Roads Projects Department

SAFETY ALERT
TRENCH AND EXCAVATION EDGE COLLAPSE
SIGNIFICANT RISK:
Trench collapse pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavation-related accidents to
result in worker fatalities. Non-provision of a Safe System of Work by Construction Contractors while carrying out
EXCAVATION works and non-compliance to the following mandatory requirements on the Projects shall
contribute to this significant risk materializing. A recent significant trench side-wall collapse incident at one of the
PWA Projects has further heightened this concern.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
➢ Ensuring availability of Geotechnical study report to assess the
soil stability and the ground water conditions prior to
undertaking excavation works so the method of protection and
edge support system can be planned and implemented.
➢ Continuous Supervision and monitoring measures of the edges
of the excavated areas by Excavation Competent Engineer to
address proximity hazards like movement of heavy vehicles,
construction equipment or risk of undermining existing
structures or collapse of adjacent existing trenches..
➢ Trench and Excavation related Method Statements/Safe
Systems of Work/Risk Assessments to be revised and reviewed
for approval by Supervision Consultants.
➢ Inspection is required to be done by competent excavation
supervisor on all excavation/trenches in accordance with Qatar
Construction Specification (QCS-2014) requirements detailed
overleaf. Contractors and Consultants SHALL ensure that this
inspection process is implemented in all the locations of their
projects.
➢ Additional attention and care shall be applied on reclamated or
back-filled locations of trenches.
➢ Contractors to identify and list all high, medium and low risk
trench/excavations and improve supervision and monitoring
accordingly.
➢ Entry of persons into the excavated areas shall be allowed only
after the confirmation and approval of Excavation Competent
Engineers based on physical Inspection.
➢ Ensure suitable dewatering system and its operation and
maintenance as appropriately required.
➢ Ensure use of appropriate measures and edge protection as per
excavation procedures to prevent debris fall.
➢ Strict implementation of Permit to Work system for excavation.
➢ Ensure suitable access/egress for excavations and pits.
➢ Instruction, Information and Training of operatives on hazards
of excavations, trench collapse and falling debris.
The Supervision Consultants and the Construction Contractors hold a shared responsibility
in ensuring the actions required outlined above.
PWA-RPD-HSS-ALRT-058 Issue Date: 09 Oct 2022
 Roads Projects Department
SAFETY ALERT
TRENCH AND EXCAVATION EDGE COLLAPSE
EXCAVATION SUPERVISOR:
Reference: Qatar Construction Specification (QCS 2014) Section 1 Part 10 Clause 10.5.5.2

“For all excavation work a competent excavation supervisor will be appointed. The level of training and
experience required to determine competence will vary depending on the complexity of the excavation. He will
have previous experience of the type of excavation work to be undertaken and formal Occupational Health and
Safety training relating to the safety of excavation work”.

EXCAVATION INSPECTION :
Reference: Qatar Construction Specification (QCS 2014) Section 11 Part 1 Clause 1.5.4.11

All Excavations, used to carry out construction wok must be inspected by the competent person

- At the start of every shift, in which work is to be carried out

- After any event likely to have affected the strength or stability of the excavation or any part of it
- After any accidental fall or dislodgement of any material

REPORT OF INSPECTION:

Reference: Qatar Construction Specification (QCS 2014) Section 11 Part 1 Clause 1.5.4. Appendix 3

An example of Inspection Report (which may be reproduced) is provided below, SHALL BE implemented in all
projects
Date and Location Description of place Details of any matter Details of any Details of any
Time of Inspected of work, or part identified giving rise to action taken as further action
Inspection inspected a risk to the health and result of any considered
safety of any person matter identified necessary

Inspected by : Actions Taken by:

The Supervision Consultants and the Construction Contractors hold a shared responsibility
in ensuring the actions required outlined above.
PWA-RPD-HSS-ALRT-058 Issue Date: 09 Oct 2022