Skip to content

Method Statement 3.3.1 - Excavation, Backfill and Reinstatement

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference MS 3.3.1
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
3.3.1 Excavation Backfill and Reinstatement As defined by on-site risk assessment. Cable avoidance equipment, works vehicle and equipment, Stihl saw, compressor/ power pack and hand tools, trench compactor, vibrating plate, vibrating roller, stihl type saw with water suppression. N/A

Hazards

  • Manual Handling
  • Stored Energy in the Pipe
  • Defective Plant and Equipment
  • Towing Techniques
  • Incorrect Loading
  • Insufficient Space

Environmental Impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Light From Night working

Customer Impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Access

Training Required

As Per IMR specific contract training matrix

Additional Plant and Equipment

  • Winch/Tractor Winch
  • Pipe Bursting/Slip Lining Rig
  • Mechanical Excavator

Permits Required

As Per specific contract specifications and Client requirements.

COSHH Assessment Required

  • 2 Stroke Oil
  • Diesel/Petrol
  • Line Marker Spray
  • Lubricating Spray

Sequence of Operations and Control Methods

The backfill and permanent reinstatement in the highway must be in accordance "Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways." Reinstatement on private property will be in accordance with Client / Developers specification.

  • Bedding for pipes / buried utility apparatus shall be constructed by spreading and compacting granular bedding if existing materials are inadequate.

  • Where ground conditions consist of sand, gravel, loam, silts imported bed and surround may not be required

  • Where pipes with sockets are required and they are laid on a granular or sand bed or directly on a trench bottom, joint holes shall be formed in the bedding material or excavated formation to ensure that each pipe is uniformly supported throughout the length of its barrel and to enable the joint to be made.

  • Where pipes are required to be bedded directly on the trench bottom, the formation shall be trimmed and leveled to provide even bedding and shall be free from all matter that may damage the pipe, pipe coating or sleeving. Imported soft fill for bed and surround should be used as required.

  • Where the bottom of an excavation is not sufficiently firm and stable to provide a suitable bed for the pipe or fitting it shall be excavated below the final surface until a firm foundation is reached and the excavation shall be filled up to the final surface with imported material.

  • Carry out all Protection works e.g. wrapping, concrete support etc.

  • A Team member must hold and carry an up to date Street Works Act qualification for the backfill and reinstatement of the highway. The Agent/Supervisor must have an up to date Street Works Act Supervisory Qualification.

  • Backfilling shall not commence until the works to be covered have achieved strength sufficient to withstand all loading.

  • Backfilling shall be undertaken in such a way to avoid uneven loading or damage.

  • Where the excavations have been supported, and the supports are to be removed, these, where practicable, shall be withdrawn progressively as backfill proceeds, in such a manner to minimize the danger of collapse, and all voids formed behind the supports shall be carefully filled and compacted.

  • Reinstatement of the sub base, base and surface shall be in accordance with the "Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways."

  • In private property the reinstatement must be in accordance with the Clients requirements.

Based on the hazards and operations described, the following risk assessments from the knowledge base are relevant: