Irrigation Install & Maintenance Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Plant and vehicle interface — Establish one-way routes, banksman control, and marked exclusion zones around excavators/trenchers. Wear hi-vis and agree hand signals. Never enter the swing radius. Park plant on firm ground, chock if needed, and brief all trades on daily movements and blind-spot risks.
• Environmental spills and pollution — Store fuels and chemicals in bunded trays away from drains. Fit backflow devices, use drip trays during fueling, and keep spill kits accessible. Stop work on uncontrolled leaks, contain at source, and notify promptly. Dispose of rinse water and contaminated waste lawfully.
• Excavation collapse — Keep trenches narrow; batter or shore unstable sides. Set spoil at least 600 mm from edges and use trench boards on weak ground. Barrier and light edges, avoid lone entry, and backfill/compact in layers promptly. Inspect after rain or plant movements and record findings.
• Noise and hand-arm vibration — Select low-vibration tools, record trigger times, and rotate tasks. Wear hearing protection near trenchers/compactors. Maintain sharp blades and damping handles. Plan quieter methods (e.g., hand dig near services) and schedule rest breaks to reduce cumulative exposure.
• Lifting operations — Plan lifts to LOLER with an appointed person. Inspect accessories, define load weights and radii, and set exclusion zones. Use certified lifting points on tanks/pumps, agree hand signals, and keep non-essential persons clear. Record lifts and stop on adverse weather triggers.