Method Statement 2.9 — Excavation¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | MS 2.9 |
| Issue Number | 2 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Prepared By | Sean Ashton |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
Task summary¶
| Task No | Task | PPE | Plant required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 | Excavation (up to 1.2m deep) | As defined by on-site risk assessment | Shoring / trench boxes, CAT & Genny, barriers, ladders, pumps |
Hazards¶
- Excavation collapse
- Falls into excavation
- Contact with underground services
- Flooding / water ingress
- Contaminated ground
Environmental impacts¶
- Ground-water management
- Spoil storage and disposal
- Dust generation
Customer impacts¶
- Access restrictions
- Noise and vibration
- Visual impact
Training required¶
At least one operative per team trained in excavation support systems.
Additional plant and equipment¶
- Edge protection systems
- Gas monitoring equipment
- Emergency rescue equipment
- Lighting for poor visibility
Permits required¶
- Permit to dig
- Service drawings review
COSHH assessment required¶
- Contaminated ground assessment
- Dust suppression measures
Sequence of operations and control methods¶
Pre-excavation planning¶
- Review all available service drawings
- Complete permit-to-dig documentation
- CAT scan area thoroughly
- Mark all detected services with paint / pins
- Install barriers before starting
- Set up spoil storage areas
- Check for overhead hazards
During excavation¶
- Support sides immediately using appropriate system
- Hand dig within 0.5 m of any known services
- Stop immediately if unexpected services found
- Maintain minimum 300 mm from excavation edge for materials
- Keep excavation free of water using pumps
- Install edge protection as work progresses
- Monitor ground conditions continuously
Support systems¶
- Install shoring or trench boxes as required
- Follow manufacturer's instructions
- Never work ahead of support system
- Ensure support extends above ground level
- Check supports after any impact or movement
Access and egress¶
- Provide ladder for depths over 0.6 m
- Ladder must extend 1 m above ground level
- Secure ladder at top and bottom
- Maximum 9 m travel distance to exit point
- Keep access routes clear at all times
Daily requirements¶
- Inspect excavation at start of each shift
- Check after any weather events
- Record weekly formal inspections
- Remove water accumulation
- Check stability of spoil heaps
- Notify supervisor if depth exceeds 1.2 m
Backfilling operations¶
- Remove support systems carefully
- Compact in appropriate layers
- Replace services protection
- Reinstate surface to specification