Safe Excavation

SAFE EXCAVATION

Excavations can be one of the most hazardous types of work in the construction industry if not performed correctly, this online Excavation course is used by many businesses to help keep their workplaces safe .  Because there is the potential for serious accidents if colleagues do not know how to excavate safely.  For example, one of the top five causes of fatality in the construction sector is contact with electricity.

In order to reduce the risks the UK HSE publishes clear guidance for those planning and conducting work (HSG47).  A key part of the guidance is ensuring employees receive appropriate training.  This online safe excavation training covers all the best practice outlined within HSG47 and provides learners with the practical guidance on how conduct excavations and buried services work safely.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The main objective is to improve safe during excavations by providing an awareness of the dangers and to ensure that all parties are fully aware of their duties.  

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of the excavation training course learner will know;

• The dangers present when excavating
• The legislation relevant to buried services
• Employers’ duties in protecting employees during excavation work
• The procedures for carrying out excavation work safely

COURSE CONTENT

UNIT 1 | DANGERS AND THE LAW

In unit one we highlight the dangers present when excavating and set out the legal, and moral, duties of all parties to protect those undertaking excavation works.  Topic headers are;

• Definition of Excavation
• The Dangers
• Our Duties
• Legislation
• Employee’s duties
• Moral duties
• Financial duties

UNIT 2 | EXCAVATION SAFETY CONTROL MEASURES

So far, we have discussed the dangers associated with excavation. In this unit, we will take a look at some of the control measures that can be put in place to decrease the risks involved in excavation work. Topic headers are;

• Control of Works
• Excavation Permit
• Drawings
• Markings
• Plant
• RAMS
• HSG47 Guidance
• During and post work
• Summary

UNIT 3 | QUIZ

IDEAL FOR

Those involved in commissioning, planning, managing and carrying out work on or near underground services. It is also useful for the owners and operators of such services.

CERTIFICATE

At the end of the Excavation Safety awareness training there is a 15 question, multiple-choice quiz.  If learners demonstrate their understanding of course content by achieving a minimum score of 80%, we’ll email them their completion certificate.  If learners score less than 80%, they can revisit any part of the course and retake the quiz until they are successful. A posted certificate is available for £6.

The Excavation certificate is valid for 3 years.

CERTIFICATE

EXCAVATING SAFELY INCLUDES

• 

  Carbon Offset

  Complies with UK legislation
  

• Self-paced, learn-anywhere
• Available on phones, tablets and desktops
• Emailed accredited certificate
• Carbon net-zero product

DEFINITION OF EXCAVATIONS

What is the definition of excavation?  We define excavation as any work which involves penetrating or disturbing the ground/floor.

This includes:

• Hand digging
• Hammering road pins
• Excavation with plant Breaking up slabs
• Floor sawing
• Removal of trees and hedges

DANGERS OF EXCAVATION

Striking underground services (also referred to as buried services) can, at best, be nothing more than an inconvenience (temporary damage to a data cable for example).

However, where the services are of higher risk such as electricity or gas, an unintended strike can result in a serious injury or fatality.  Strikes to things such as water or sewage mains can also result in severe repercussions.   Strikes to services can also lead to property and environmental damage as well as damage resulting from fire, explosion, flooding etc.

FURTHER GUIDANCE

For anyone undertaking or overseeing excavations the UK HSE has provided a clear guide that helps understand requirements.  A PDF copy of the guide can be downloaded here.  A general guide for maintaining a safe construction site is available here.  Understanding where accidents occur is a helpful was to refine where you deploy safety resources.  A PDF from the UK HSE containing the latest construction safety statistics can be found here.

ASBESTOS AWARENESS |  MANUAL HANDLING |  CONFINED SPACE AWARENESS

CONTACT

If you have any questions please email [email protected] or call us on 0131 6618253