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Method Statement 2.26 - Vacuum Excavator

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference MS 2.26
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 Vacuum Excavator As defined by on-site risk assessment Vacuum excavator unit, Remote control, CAT and Genny, Barriers N/A

Hazards

  • Service strikes
  • Flying debris
  • Hydraulic injuries
  • Noise exposure
  • Vehicle instability

Environmental Impacts

  • Noise pollution
  • Dust emissions
  • Spoil disposal

Customer Impacts

  • Noise disturbance
  • Access restrictions
  • Visual impact

Training Required

  • Vacuum excavator operation
  • Service avoidance
  • Permit to dig procedures

Additional Plant and Equipment

  • Banksman equipment
  • Exclusion zone barriers
  • Outrigger pads
  • Water supply

Permits Required

  • Permit to dig
  • Highway permissions

COSHH Assessment Required

Not typically required unless contamination suspected

Sequence of Operations and Control Methods

Pre-Operation Setup

  • Complete ground assessment for stability
  • Check for overhead hazards (minimum 5.7m clearance)
  • Position unit on firm, level ground
  • Deploy outriggers fully with pads
  • Establish exclusion zones
  • Install barriers and signage

Service Location

  • Review service drawings
  • CAT scan entire work area
  • Mark all detected services
  • Hand dig trial holes at service locations
  • Expose services carefully
  • Verify service identification

Equipment Checks

  • Daily inspection of hoses and connections
  • Check emergency stops function
  • Verify pressure relief valves
  • Test remote control operation
  • Check spoil tank capacity
  • Ensure water supply adequate

Operation Procedures

  • Only trained operators to use equipment
  • Start suction gradually
  • Maintain safe distance from excavation
  • Use water lance carefully near services
  • Never direct lance at exposed services
  • Monitor spoil tank capacity continuously

Near Services Protocol

  • Reduce suction power near cables
  • Hand expose services first
  • Support exposed services immediately
  • Use water lance at reduced pressure
  • Maintain 0.5m clearance from services
  • Stop if service damaged

Communication

  • Maintain clear communication between operator and banksman
  • Use agreed hand signals
  • Stop immediately on stop signal
  • Regular progress updates

Spoil Management

  • Monitor tank capacity
  • Empty before maximum capacity
  • Transport to designated disposal area
  • Complete waste transfer documentation
  • Clean up any spillages

Completion

  • Gradually reduce suction before stopping
  • Clear all spoil from site
  • Clean equipment thoroughly
  • Secure all equipment
  • Complete equipment log
  • Report any defects