Ground Disturbance Safety Procedures
Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]
Revision Date: [DATE]
Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]
Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]
1. Scope
This safe work procedure (SWP) outlines the requirements for safe ground disturbance activities, including excavation, trenching, and soil removal. It applies to all employees, contractors, and subcontractors involved in such activities. The purpose of this SWP is to prevent incidents, injuries, and damage to underground facilities, and to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards.
2. Definitions
Ground Disturbance Any work operation or activity on or under the existing surface that results in a disturbance or displacement of the soil. [2]
Excavation A dug out area of ground, but does not include a tunnel, underground shaft or pit. [8]
Trench A long, narrow dug out area of ground that is deeper than its width at the bottom. [7]
Hand Expose Zone The area within which hand digging or non-destructive techniques are required to expose buried facilities. [4]
Spoil Pile Excavated soil or other material that is piled up near the excavation. [4]
3. Responsibilities
3.1 Supervisors
- Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform ground disturbance activities.
- Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards, risks, and control measures.
- Ensure that all required permits and approvals are obtained before work begins.
- Inspect the work area to identify potential hazards and ensure that control measures are in place.
- Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with this SWP and other applicable requirements.
3.2 Workers
- Participate in training and demonstrate competency in ground disturbance activities.
- Attend pre-job briefings and understand the potential hazards, risks, and control measures.
- Inspect tools and equipment before use and report any defects.
- Follow all safe work procedures and instructions.
- Report any hazards, incidents, or near misses to the supervisor.
4. Potential Hazards and Risks
| Hazard | Risk | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Contact with buried utilities (gas, electric, communication) [1] | Electrocution, explosion, service disruption | 1. Contact utility owners to locate and mark buried facilities. |
| Trench collapse [5] | Serious injury or death due to suffocation or crushing | 1. Slope or shore trench walls to prevent collapse. |
| Falling into excavation [5] | Injury due to falls | 1. Install barricades, fencing, or covers around excavations. |
| Struck by equipment | Injury due to contact with moving equipment | 1. Use spotters to guide equipment operators. 2. Establish exclusion zones around operating equipment. |
| Underground Shaft Collapse [6] | Serious injury or death due to suffocation or crushing | 1. During the excavation of an underground shaft that is between 1.5 metres and 6 metres deep, the walls of the shaft from the top down are retained by temporary protective structures strong enough to prevent the walls from collapsing or caving in. |
| Loose Materials [3] | Injury due to falling rocks or soil | 1. Ensure that loose materials are scaled and trimmed from the sides of an excavation if workers may be on or near the sides. |
| Water Accumulation [5] | Drowning or other water-related hazards | 1. Ensure that an excavation that a worker may be required or permitted to enter is kept free of an accumulation of water that may pose a hazard to the worker. |
| Proximity to Power Lines [3] | Electrocution | 1. Ensure that work that disturbs the ground in the vicinity of an overhead power line is performed in a manner that does not reduce the original support provided for power line poles. |
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All personnel involved in ground disturbance activities must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Hard Hat: Provides head protection from falling objects and impacts. Must meet ANSI Z89.1 standards.
- Safety Glasses: Provides eye protection from dust, debris, and chemical splashes. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.
- High-Visibility Vest: Increases visibility to equipment operators and other workers. Must meet ANSI 107 standards.
- Steel-Toed Boots: Provides foot protection from impacts and punctures. Must meet ASTM F2413 standards.
- Gloves: Provides hand protection from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Select gloves appropriate for the task.
- Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against noise exposure. Required when noise levels exceed 85 dBA.
Inspect all PPE before each use for damage, wear, or defects. Clean and maintain PPE according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace PPE as needed.
6. Equipment and Tools
All equipment and tools used for ground disturbance activities must be in good working order and inspected regularly. Defective equipment must be removed from service immediately.
- Shovels and Hand Tools: Used for digging and exposing underground facilities. Ensure tools are properly insulated if working near electrical hazards.
- Excavation Equipment (e.g., backhoe, excavator): Used for removing soil and creating excavations. Equipment must be inspected daily and operated by trained personnel.
- Shoring and Trench Boxes: Used to support trench walls and prevent collapse. Ensure shoring is installed correctly and meets engineering specifications.
- Gas Detectors: Used to monitor the atmosphere for hazardous gases or oxygen deficiency. Calibrate detectors regularly.
- Water Pumps: Used to remove accumulated water from excavations. Ensure pumps are properly grounded and maintained.
Before each use, inspect all equipment and tools for defects, damage, or wear. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for inspection and maintenance. Remove any defective equipment from service until it is repaired or replaced.
7. Pre-Job Requirements
7.1 Training and Competency
Training and Competency: All workers involved in ground disturbance activities must be adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks. Training must include:
- Hazard awareness
- Safe work procedures
- Use of PPE
- Emergency response
7.2 Pre-Job Briefing
Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any ground disturbance activity. The briefing must cover:
- Scope of work
- Potential hazards
- Control measures
- Emergency procedures
- Responsibilities
7.3 Work Area Preparation
Work Area Preparation: Before starting any ground disturbance activity, the work area must be prepared by:
- Identifying and marking underground facilities
- Establishing exclusion zones
- Ensuring adequate lighting
- Providing safe access and egress
8. Safe Work Procedure Steps
- 1. Planning and Preparation: Review project plans and identify potential hazards. Obtain necessary permits and approvals. Contact utility companies to locate and mark underground facilities.
- Verify all workers have received adequate training.
- Ensure all equipment is inspected and in good working order.
- 2. Site Assessment: Inspect the work area for potential hazards, such as overhead power lines, unstable soil, or traffic. Establish exclusion zones and install barricades as needed.
- Check for existing utilities and mark their locations.
- Assess soil conditions and determine appropriate shoring or sloping requirements.
- 3. Excavation: Begin excavation using appropriate equipment and techniques. Ensure that trench walls are properly sloped or shored to prevent collapse.
- Use hand digging methods when working near underground facilities.
- Monitor soil conditions and adjust shoring or sloping as needed.
- 4. Working in the Excavation: Ensure that workers have a safe means of access and egress. Keep the excavation free of water and debris. Monitor the atmosphere for hazardous gases or oxygen deficiency.
- Provide adequate ventilation if necessary.
- Ensure workers wear appropriate PPE.
- 5. Backfilling: Backfill the excavation using appropriate materials and techniques. Compact the backfill to prevent settling.
- Remove all shoring and barricades.
- Restore the work area to its original condition.
- 6. Exposing Buried Facilities: Work with mechanical excavation equipment is not permitted within the hand expose zone of a buried facility until the buried facility has been exposed to sight. [1]
- 7. Soil Stabilization: An employer must stabilize the soil in an excavation by shoring or cutting back. [5]
9. Precautions and Safety Measures
- Never enter an unsupported trench that is 1.5 meters (5 feet) or more in depth. - Always ensure proper sloping, shoring, or trench boxes are in place before entry.
- Ensure that a safe means of access and egress is provided for all excavations. - Ladders, stairs, or ramps must be provided and located within 8 meters (25 feet) of any worker in the excavation. [3]
- Keep excavations free of accumulated water. - Use pumps or other means to remove water as it accumulates.
- Never undermine existing structures or utilities. - Consult with a professional engineer before excavating near any structure or utility.
- Ensure that spoil piles are located at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from the edge of the excavation. - This prevents the spoil pile from falling back into the excavation. [3]
10. Emergency Procedures
10.1 General Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency during ground disturbance activities, the following steps should be taken:
1. Stop Work: Immediately stop all work activities. 2. Assess the Situation: Determine the nature and extent of the emergency. 3. Evacuate: If necessary, evacuate the area and ensure all personnel are accounted for. 4. Provide First Aid: If anyone is injured, provide first aid and seek medical attention. 5. Notify: Notify the supervisor and emergency services, as appropriate. 6. Secure the Area: Prevent unauthorized access to the area. 7. Investigate: Investigate the incident to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.
10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios
- Contact with Buried Utility: 1. Immediately stop work and evacuate the area. 2. Notify the utility owner and emergency services. 3. Do not attempt to repair or move the utility. 4. Wait for qualified personnel to arrive and assess the situation.
- Trench Collapse: 1. Immediately stop work and evacuate the area. 2. Call emergency services. 3. Do not enter the trench to attempt rescue unless properly trained and equipped. 4. Secure the area and prevent further collapse.
10.3 Emergency Contact Information
In case of emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Ensure that contact information for local emergency services, the site supervisor, and the company's safety department are readily available on site.
11. Incident Reporting and Investigation
All incidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will then notify the safety department and initiate an investigation.
The investigation will be conducted by a team that includes the supervisor, safety representative, and affected workers. The investigation will determine the root cause of the incident and identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence. A written report will be prepared and distributed to all relevant parties.
Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]
Date: [APPROVAL DATE]
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