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Method Statement 2.26.1 - Vacuum Excavator - Short Duration Work in Highway

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference MS 2.26.1
Issue Number 2
Issue Date 1 June 2026
Next Review 1 June 2027
Prepared By Sean Ashton
Approved By Aaron Mason, Director
Task No Task PPE to be worn Plant required Reference is made to the Team Pack risk assessment
2.26.1 Vacuum Excavator - Short Duration Work in Highway As defined by on-site risk assessment Vacuum excavator, Chapter 8 traffic management, Quick-deployment barriers N/A

Hazards

  • Traffic collision
  • Pedestrian injury
  • Service strikes
  • Time pressure errors

Environmental Impacts

  • Noise in public areas
  • Traffic congestion
  • Dust emissions

Customer Impacts

  • Traffic delays
  • Access restrictions
  • Noise disturbance

Training Required

  • Chapter 8 traffic management
  • Vacuum excavator operation
  • Highway working

Additional Plant and Equipment

  • Advance warning signs
  • Traffic cones
  • Emergency contact list
  • High-visibility vehicle markings

Permits Required

  • Highway authority permit
  • Emergency or short notice permit

COSHH Assessment Required

As per standard vacuum excavation requirements

Sequence of Operations and Control Methods

Pre-Deployment Planning

  • Confirm short duration work criteria met
  • Check traffic flows and peak times
  • Plan optimum positioning for minimum disruption
  • Brief team on time constraints
  • Pre-check all equipment
  • Ensure emergency contacts available

Rapid Traffic Management Setup

  • Install advance warning signs first
  • Position unit to minimize obstruction
  • Deploy quick-setup barriers
  • Maintain pedestrian routes (minimum 1m width)
  • Use banksman for positioning
  • Complete setup within permitted timeframe

Rapid Deployment

  • CAT scan immediately on arrival
  • Mark work area clearly and quickly
  • Brief team on specific time constraints
  • Allocate specific roles
  • Start work immediately after setup

Operational Efficiency

  • Work efficiently but maintain safety
  • Monitor traffic continuously
  • One person dedicated to traffic watching
  • Be prepared to stop if hazard develops
  • Keep exclusion zone as small as practical
  • Minimize equipment on highway

Continuous Monitoring

  • Watch for traffic build-up
  • Monitor pedestrian movements
  • Check time constraints
  • Assess weather changes
  • Be ready for emergency suspension

Rapid Close-Down

  • Backfill or plate excavation immediately
  • Remove spoil quickly
  • Clear equipment promptly but safely
  • Remove traffic management in reverse order
  • Check nothing left behind
  • Verify surface safe for traffic

Emergency Procedures

  • Stop work immediately if directed
  • Clear highway rapidly if emergency vehicle approaching
  • Have contingency for quick suspension
  • Know emergency contact numbers
  • Report any incidents immediately