Small Groundworks & Excavation Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Contaminated or suspect ground — Check pre-construction information, previous land use and visual/olfactory cues. Stop on suspect odours, asbestos-type fragments or sheens; sample and classify spoil. Use CAT 3 coveralls, gloves and appropriate RPE; segregate wastes, avoid watercourse runoff, and use decon procedures and welfare.
• Respirable silica and dust — Suppress dust at source with water feed or on-tool extraction (M/H class). Sheet spoil, damp down haul routes, and avoid dry sweeping; use vacs with HEPA filters. Wear tight-fitting RPE (eg FFP3) when controls alone can't achieve targets, fit-test users, and implement health surveillance.
• Excavation sides and support — Appoint a competent person to select shoring, trench boxes or safe batter. Install support before entry; inspect at start of each shift and after rain or impacts. Keep loads and plant back from edges, avoid undercutting, and maintain records. Stop work if any movement or cracking appears.
• Lifting of pipes and chambers — Plan lifts to LOLER; use rated lifting points, slings and spreaders. Keep people out of the drop zone with tag-lines and banksmen. Verify machine capacity at radius; avoid side-loading and travelling with suspended loads. Park loads on level ground and never stand in excavations under a lift.
• Low light and visibility — Plan works for daylight where possible; deploy task lighting with low glare and shadow control. Illuminate plant routes and edges, test before shift, and keep backup sets. Require Class 3 hi-vis and reflective barriers. Stop work if lighting fails or visibility is inadequate.