Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out clear, practical controls for managing diesel fumes during excavation works, protecting workers from harmful exhaust emissions in trenches, shafts, and confined excavation areas. It helps Australian businesses meet their WHS obligations while maintaining productivity on civil, construction, and infrastructure projects.

Diesel-powered plant and equipment are essential to most excavation activities, but in poorly ventilated or deep excavations they can quickly generate dangerous concentrations of exhaust gases and particulates. This Diesel Fume Control in Excavation SOP provides a structured, step-by-step approach to identifying when diesel exhaust is a risk, planning work to minimise exposure, and implementing effective controls such as ventilation, equipment selection, and safe work methods. It is designed specifically for Australian conditions and terminology, supporting compliance with WHS legislation and recognised guidance on diesel particulate matter.

The procedure addresses typical excavation environments including trenches, basements, service pits, shafts and cuttings where air flow is restricted and workers may be operating in close proximity to diesel plant. It guides supervisors and operators through pre-start assessment, atmospheric monitoring, plant positioning, idling controls, and emergency response if fume levels become unsafe. By embedding this SOP into site inductions, pre-starts and contractor management, businesses can significantly reduce health risks such as respiratory irritation, long-term lung damage, and potential asphyxiation, while demonstrating a defensible, documented system of work to regulators, clients and principal contractors.

Key Benefits

• Reduce worker exposure to diesel exhaust gases and particulates in excavations, lowering the risk of acute and long-term health effects.
• Ensure excavation activities involving diesel-powered plant are planned and executed in line with Australian WHS duties and industry best practice.
• Standardise how supervisors and operators assess ventilation, depth, plant type and duration of use before commencing excavation works.
• Minimise the likelihood of work stoppages, complaints, and regulatory enforcement arising from poor air quality and uncontrolled fumes.
• Support consistent training, toolbox talks and contractor management with a clear, documented procedure for diesel fume control.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Civil Engineers
• Plant and Machinery Operators
• WHS Managers
• Safety Advisors
• Forepersons
• Excavation Contractors
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Local Government Works Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of diesel exhaust gases (e.g. carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides) in poorly ventilated excavations
• Exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) and soot, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular disease
• Asphyxiation risk in deep or confined excavations due to displacement of oxygen by exhaust gases
• Headaches, dizziness and reduced alertness caused by elevated fume levels, increasing the risk of secondary incidents
• Fire and explosion risks from ignition of flammable vapours in enclosed or contaminated excavation environments
• Heat stress exacerbated by operating diesel plant in restricted spaces with limited air movement
• Manual handling and access risks associated with the installation of temporary ventilation or extraction equipment

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References and Applicable Legislation
• 3.0 Definitions (Diesel Particulate Matter, Confined Space, Excavation Types)
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Operators, WHS Personnel)
• 5.0 Pre-Start Planning and Risk Assessment for Diesel Fume Exposure
• 6.0 Excavation Site Assessment (Depth, Geometry, Ventilation and Access)
• 7.0 Plant and Equipment Selection (Low-Emission Engines, Alternatives to Diesel)
• 8.0 Ventilation and Fume Extraction Requirements
• 9.0 Atmospheric Monitoring and Trigger Levels for Action
• 10.0 Safe Work Methods for Operating Diesel Plant in Excavations
• 11.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 12.0 Communication, Signage and Access Control Around Excavations
• 13.0 Emergency Response and Evacuation for Fume-Related Incidents
• 14.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 15.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 16.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Pre-Start Checks for Diesel Plant and Ventilation Systems
• 17.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Hazardous chemicals, airborne contaminants and confined spaces provisions
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Excavation Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Guidance material on Managing Diesel Exhaust Emissions in the Workplace (where applicable)
• AS/NZS 2290.3: Underground mining – Managing diesel engine exhaust emissions
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 60079.10.1: Explosive atmospheres – Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres (for work in potentially gassy environments)