Excavation and Trenching
Excavation and trenching operations for service installation (water, sewer, electrical, gas, communications) and foundation work using powered excavators, with controls scaling from shallow excavation to deep trenching (≥1.5m). Pre-filled hazards, controls, and risk ratings.
What's In Your SWMS
7 Hazards & Controls
Crushing injuries, suffocation, death. Trench collapse accounts for approximately 74% of excavation-related fatalities in Australia.
Consider trenchless technology (horizontal boring, pipe bursting) where practicable to avoid open excavation
Install trench shields/boxes that protect workers even if collapse occurs; keep all personnel outside excavation when not essential
- Install hydraulic shoring, sheet piling, or closed sheeting before workers enter trenches ≥1.5m
- Batter/bench trench walls to safe angles based on soil type: Type A (53°), Type B (45°), Type C (34°)
- Place spoil piles minimum 900mm from trench edge
- Install dewatering systems to prevent water accumulation weakening walls
- Obtain geotechnical engineer assessment if shoring not used for trenches ≥1.5m
- Conduct daily inspections by competent person before work commences
- Re-inspect after rain, vibration from traffic/plant, or changes in ground conditions
- No vehicles or plant within zone of influence unless shoring designed for loads
- Workers to remain within protected zone of trench shields at all times
Safety helmet (AS/NZS 1801), safety boots (AS/NZS 2210.3), high-visibility clothing
16-Step Work Procedure
Equipment & PPE
Equipment (8)
- Excavator (mini or standard)
Mini excavator (1.5-5t) for residential/tight access; standard excavator (6t+) for larger works
- Trench buckets
Narrow profile buckets sized to trench width requirements
- Trench shoring system
Hydraulic shores, trench shields/boxes, or timber shoring - required for trenches ≥1.5m
- Electromagnetic cable/pipe locator
For locating metallic underground services
PPE (7)
- Safety helmetAS/NZS 1801
Type 1 minimum; replace every 3 years or after impact
- Safety bootsAS/NZS 2210.3
Steel or composite toe (200J impact); penetration-resistant sole recommended
- High-visibility clothingAS/NZS 4602.1
Class D/N for day and night work; minimum 0.2m² fluorescent background
- Hearing protectionAS/NZS 1270
Class 3-5 for excavation equipment (90-105 dB typical)
Training & Emergency
Competency Requirements
- Construction Induction (White Card)training
CPCCWHS1001 - Required for ALL workers on construction sites
- Excavator Operator Competencytraining
RIIMPO320F Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations - no HRWL required but PCBU must verify competency
- First Aid Certificatecertificate
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid - at least one person on site; CPR refresher annually
- Traffic Control
RIIWHS205E Control traffic with stop-slow bat - required if work affects traffic flow
- Working at Heights
RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights - if work at excavation edges presents fall risk >2m
- Asbestos Awareness
11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness - recommended for excavation on developed sites
- Confined Space Entry
RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces - if excavation classified as confined space (restricted entry, hazardous atmosphere)
Emergency Procedures
TRENCH COLLAPSE: Do NOT enter collapsed trench - risk of further collapse. Call 000 requesting Fire/Rescue with technical rescue capability. Notify SafeWork NSW (13 10 50). Keep all personnel clear. Shut down machinery. Maintain communication with trapped person if conscious. Do NOT attempt to pull out partially buried person (crush injury syndrome risk).
ELECTRICAL SERVICE STRIKE: If in machine - do NOT exit unless fire. Warn others to stay 8-10m away. Call 000. Contact electricity distributor (Essential Energy 13 23 91; Ausgrid 13 13 88). If must exit: jump clear, land feet together, shuffle away with small steps.
GAS MAIN STRIKE: Evacuate upwind immediately (minimum 50m for small leak, 100m+ for larger). Call 000. Contact gas network (APA/ATCO 13 13 52; Jemena 13 19 09; AGN 1800 427 532). Do NOT operate valves, phones, vehicles or any electrical equipment. Eliminate all ignition sources.
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High-Risk Construction Work Categories
Under Australian WHS Regulations (Part 6.3 - Excavation Work (Clauses 291, 299, 304-306)), this work is classified as high-risk due to:
- Work in/on trench deeper than 1.5m (Trenches exceeding 1.5m depth require SWMS, shoring/battering, and geotechnical consideration)
- Use of powered mobile plant (Excavators and other earthmoving equipment)
- Work on/near energised electrical installations (Underground electrical cables - BYDA enquiry mandatory)
- Work on/near pressurised gas mains or piping (Underground gas mains - BYDA enquiry mandatory)
- Work on/near traffic or adjacent to road (Applicable when excavating in road reserves or near traffic)
- Work in area with contaminated/flammable atmosphere (Deep trenches may accumulate hazardous gases - atmospheric monitoring required)
Australian Standards Referenced
National Guidance Documents
Who Needs This SWMS?
This template is designed for the following trades and roles performing excavation and trenching work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a SWMS required for excavation work?
A SWMS is mandatory when excavation involves high-risk construction work under WHS Regulation 2017. For excavation, this includes trenches deeper than 1.5 metres, work near energised electrical installations or pressurised gas mains, and use of powered mobile plant (excavators). The SWMS must be prepared before work commences, not during.
Is Dial Before You Dig legally required in NSW?
Yes. NSW is the only Australian state where Dial Before You Dig notification is a legal requirement under the Electricity Supply Act 1995 and Gas Supply Act 1996. Plans must be obtained no more than 30 days before excavation, remain valid for 30 days, and must be retained on site. Penalties can reach $22,000 for individuals and $440,000 for corporations.
What shoring is required for trenches over 1.5 metres deep?
Trenches exceeding 1.5m depth must be protected from collapse using shoring (hydraulic shores, trench shields, sheet piling), battering to safe angles based on soil type (Type A: 53°, Type B: 45°, Type C: 34°), or benching. The only exception is written certification from a geotechnical engineer stating the trench is safe without support.
Do excavator operators need a high-risk work licence?
No. Excavators are not classified as high-risk work under WHS Regulations, so no HRWL is required. However, the PCBU must ensure operators are competent. Evidence includes Statement of Attainment in RIIMPO320F Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations, verified logbooks and references, or manufacturer-specific training certificates.
How close can I mechanically excavate to underground services?
No mechanical excavation is permitted within 500mm of located underground services. Within this zone, hand digging or vacuum excavation (hydrovac) must be used. For hand digging, maintain 300mm clearance. High-pressure gas transmission pipelines require a 3-metre exclusion zone and specific asset owner requirements.
What emergency procedures are required for trench collapse?
Never enter a collapsed trench - further collapse is the primary hazard. Call 000 immediately requesting Fire/Rescue with technical rescue capability. Notify SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 (notifiable incident). Keep personnel clear, shut down machinery, and maintain communication with any trapped person. Do not attempt to pull out a partially buried person due to crush injury syndrome risk.
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