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Method Statement 3.3 — Excavation

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference MS 3.3
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
3.3 Excavation As defined by on-site risk assessment Cable avoidance equipment, works vehicle and equipment, mini excavator, dumper, Stihl saw, compressor / power pack and hand tools

Hazards

  • Utilities exposed (underground & overhead)
  • Unstable ground
  • Traffic
  • Manual handling
  • Plant and equipment
  • Animal urine (Weil's disease)
  • Confined spaces
  • Hand-arm vibration (HAVS)
  • Dewatering excavations
  • Material waste / storage
  • Undermining structures
  • Weather
  • Pedestrians

Environmental impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Silty water
  • Light from night work
  • Waste disposal
  • Water pollution
  • Animals and plants
  • Excavated spoil and waste
  • Carbon emissions
  • Vibration nuisance
  • Archaeological / protected sites (SSSI)

Customer impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Access / egress
  • Light
  • Vibration nuisance

Training required

As per specific contract training matrix.

Additional plant and equipment

  • Shoring equipment
  • Excavators
  • Dumpers
  • Lifting equipment
  • 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
  • Shoring fluid

Sequence of operations and control methods

  • For the duration of the excavation process, monitor for in-ground utilities using the CAT & Genny.
  • Monitor ground conditions and keep heavy plant away from the trench edge.
  • Only use mechanical excavators where the position of underground plant is known and not within 0.5 m of underground plant.
    1. Do not disturb thrust blocks.
    2. Support all exposed plant.
  • Competent banksperson to be used at all times whilst excavating.
  • If ground conditions dictate or excavation exceeds 1.2 m, complete a site-specific risk assessment for trench support.
  • If trench support is required, it must be installed by a competent person. Refer to supervisor / line manager for an approved safe system of work.
  • All excavations must have adequate means of access and egress including a secured certificated ladder if required.
  • If bridging excavations with steel road plates or trench link, contact your supervisor to arrange the appropriate size and plate thickness.
  • Plates shall comply with skid-resistance requirements as indicated in the Safety at Street Works and Road Works booklet. Do not work under road plates.
  • Ensure plates overlap at least 600 mm either side of the trench, secure plates so they do not move, and provide a tarmac ramp to the plates for vehicles to enter and exit.
    1. Display a ramp sign.
    2. Support trench if necessary.
    3. Check wheels of vehicles will have at least 250 mm to edge of plate to run along.
  • If unsuitable ground is encountered or the excavation becomes unstable, stop work and inform the supervisor.