Excavation Shoring, Benching and Shielding SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers excavation work using shoring, benching and shielding, including installation, use and removal of ground-support measures. It supports planning and risk management for services, plant, ground movement, protected excavations, backfilling and site close-out.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan excavation work
• Set up the excavation work zone
• Position plant and manage spoil placement
• Excavate and expose services
• Excavate trenches and pits
• Form benches and batters
• Install trench shields
• Install shoring supports
• Work within protected excavations
• Respond to ground movement
• Remove trench supports
• Backfill, compact and demobilise

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out excavation, shoring, benching or shielding work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work — guidance only; confirm adoption and current status in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work — guidance for high risk construction work and SWMS requirements.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace — guidance for plant selection, inspection, lifting and exclusion zones.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities — guidance for access, traffic, lighting and workplace conditions.
• AS 4744.1 Steel shoring and trench lining equipment.
• AS 5047 Hydraulic shoring and trench lining equipment.
• AS 2865 Confined spaces, where the excavation is assessed as a confined space.
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations — construction and demolition sites.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections