Excavation Trenching and Horizontal

Western Power Safe Work Method Statement

Task details

Description Excavation / Trenching and Horizontal Directional Drilling DM 10696991 Approved by Work Practices Manager Review team SWMS Development Approval date May 2013 Qualifications/Licences required Valid Western Power Authorisations for the Task/ Network Authority Card (correct level of authorisation) Permits required Vicinity Authority (VA) – if required

Which Safety LifeSavers are required for this task?

Potential hazards associated with the task Category Hazard Category Hazard Category Hazard

1. Working at heights

Ladders Lifting equipment, scissors / EWP Scaffolding Stairs / platforms Working at height Working above others Multiple work requiring EWPs

5. Pressure

Competitive pressures Compressed gases / air Fluid High pressure steam Hydraulic Water

2. Working with electricity

Static electricity / induction Substations / switch rooms Underground cables Contact with electrical equipment Electrical cables High voltage equipment Overhead lines Non-compliant earths, e.g. tagged / tested

6. Human factors

Rushing Complacency Fatigue Unclear work direction Stress / anxiety / frustration Lack of knowledge Poor communications Negative attitudes

3. Radiation

Infra-red Microwaves Ultra-violet light, i.e. sun X-ray Laser

7. Using mobile plant

Traffic / pedestrian interaction / collision Uneven terrain Unlicensed / untrained operators Vehicle instability Vehicle access

10. Workplace

Asbestos Confined space / void space Falling objects General access Housekeeping Illumination / lighting Noise, i.e. exposure / nuisance Poor ventilation Protrusions Restricted visibility Restricted work area Slip and trip hazards Unauthorised personnel Unlabelled controls Vibration Wet / slippery Wind / storm activity Fog / mist / smoke Working in isolation Dust / particulates

8. Manual handling (ergonomic)

Awkward / unbalanced load High / low reach High force / heavy loads Lighting Over exertion / fatigue Poor design / layout / surface Repetitive movements

11. Chemical

Chemicals / reagents Fumes / vapour / mist, e.g. SF6 Flammable gases Handling flammable materials Hazardous chemical exposure Solid chemical Splashes / burns Spills to ground or work area

4. Mechanical

Abrasive blasting / grinding Auto-start equipment Conveyors Equipment failure Hand and power tool Impact and crushing areas Pinch / cutting points Residual / stored energy Uncontrolled movement Unguarded moving parts Welding or cutting Crimping / connecting

9. Environment

Air contamination Soil contamination Storm water contamination Waste, e.g. effluent / hazardous Solid waste

12. Thermal

Cold – ambient temperature Heat – ambient temperature Hot materials / fluids Hot surfaces UV exposure

Western Power Safe Work Method Statement – Excavation / Trenching and Horizontal Directional Drilling page 1 of 5


Steps

required to perform the task, in the correct sequence

Hazards for each task step

Initial Risk

Rating

Controls required to eliminate or minimise the risk of injury

Controlled Risk

Rating

References

Plan and prepare

Pre-plan • Determine staff requirements • Staff skilled, trained and

competent • Plan and discuss route plans,

access and equipment needs • Locate any underground

utilities • Notify SOCC / NOCC if

Vicinity Authority (VA) is required

• Consumer / land owner notification (if required)

• Weather conditions / fire alerts

at work place • PPE requirements – inspection

and testing • Inspect / check tools, material

plant and equipment • Manual handling • Vehicles and plant • Driving to work place • Notify Main Roads and local

council (if traffic management required)

• Unfit for work: shock, burns, injury, harm • Fatigue: injury, harm • Lack of skills or knowledge: shock, burns, injury • Site hazards – slip, trip, fall, dusts: Injury, harm • Contact with live cables / lines: shock, burns,

injury • Induced voltages from overhead lines: shock,

burns • Contact with underground utilities: shock, burns • Working / driving in high fire risk areas: injury • Adverse weather – lightning, wind, UV: injury • Bush and grass fires: burns, harm • Expired / damaged PPE: shock, injury, harm • Inappropriate PPE / PPC: shock, injury, harm • Damaged or faulty tools and equipment: injury • Out of test date tools and equipment: injury • Unauthorised tools and equipment: shock,

injury • Manual handling / heavy objects: strain, sprain • Unroadworthy or incorrectly set up vehicles

and plant: injury • Inadequately secured tools and equipment:

injury • Climbing / loading vehicles: strain, sprain, injury • Travelling from site to site: fatigue, injury • Weather and road conditions: injury • Vehicles, animals and pedestrians: injury • Accident / breakdown: injury, harm • Vehicles, pedestrians, unauthorised access:

injury

M

• Confirm staff are fit for work • Comply with fatigue, drug and alcohol policies • Ensure staff are trained and have appropriate skills /

competencies • Confirm staff have valid Network Access Card (NAC) and

permit accreditation (if required) • Locate underground utilities – contact Dial Before You Dig

(if required) • Communicate with System Operations Control Centre

(SOCC) for a Vicinity Authority (VA) – if required • Check with SOCC / NOCC and local shire for weather

conditions / fire alerts • Avoid working during rain, lightning or high wind conditions • Carry approved fire fighting equipment / staff trained • Confirm staff have required safety clothing and equipment • Ensure that gloves, hats, tools and equipment are within

functional date cycle (if required) • Check that tools and equipment have been tested and

tagged (where required) • Confirm tools and equipment comply with WP standards • Use two-person lift techniques or mechanical aids to shift /

lift heavy objects • Inspect / check vehicles and plant for road worthiness • Ensure vehicles are correctly loaded and load secured • Maintain 3 points of contact when climbing • Share the driving (where possible) to avoid fatigue • Drive to suit road and weather conditions • Notify formal leader / office of daily work plan • Carry an emergency beacon or satellite phone if travelling

out of mobile phone / radio range • Engage an accredited traffic management company • Confirm site security and access requirements • Plan to access workplaces in congested areas when

vehicle or pedestrian traffic is at a minimum

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Electrical System Safety Rules (ESSR) – sections: 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.7, 6, 7.2, 7.3 Work Practice Manual (WPM) – sections: 2.12, 2.16, 2.21, 3, 5.10, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.10 Safety Life Savers Fitness For Work Standard Main Roads Traffic Management for Works on Roads Code of Practice


Steps required to perform the task, in the

correct sequence


Initial Risk

Rating


Controlled Risk

Rating

References

Implement a traffic management plan (if required) • Control unauthorised access to

the workplace • Control vehicle movements

around the workplace

• Vehicle and equipment movement: injury • Unprotected workplace: injury • Unauthorised access: public risk, injury

H

• Maintain control of work place access at all times

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Main Roads Traffic Management for Works on Roads Code of Practice WPM – section: 2.21

Workplace set up • Correct location / apparatus • Advise landowner / consumers

(if required) • Review site plans and

drawings (if required) • Confirm location of all utilities • Complete risk assessment –

include all staff • Appoint a safety observer • Site conditions / fire alerts • Emergency procedures in

place • Communicate with SOCC /

NOCC and Issuing Officer for VA (if required)

• Vehicles earthed (if required) • Daily checks and log books • Cable laying / trenching /

drilling equipment set up • Confirm cable depths (if

required) • Identify soil types and

conditions • Attach 'strike alert' lead (if

required) • Check equipment

• Unclear instructions, job location and

communications: shock, injury, harm • Failure to locate underground utilities: shock,

injury, harm • Obstacles – slip, trip and fall: injury • Incorrect manual handling: strain, sprain, injury • Insects, vermin, reptiles, animals: bites, stings • Weather – rain, sun, wind, lightning: injury,

harm • Fires: burns, injury • No clear access / egress plan: injury, harm • Vehicle, plant or equipment movement: injury • Failure of load bearing surfaces: injury • Cave in or collapse of excavation / trench:

injury • Flooding of trench: injury • Contaminated soil: harm • Contact with live overhead apparatus: shock,

burns, injury • Failure to obtain permit: shock, injury, harm • Noise: harm • Hydraulic pressure: injury, harm • Flammable fuel / fires: burns, injury, harm • Unauthorised public access to workplace: injury

M

• Confirm correct location and maps / plans are up to date • Communicate with land owner to determine safe entry

requirements (if required) • Confirm the location of all utilities in the workplace • Conduct a risk assessment, include adjacent structures and

apparatus • Appoint a safety observer trained in emergency procedures • Confirm safe workplace access and egress • Avoid working outdoors during extremes of weather • Ensure an emergency plan is in place and understood • Ensure fire fighting equipment is at the workplace • Ensure SOCC / NOCC are aware of the work to be done • Earth vehicles and plant (as required) • Use stabilisers, pads, wheel chocks (if required) • Inspect the condition of plant, tools and equipment • Apply correct manual handling techniques, use mechanical

aids where practicable • Drink sufficient fluids to stay hydrated • Obtain permit and ensure staff are aware of its conditions • Confirm staff are aware of the hazards from mechanical /

hydraulic equipment • Ensure correct procedures for storing, handling and using

flammable fuel are followed • Ensure no unauthorised work place access

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ESSR – sections: 3.2, 3.9, 3.10, 5.7, 6, 7.2, 7.3 WPM – sections: 2.1, 2.2, 2.8, 2.10, 2.16, 2.21, 2.26, 3, 5.10, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.10 Safety Life Savers

Isolation and permits (VA – if required) • Inspect / confirm apparatus to

be worked on / near • Confirm location of all utilities

in the vicinity of work place

• Failure of work team to clearly understand the

conditions of the VA and the work boundaries: shock, injury, harm

• Failure to confirm the location of all utilities: shock, injury, harm

M

• Maintain contact with SOCC / NOCC / issuing officer • Use maps, plans and test equipment to locate cables and

other utilities (if required) • Ensure all staff understand the conditions of the VA and are

aware of the boundaries of the working area

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ESSR – sections: 7.2, 7.3 Safety Life Savers



correct sequence


Initial Risk

Rating


Controlled Risk

Rating

References

• Communicate with SOCC or NOCC and Issuing Officer for VA

• Confirm status of apparatus in vicinity of work place

• Work team briefed on conditions and boundaries of the permit

• VA issued • Work team sign onto permit

• Contact with live cables / overhead apparatus: shock, burns, injury

• Contact with gas line: injury, burns, harm

M

• Ensure that all staff have signed on to the VA

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Carry out the job

Excavation, trenching, drilling • Advise SOCC / NOCC (if

required) • Confirm cable depths (if

required) • Avoid any underground utilities • Awareness of overhead lines • Confirm soil type and

conditions • Carry out excavation, trenching

or horizontal drilling work as required

• Inspect work for compliance • Connect / test work (if

required)

• Failure to identify / contact with underground

utilities: shock, burns, injury, harm • Contact with live overhead apparatus: shock,

burns • Slip, trip, fall, obstacles: injury • Manual handling / use of tools: strain, sprain,

injury • Vehicle, plant, equipment movement: injury • Equipment or tool failure: injury • Moving machinery (pulleys, winches): pinch,

crush, injury • Failure of load bearing surfaces / ground: injury • Cave in or collapse of excavation / trench:

injury • Flooding of trench: injury • Working in the vicinity of gas main: injury, harm • Noise: harm • Hydraulic pressure: injury, harm • Contaminated soil / hazardous substances:

harm

H

• Confirm staff understand what they are to do and how to do

it • Check that the appointed safety observer knows their role • Use maps, plans, and test equipment to confirm location of

cables and other utilities (if required) • Dig potholes to locate underground utilities (if required) • Identify and alert staff of suspected contaminated soil and

hazardous substances (if required) • Have the appropriate MSDS and / or risk assessment data • Confirm that spill kits and acid soil neutralising material is

onsite and staff know how and when to use them • Conduct all excavation work in accordance with approved

methods • Confirm strike alert lead is attached (if required) • Use approved tools and equipment • Earth vehicles (if required) • Maintain Minimum Approach Distances (MAD) to all utilities • Apply correct manual handling techniques. Use mechanical

aids where possible. • Continually review potential hazards and control methods

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ESSR – sections: 3.2, 3.9, 3.10, 5.7, 6, 7.2, 7.3 WPM – sections: 2.2, 2.8, 2.16, 3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.10 Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (1996) Subdivision 6 — Excavations and Earthworks WorkSafe Code of Practice – Excavation (2005) PTS 703 – Safe Excavations near WP Assets Safety Life Savers

Complete the task

Completion of task • Confirm work is completed • Communicate with Issuing

Officer (if VA used)

• Vehicle and equipment movement: injury • Uneven / slippery surfaces / obstacles: injury • Incorrect manual handling techniques: strain,

sprain, injury

H

• Conduct final task and workplace inspections and tests • Contact SOCC / NOCC / Issuing Officer (if required) • All recipients understand that work is completed and to sign

off the VA (if used)

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ESSR – sections: 3.2, 3.9, 3.10, 5.7, 6, 7.2, 7.3



correct sequence


Initial Risk

Rating


Controlled Risk

Rating

References

• Sign off VA (if used) • Communicate with consumer /

land owner (if required) • Clean, inspect and stow tools

and equipment • Reinstate site • Remove waste material /

contaminated soil • Conduct debrief • Close off risk assessment –

include all staff • Update records / documents

• Unsecured loads: injury • Contaminated soil / hazardous substances:

harm • Failure to conduct debrief: missed hazards and

improvement opportunities

H

• Continue to use safety observer until workplace is vacated • Use correct manual handling techniques, use mechanical

aids where possible • Maintain safe clearances from all utilities • Reinstate site – remove any hazardous material • Secure any holes or hazards from unauthorised access • Correctly dispose of waste material / contaminated soil • Secure all material and equipment for transport • Involve all staff in debrief. Document suggestions. • Sign off the risk assessment and discuss any issues with

the team

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WPM – sections: 2.2, 2.8, 2.16, 3, 11.5, 11.10 Safety Life Savers

Relinquish traffic management (if used)

• Vehicle and equipment movement • Unprotected workplace: public risk of injury • Unauthorised access

M

• Maintain traffic management until all personnel and

equipment have left site • Remove all signs and barriers to restore traffic flow

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WPM – section: 2.21

Excavation Trenching and Horizontal

Documents

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