

1)

2)

Hand traps on pinch points, hand cut on sharp edges objects,

• Eliminate the need to manual handling by using mechanical device.

Hand injury due to hot surface and cold surface

• Don’t place hand on pinch or sharp pints.

• If required to hold sharp object use cut resistance hand gloves.

• Cotton gloves are only for light duty construction tasks and hanling material

without sharp edges & abrations.

• Use leather hand gloves for moisture resistant, abrasion protections.

• Identify and brief the team on not to place hand on pinch points, hot & cold

surface (LMRA).

• For extreme cold surface use cryogenic hand gloves

• For hot surface - use Zetex aluminum-backed heat resistance hand gloves.

• Do not keep hands and finger in trap points, use appropriate tools instead

of hands.

• Supervisor to provide clear work direction and allocate necessary resources

for the tasks.

Job sequence - Scaffolding erection and dismantling and working on scaffold platforms. Hazards –

1) Collapse due poor erection, use of substandard material, & exceed working weight limits.

• Ensure that only certified personnel are engaged in erecting &

dismantling scaffolding.

• Examine all scaffold components prior to use

• Scaffold should be inspected & tagged by competent scaffolding

inspector.

• Physical inspection daily & thorough inspection in less than 7 days

interval by competent person.

• Do not use scaffold with red tag.

• Block or remove access to incomplete scaffold.

• Do not exceed design weight of platform

• No loose objects/clamps on completed green tag scaffold and secure

all the tools from falling while working at height

• Secure the tubes, planks and other objects when placed on incomplete

scaffold.

• Minimize double staking working method – use assistant of crane

• Barricade the work area drop zone underneath and place sign boards

• Ensure no unauthorized persons inside the barricade.

• Toe boards to be provided on all working platform

• No gap between boards

• Material basket /bag with marked SWL and certifications.

• Do not throw scaffold material at any time.

• Use proper Material basket /bag with marked SWL and certifications.

2) Load lifted drop or struck on personnel while lifting with

manually.

• Use gin pulley to lifting/lowering materials

• Use only manila rope with appropriate capacity.

• Use taglines while lifting the materials to control the swing

• Keep people out of the area when lifting or lowering the material

• Never stand under lifting load

• Do not allow other personnel to work inside the scaffolding erection/

dismantling barricade area.

3) Overlapping Works & double staking

Supervisor to allocate area/ work groups as per importance of the job –

prioritize

1)

Job Sequence - Air compressor operations.

• All equipments to be inspected by competent person and colour coded. Failure of compressor hose lead to Personnel Injury

• Daily operator inspection checklist to be filled by operator before

commencing the job

• Proper bonding/ earthling for air compressor to be provided.

• Air hoses to be connected by “crows foot” couplers

• Air hoses secured with whip lash & securing pin on all connectors

(both side).

• All fittings (Valves/ Regulators) and hoses proper rated capacity and

checked visually for any damage.

• Fire extinguisher available at the site and in good condition – periodic

inspected and positive pressure.

• Area to be barricaded and sign boards shall be placed to prevent

unauthorized personnel.

• Calibration certificate of compressor

• Choke the compressor wheel to avoid uncontrolled movement

2) • Excessive dust stop work momentarily until dust settle,

Excessive Dust

• Wear appropriate type dust mask.

• Use of water if no electric shock hazards presents.

3) Excessive noise • High noise signage & PPE required signage’s to be provided.

• Double hearing protection to all exposed to high noise.

Hazards Job Sequence - Gas Cutting

1) Gas leak

• Hot Work PPE leather gloves, apron, welding/face shield,

2) Bodily Injury & property damage related to uncontrolled fire or

heat.

• Eyes protection, leather gloves for speed cutter & hand grinder.

• Waste bin - Domestic & Schedule

• Welder & gas cutting performed by sufficient trained & experience

personnel.

• Daily leak test with soap water foam.

• keep fire extinguishers near by the work

• keep hoses clear of sharp edges and abrasive surfaces

• Do not allow hot or spatter to fall on hoses.

• Always turn the gas supply off at the cylinder when the job is finished.

• Regularly check all connections and equipments for faults and leak

• Trained fire watch present and scanned the area for fire hazards.

• Don’t leave work area until all cut off material cooled.

• Clean work area from scrap and debris.

• Remove all the combustible and flammable materials from the hot work are

• Keep hoses away from the work area to prevent contact with flames, hot

spatter etc

3)

• Acetylene cylinder & cutting torch to be fitted with Flash Back Arrester

Explosion due to back fire unstable or accidently released gas

• Regulator gauge to be in good working condition

• Hose check for leak (soap foam test), Hose clips.

4)

Injury caused by struck by rolling or falling unsecured cylinders.

• Oxy & acetylene cylinder shall be stored in engineering build with SWL

tested steel cages.

• All oxy & acetylene cylinder to be in up right position in cages and fasten

them to prevent from falling

5)

• Ensure compress gas cylinder not prolong exposed to heat – Acetylene start decomposition at 52 degree Celsius.

Acetylene gas cylinder explosion due to expose to excessive heat

1)

2)

Injury due to improper manual handling, &

a. Reduce or eliminate heavy and repetitive lifting.

Excessive weight manual lifting

• Use mechanical lifting devise whenever possible.

• Use proper equipment, assess the risk determine what you will need to

safely finish the task.

• Assess the weight before lifting. Do not lift more than 20 kg manually.

• Get help for heavy weights/large sizes/awkward sizes.

• Good coordination and communication between lifting team members.

• Lift loads smoothly. Avoid awkward postures & pinch points. Ensure footing

is solid.

• Use your legs, not your back, to lift.

• Shared load require proper coordination.

• Suit lifting tasks to the workers capabilities.

• Stop don't lift if you don’t know the weight and its beyond your capacity.

1) Poor housekeeping leads to

2) Slips trips and fall same level or lower levels.

• Store all the equipments in designated (tool box) when not in use.

• Remove the unwanted equipments, material or scrap from the site.

• Barricade work area and separate personnel from hazards area.

• Display appropriate warning, caution and safety sign boards related to the

hazards.

• Watch your step at uneven ground. Walks slowly don’t rush or run.

• Identify different elevations, erect stepping ramp or steps.

• Don’t take short cut – use designated walking path, e.g. crossing bridge or

ramps.

• Ensure all cables, hoses are controlled and system developed to either

provide covers or suspend cable above head height away from access.

• Perform routine housekeeping, interval as per job conditions.

• All waste generated shall be segregated and removed from site or dispose

in designated waste skip – Fully comply with RG IWM.

• Remove warning tape when hazard is removed or when job is finished. Do

not leave opening unattended.

• Ensure area is safe & clean before closing the PTW.

• All to familiarize with all emergency alarm.

1) Expose to H2s or toxic gas

• All personnel to don toxic clipper before proceed to process areas.

• Ensure toxic clips functioning well & placed near to respiratory points.

• Leave the area if any trace of gas captured by toxic clips – upwind

directions.

• Do not perform any task without area operator approval.

• Move to muster station upwind on gas alarms.

• Fully comply with PTW gas monitoring requirements.

• Safety harness/fall arrestor to be worn for work at height

1) Falling from height

• 100% tie off of safety harness all times during erection/dismantling

• Use the correct anchor point while working at height.

• Step boards secured with clam at all time.

• Use access ladder no short cut or climbing through other structures.

• Guard-rails height 1 meter from platform, middle rail at centre between

toe-boards guard rails.

• Fall arrest equipment inspected before use & personnel are trained to use

it.

• Ladder to be inspected to ensure in good condition prior to use

• Ensure ladder to be secured with clams (tie with rope not allowed)

• Do not climb ladder with components

• All scaffold platforms shall be fully boarded, fixed with toe boards &

handrails, boards to be secured/lashed.

• Keep access ladder clear at all time.

• Provide adequate drinking water carry drinking water bottles

1) Heat Stress

• Implement appropriate work rest scheme.

• Rest shade design to comply with RG approved design.

• Provide fan during peak summer.

• Rest under shade.

• Maintain good house keeping within rest shade – no rubbish & trip and

fall hazards.

• Keep cool water for drinking.

• Check heat Index time to time

• Don’t work alone

Lifting activity using mobile crane and rigging activity

1) Load struck personnel or other objects

• Lifting arrangement agreed by Rigging Supervisor. All work group parties

should be involved in the planning process.

2) Swinging of load

• Unauthorized personnel to be kept clear of the load swing area.

• Area taped off and warning signs posted.

• Appropriate communication device for lifting out of sight of operator.

• Tag lines are to be used to control loads. Long load with tagline at both

ends.

3) Load drop due to rigging problem

• Certified riggers to rig loads 4) Line of fire

• The crane operator may stop all proceedings if, in their opinion, rigging

work is unsafe.

• Use TPI materials basket for lifting of loose materials

• All personnel not involved with the lifting operation to be kept clear of the

area.

• The area should be taped off and warning signs erected.

• Ensure no person to be work under suspended loads

• Crane operator to avoid lifting loads over personnel, or traffic.

•

5)

Unauthorized person entry into work area

• Warning & caution signage’s posted.

• Barricade work area

• Work area not to left unattended.

6)

Load drop due to crane/ lifting gear problem

• All lifting gear to be with valid certification from TPI

• Visual inspection prior to each lift by assigned rigger.

• Suitably rated lifting gear for each the task to be used.

• All lifting gears comply with inspection colour code.

• Safety latches in good working conditions.

• Limit switches functioning and tested prior to start lifting works.

• Only authorized and qualified personnel are to rig and/or dog loads or

otherwise participate in crane operations.

• The area should be taped off and warning signs erected.

• No person to be under suspended loads.

• Crane operator to avoid lifting loads over personnel or traffic.

• Defective lifting gear to be marked red and remove from service

immediately.

7)

• Crane operator must be thoroughly trained and experienced with the

type of crane being worked upon.

Structural failure of crane due to over load

• Daily visual inspection by operator prior to task and checklist dully filed.

• A complete and specific crane manual, in English, must be available on

site at all times.

• Determine the weight, dimensions and characteristics of the load and

specifying the lifting accessories plan

• Estimating operational speeds, radius, height of lift and areas of

movement;

• Identifying site, ground and environmental conditions and restrictions

arising from other objects etc that may affect installation and lifting

operations.

8)

Crane or load stability effected by high winds

• Developing weather conditions should be monitored throughout the full

work process.

• Verification on wind speed can be obtain from RasGas Tel number

4738919

• Wind speed indicators on the crane to be in good working order &

calibrated.

• Adhere RG Standing instruction to stop all lifting operation on wind speed

20 knot or above.

9) 10)

Load struck personnel or other objects

Swinging of load

• Lifting arrangement agreed by Rigging Supervisor. All work group parties

should be involved in the planning process.

• Unauthorized personnel to be kept clear of the load swing area.

• Area taped off and warning signs posted.

• Appropriate communication device for lifting out of sight of operator.

• Tag lines are to be used to control loads. Long load with tagline at both

ends.

Mobilization and operation of man lift within plant area.

1) Damage to plant surface grating

2) Unauthorized operation of Man lift.

Hazards

• Have the PTW signed prior to mobilization/travelling in plant area.

• Work to commence only with valid RG PTW – dully signed by all

authorized persons.

• Carry out task only at location, time, and with condition specified in PTW

• All tasks should be carried out by trained and suitably qualified

personnel’s.

• Ensure all man lift are in good working condition – Inspected daily and

periodically by competent person.

• Performing Party full time at site during Man lift operation .Stop the task

if require to leave the job site.

• Ensure that coordination with Area Operator has been made prior to

entry on specific areas for the activity.

• “No Training No Entry” Policy to RG plant area strictly adhered.

• Mandatory PPE – S. Helmet, Shoes, Nomex, hand gloves, ear plug and

additional PPE as per JSA control measures e.g. double earplug & heavy

duty leather gloves.

• Ensure that planned activity area has been assessed and surveyed by

Safety Officer and PP before the actual mobilization of man lift.

• Banks man & Man lift operator with valid approved third party training.

• Banks shall utilize Flags and whistles shall while guiding man lift

movements.

• PP shall ensure clear work direction to man lift operator in regards to

predetermined maneuvering route.

• Clear instruction given to all involved in task on vehicle or equipments

and other heavy machinery to stay clear from plant grate systems.

• All activity in plant involving vehicle entry into plant area must notify and

approved by area operator.

• Predetermine hand signal for between operator and banks man to be

established & their understanding positively reinforced.

• Daily toolbox for man lifts operation to be specific & conducted separately

from other tasks.

• Man lift operator is responsible on complying to predetermine routes.

Banks shall assist in guiding the movement only.

• Strictly no short cut route taken by man lift for what ever reasons.

• If unsure about the route “stop” and consult area operator.

• Ensure wide clearance on side and above for man lift movements.

• Pre task tool box talk & Stop Step Back 5X5 – observe-think-look for

hazards- what else going on in the area- carryout task

• Supervisor & safety Officer to continuously survey or scan the work area

for hazards trough out the work durations.

• Include heat stress Hazards & control measures on Plant labeling using

man lift work sequences.

• Provide adequate drinking water Carry drinking water bottles

Hazards Heat Stress

• Provide adequate drinking water igloo near work station. Ensure water

level always sufficient – refill accordingly

• Implement appropriate work rest scheme. Rest under shade.

• Shade design to comply as per RG approved design.

• Keep cool water for drinking.

• Check heat Index time to time

• Provide adequate mechanical fan in shelter.

• Generator for fan to fully comply as per PTW requirements (HWP)

• Don’t work alone at 32o to 38o Cel., 50o work at height stop and when

announce in PA system all work shall stop.

• Nomex winter jacket provided.

Cold weather

• Inner clothing (long johns or additional clothing) to compensate the

absent or non availability of Nomex winter jacket.

• Ear exposure to elements protection cap.

Excavation work

planning the work;

plans;

cable- and pipe-locating devices;

safe digging practices.

What precautions must be taken to protect employees

during excavation work?

• According to the Construction Regulations, precautions must be taken

that are adequate to:

• Guard against danger to persons at work from a fall or dislodgement of

earth, rock or other material by suitable shoring or otherwise

• Guard against dangers arising from the fall of materials or objects or the

inrush of water into the excavation, shaft, earthworks, underground

works or tunnel

• Secure adequate ventilation at all workplaces so as to maintain an

atmosphere fit for respiration and to limit any fumes, gases, vapours,

dust or other impurities to levels which are not dangerous or injurious to

health

• Enable persons at work to reach safety in the event of fire or an inrush of

water or materials

• Avoid risk to persons at work arising from possible underground dangers

such as underground cables or other distribution systems, the circulation

of fluids or the presence of pockets of gas, by undertaking appropriate

investigations to locate them before excavation begins

• Ensure that a safe means of access to and egress from each excavation

When does an excavation have to be inspected? A competent person must inspect excavations:

• At least once in every day during if persons are at work there

• If more than 1.2 metres deep, at the start of each shift before work

begins

• After any event likely to have affected the strength or stability of the

excavation or the shoring

• After any accidental fall of rock, earth or other material

• At least once every 7 days where persons are not at work there

Do any inspection form(s) have to be filled in? An AF3 form is filled out by the competent person who carries out the inspection.

What should be included in these inspections?

Aspects/parts of the excavation works that should be inspected, include, but are not

limited to:

1. Surface Conditions

Cracks

• Spoil heaps not set near or close to excavations

• No equipment or materials stored near edge

• No standing water in excavation

• Banks and sides of slope/bench

• Cracks

• Change in soil type

• Slope of side/bank

• Access and egress

• Stairs, ladders, ramps as appropriate

• Shoring and Shielding

• In place properly, functioning correctly

• Wedges tight

• Existing utilities

• Support adequate

• Loose materials

• PPE

• Hi-visibility vests, hard hats, steel-toe shoes, etc. as specified

• Weather

• Rain

What particulars should be inspected in relation to

shoring? Appendix 1 of the HSA's "A Guide to Safety in Excavations" details a checklist of

inspection items that should be considered when inspecting shoring.

This checklist includes:

• Is the installation as per the design?

• Is the soil and water as per design?

• Is there ingress of water?

• Are there proper sumps?

• Is material being drawn from behind the sheets?

• What are the deflections on frames and sheets?

• What is soil composition, are there tension cracks?

• Are the deflections excessive?

• Is there damage to the system?

• Is access to trench adequate?

• Are there any surcharges?

• Check for cracks in adjacent structures?

• Is there surface clear of plant, spoil, etc?

• Are spoil heaps properly controlled?

• Is the area properly fenced?

• Is access to trench adequate?

• Is the edge protection/handrail to the trench adequate?

• Are there exhaust gases in the trench?

• Are buried services marked?

• Are wedges tight?

• Are the struts horizontal?

• Have struts hanging chains?

• Are the personnel competent?

• Is the work as per method statement?

• Is the safe system of work working?

Excavation works

What hazards are associated with excavation work? The main hazards associated with excavation work include:

• Surface encumbrances

• Excavation collapse

• Loose rock or soil

• Contact with underground services and/or overhead power lines

• Falling loads - Materials falling onto people working in the excavation

• Mobile equipment - People and vehicles falling into the excavation

• Vehicular traffic - People being struck by plant

• Undermining of nearby structures

• Access/egress to/from excavation

• Hazardous atmospheres

• Ground water

• Accidents to members of the public

What measures should be taken to prevent excavation

collapse? Measures that should be taken to avoid excavation collapse include:

• Batter the sides and the ends to a safe angle.

• Where it is not possible to batter, support the walls with timber, sheeting or

proprietary support systems.

• Do not go into unsupported excavations that have not been battered to a suitable

slope.

• Do not allow any vehicle or item of plant near an edge of an excavation that may

be likely to cause collapse.

• Keep equipment and materials piled, grouped or stacked at a suitable safe

distance (min 1 meter) from the edge of the excavations.

• Never work ahead of the support.

• Remember that even work in shallow trenches can be dangerous.

• You may need to provide support if the work involves bending or kneeling in the

trench.

• Ensure adequate protective measures are taken even in rock cut excavations

What measures should be taken to prevent materials

falling onto workers in excavations?

• Do not store spoil or other materials close to the sides of excavations (min

1meter).

• The spoil may fall into the excavation and the extra loading will make the sides

more prone to collapse

• Make sure the edges of the excavation are protected against falling materials.

• Provide toe boards where necessary

• Always wear a hard hat when working in excavations

• In rock cut excavations where the rock is friable, netting should be used

What measures should be taken to prevent people and

vehicles falling into the excavation?

• Fence off all excavations in plant or other area to prevent pedestrians and

vehicles falling into them.

• Where unauthorized person might get onto a site out of hours precautions should

be taken such as backfilling or securely covering excavations.

• If possible excavations near road or personnel movement area should be

backfilled or covered over at night to minimize the risk of accidents falling in the

opening.

• Do not leave materials lying beside the area of work if not required for imminent

use beside the excavation.

What if an excavation is likely to reduce the stability

of a nearby structure? Control measures that should be taken include:

• Ensure excavations do not affect the footings of scaffolds or the foundations of

nearby structures. Walls may have very shallow foundations that can be

undermined by even small trenches

• Decide if it is necessary to remove a structure from the excavation so as to be

unaffected by the excavation activity

• Decide if the structure needs temporary support before digging starts. Surveys of

the foundations and the advice of a structural engineer may be needed

• If shoring support is required, it should be installed in such a way that the

stability of the structure is not compromised at any stage of the

installation/excavation process

• The services of a registered professional engineer may be required to determine

that excavation work will not pose a hazard to employees

Do all excavations have to be fenced off? Regulation 55 of the Construction Regulations 2006 requires every accessible part of

an excavation near to which persons are working and where persons could fall are

either fenced or securely covered unless fencing is not present to allow access of

persons/equipment.

How can I ensure there is safe access to and egress

from an excavation?

• Quick unobstructed and ready access and egress should be allowed in case of

emergencies. The size of the openings should be adequate and free from

obstruction to allow ready passage for persons wearing the necessary PPE and

allow access to rescue personnel. An alternative opening should be used for

insertion of hoses, ventilation ducts, power lines and other cables required for

work.

• An appropriate means such as a barrier or a safety warning sign should be used

to prevent unauthorised entry into a confined space.

• Structural modifications (temporary openings) is necessary in the case of a

confined space with a design deficiency whose openings are too tight, of

convoluted construction or have excessive distances to the point of escape.

• Manufacturers and suppliers of equipment as well as designers engineers and

architects should ensure that entry and exit can be achieved from this equipment

easily. For example the provision of manholes close to the bottom of the

tank/vessel and fixed ladders from top manholes should be provided to facilitate

emergency egress where the need for persons to enter a confined space is

unavoidable. Manufacturers and designers should also be aware of any standards

relevant to what they are constructing as there may be minimum sizes set out for

hatches or manholes.

What measures should be in place to avoid exposure

to hazardous atmospheres?

Excavations can have very poor natural ventilation so that the potential for a

dangerous atmosphere can give rise to typical 'confined space' conditions of

immediate danger to life and health. Dangerous atmospheres can occur in

excavations due to lack of oxygen or the presence of toxic or flammable gases of

simple asphyxiants. The leakage or seepage of a toxic gas into an excavation must

be avoided by ventilation.

Before beginning work in an excavation what should

you do?

• Investigate if a dangerous atmosphere is present or liable to be present?

• See is the space adequately ventilated to maintain adequate oxygen content and

prevent the accumulation of harmful substances?

• Find out what the use and history of the location of work is when carrying out

risk assessment. Buried underground pipe work or a leakage in sewage system

may present a hidden hazard.

• Investigate if a dangerous atmosphere is potentially present; the excavation

must be treated as a confined space.

• A safe system of work must be developed and put in place, including the making

of appropriate emergency arrangements. The safe system of work may involve

the provision of adequate ventilation, testing of atmosphere, or other

precautions, as devised by a competent person.

What measures should be in place to avoid

accumulation of water in the excavation? There should be a safe system of work in place to prevent this from happening.

Employers should have addressed this hazard in their risk assessment and adequate

control measures should be in place. A plan for evacuation of personnel and

equipment in case of emergency and flooding shall be developed.