Vacuum Excavation Safety

Vacuum excavation uses high-pressure air or water combined with suction to expose buried services without risk of mechanical damage.
It is the safest method for excavating near known buried services, eliminating the strike risk from machine buckets and hand tools.
The suction excavator generates extreme noise requiring hearing protection zones around the vehicle during operation.
High-pressure air or water jets used to break up soil can cause injection injuries if directed at the body.
Injection injuries force air or water beneath the skin at high pressure, causing tissue damage requiring emergency surgery.
The suction hose creates an entrapment hazard — hands, clothing, and body parts can be drawn into the hose opening.
Spoil collected in the tank must be disposed of appropriately — contaminated ground produces hazardous waste spoil.
The vehicle is large and requires adequate road space, ground bearing capacity, and overhead clearance for deployment.
Operators must be trained and competent in the specific vacuum excavation unit being used on the project.
Vacuum excavation does not eliminate the need for service plans and scanning — it is the excavation method, not the detection method.

Injection injuries	High-pressure air or water jets penetrate skin instantly, causing internal tissue damage requiring emergency medical treatment.
Safest near services	Vacuum excavation cannot strike or damage buried cables and pipes — it is the only dig method that eliminates service strike risk.
Suction entrapment	The vacuum hose generates powerful suction that can trap hands and arms — never reach into the suction opening.

Do

Don't

Use vacuum excavation as the preferred method for digging near known buried services.
Establish hearing protection zones around the suction excavator during operation.
Never direct the high-pressure lance at any person — injection injuries are severe.
Keep hands, clothing, and body parts clear of the suction hose opening at all times.
Dispose of excavated spoil according to its contamination status and waste classification.
Ensure the vehicle has adequate road space, ground capacity, and overhead clearance.
Hold valid training for the specific vacuum excavation unit before operating.
Complete service plans and CAT scanning before using vacuum excavation on site.
Wear hearing protection, safety goggles, and waterproof clothing during operation.
Brief the team on the suction and lance hazards before starting vacuum excavation.

DON'T use machine excavation near services when vacuum excavation is available.
DON'T operate without hearing protection — suction excavators produce extreme noise.
DON'T point the high-pressure lance at anyone — it causes injection injuries.
DON'T reach into or near the suction hose opening — entrapment is immediate.
DON'T mix contaminated and clean spoil — classify and dispose of each correctly.
DON'T position the vehicle on soft ground without checking it can support the weight.
DON'T operate the unit without valid training on the specific model being used.
DON'T skip service plans and scanning — vacuum excavation is the method, not the detection.
DON'T operate without goggles and waterproof clothing — debris and water spray constantly.
DON'T assume the team understands the hazards — brief them on suction and lance risks.

See also: Safe Digging Practices (HSG47) | CAT & Genny Safe Use

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