Safe Access and Egress From Excavations

Safe access and egress means providing a reliable way for workers to enter and leave excavations quickly and safely.
Ladders are the most common means of access in trenches and must extend at least one metre above the excavation edge.
Access points must be provided at regular intervals so that no worker is more than 25 metres from a means of escape.
Jumping into or climbing out of excavations is prohibited — it causes injuries and delays emergency evacuation.
Access ladders must be secured at the top to prevent them slipping or being dislodged during use.
Ramps for pedestrian access must have a non-slip surface and handrails where the gradient could cause slipping.
Plant access ramps must be designed by a competent person with adequate width, gradient, and edge protection.
In deep excavations, multiple access points at different levels may be required to provide staged escape routes.
Access points must be kept clear of materials, spoil, and equipment that could block emergency egress.
The competent person inspecting the excavation must confirm that adequate access and egress is in place each day.

Emergency escape	In a trench collapse or gas release, workers need to exit within seconds — nearby, secure access points enable rapid escape.
Prevent access injuries	Jumping into and climbing out of excavations causes twisted ankles, broken bones, and back injuries every year.
Legal requirement	CDM 2015 requires safe access and egress from all excavations — inspectors look for adequate provision at every visit.

Do

Don't

Provide ladder access extending at least one metre above the excavation edge.
Position access points so no worker is more than 25 metres from a means of escape.
Secure all ladders at the top to prevent them slipping during entry and exit.
Use ramped access with non-slip surfaces and handrails where gradients require it.
Keep all access and egress points clear of materials, spoil, and obstructions.
Confirm access provision is adequate during the daily excavation inspection.
Use properly designed ramps for plant access with edge protection and safe gradients.
Provide staged access at multiple levels in deep excavations for progressive escape.
Brief workers on the location of access points before they enter any excavation.
Replace or repair any damaged access equipment immediately and stop work until fixed.

DON'T enter an excavation without checking that proper access is in place.
DON'T work more than 25 metres from the nearest means of escape in any trench.
DON'T use unsecured ladders in excavations — they can slip when you need them most.
DON'T jump into excavations or climb out using trench sheets or shoring frames.
DON'T block access points with spoil, pipes, materials, or equipment.
DON'T skip the access and egress check during the daily excavation inspection.
DON'T allow plant to use ramps that have not been designed for the vehicle weight.
DON'T rely on a single access point in deep or long excavations.
DON'T enter an excavation without knowing where the nearest exit point is located.
DON'T continue working if access equipment is damaged — report and replace it first.

See also: Excavation Safety Awareness | Excavation Inspection Requirements

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