Safe system of work: Unstable or collapsed excavations

An incident involving an unstable or collapsed excavation may require:

• Shoring

• Removal of fallen or collapsed materials
• Isolation of machinery or vehicles
• Relocation of loads, such as vehicles, machinery or building materials
• Reducing movement in the hazard area
• Appropriate location of fire and rescue service vehicles, equipment and personnel

An unstable or collapsed excavation should be assessed at the earliest opportunity. Although the initial assessment can be carried out by first responders, it may be necessary to seek specialist advice.

Specialist advice may be available from a competent person, structural engineer or tactical adviser and should be sought prior to committing personnel to the hazard area.

If personnel need to enter an unstable or collapsed excavation where the excavation support system has been compromised, it will be essential to consult with the responsible person or competent person to determine a safe system of work. This could be the contractor or a civil engineer.

The minimum number of personnel should be committed to the hazard area, especially if the assessment or monitoring indicates the potential for further collapse. There should also be emergency procedures in place, which can be initiated if required.

Where it is necessary to work around an unstable excavation, trench or other unstable surface or natural or built environment appropriate working at height procedures should be adopted. Any additional load placed in the area should be risk assessed and where possible pressure should be reduced by spreading the load, for example by using trench sheets or plywood. For more information see Unguarded edges and Spread the load.