Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers excavation work to planned depths under 1.5 metres, from planning through backfilling and demobilisation. It supports managing services, plant interaction, excavation stability, dust, runoff and access hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the scope, site conditions and planned excavation depth
• Locate underground services before excavation
• Establish an exclusion zone around the work area
• Inspect and position plant, equipment and spoil
• Excavate to the planned depth
• Inspect excavation stability and changing ground conditions
• Carry out hand excavation where needed
• Install bedding or services within the excavation
• Manage dust, runoff, backfilling, compaction and site demobilisation

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out excavation work under 1.5 metres.

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, including duties to manage risks, consult workers, provide information, training, instruction and supervision, and maintain a safe workplace.
• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS regulations addressing construction work, excavation work, underground essential services, powered mobile plant, traffic management, falls, hazardous atmospheres and emergency arrangements.
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Relevant electricity supply authority requirements and applicable state or territory electrical safety requirements for work near underground or overhead electric lines.
• AS 4744.1, Work in or near excavations; AS 1319, Safety signs for the occupational environment; AS 2397, Safe use of lasers in the building and construction industry.
• AS/NZS 3012, Electrical installations—Construction and demolition sites; AS/NZS 4602.1, High visibility safety garments; AS/NZS 2210.3, Safety footwear; AS/NZS 1270, Hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1716, Respiratory protective devices.

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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