CHECKLIST FOR EXCAVATION WORK

Why this is This checklist identifies the hazard controls that must be considered when you
important prepare a Work Permit for excavation activities to depths greater than 1.2m.
Excavation: This activity contains risks that can cause significant personal injury
that need to be strictly controlled.

Equipment Excavator, bob-cat, hand shovels.

typically used
This checklist does not apply to explosive excavation. Meinhardt does not perform
explosive excavation.

Hazards and Hazards:

consequences
 Collapse of excavation sides and subsequent engulfment
 Collapse of spoil piles adjacent to excavation and subsequent engulfment
 Flow of fluids into excavation
 Hydrocarbon vapours enter excavation from ground or air collecting in the
excavation removing breathable air
 Ground conditions unable to support the excavation equipment and load
 Contact/breaking underground services
Consequences:
 Serious injury or death
 Asset damage

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Specific work The Permit Issuer must ensure that these controls are followed when lifting or hoisting
permit activities are carried out:
requirements Before starting lifting activities
Y/N/NA
 Geotechnical report obtained with excavation plan for excavations greater
than 2.0 metres deep
 Underground cabling and piping must be identified and clearly marked on
the ground prior to excavation.
 Excavator operator trained / licenced / competent
 Assign Authorised Person for the excavation operation.
 Excavation plan in place, reviewed and agreed to by all associated with the
operation.
 SWMS in place for the excavation identifying and controlling all relevant
hazards
 Rescue plan in place and tested for personnel entering excavations.
 Forecast weather and wind conditions must be checked prior to the
commencement of lifting activities so that the load can be lifted within the
design capabilities of the equipment and slings, the load can be managed
without contacting other structures and will not slew or fall.

Equipment checks
Y/N/NA
 All equipment used for lifting and hoisting must be visually checked before
use, all lifting equipment is subjected to an inspection regime designated by
the manufacturer and compliance with this must be evidenced before use.

During excavation activities

Y/N/NA

 Excavations 1.2m depth or greater, acceptable sloping up to 34 degrees (1.5

horizontal to 1 vertical) is allowed or protective systems put in place to
prevent collapse.
 Personnel maintain safe distance while equipment is in operation.
 Excavated materials must be kept away at a safe distance from the edge of
the excavation (see checklist for guidance).
 For excavations 6m depth or greater require a Subject Matter Expert on soil
stability and controls must be engaged and an excavation plan developed.
 Overhead electrical lines and infrastructure are identified and provisions in
place to prevent contact by equipment.
 Contaminated soil and groundwater requires the use of PPE and specific
hazardous waste handling/disposal plans in line with Viva Energy
requirements.
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 Authorised Confined Space Entry Certificate is attached (when work meets

the confine space definition).
 Excavations shall be inspected on a regular basis - at least daily, before
each shift & before resuming work after adverse weather conditions or at a
frequency of           . For each inspection the points stated within Part
Two of this certificate must be checked and the inspection recorded.
 Reviewed Checklist for Excavation for additional controls to be considered
and included them below.

Requirements for safe access      

and egress:

Requirements for the      

management of the excavation
in adverse weather conditions:
Additional precautions      
required:

Authorisation of the Excavation

Valid From: To:

Date Time Date Time

Permit Issuer: Permit Holder: This Excavation approval and Permit

I certify that I have reviewed the proposed
work and I am satisfied that it is
adequately described on the Permit to
Work documents and that the precautions
detailed in this certificate are adequate
and clearly defined.
to Work are withdrawn
I certify that I am aware of the planned
work and that the precautions detailed on
the Permit documents are established and
when maintained the work may progress, Reason:      
subject to the Hot Work Certificate and
the Permit to Work remaining valid.

Name:       Name:       By:      

Signature: Signature: Signature:

Date/Time:       Date/Time:       Date/Time:      

Situation Sketch/ Indication of Hazards (if insufficient space, attached separate drawing)

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 CHECKLIST FOR EXCAVATION WORK

     

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