Pipe Laying in Trenches

Pipe laying in trenches combines excavation hazards with manual handling, lifting, and confined space risks.
Trench collapse during pipe laying operations is a major cause of fatality — walls can collapse without warning.
Adequate trench support or battering must be in place before anyone enters the trench for pipe work.
Safe access and egress must be provided at regular intervals — typically every 15 metres of trench length.
Pipes are lowered into trenches using excavators or cranes — workers must be clear during lowering operations.
Bedding and sidefill material must be carefully placed and compacted without damaging the pipe.
Manual handling of pipes, couplings, and fittings in restricted trench space causes back and shoulder injuries.
Existing buried services must be located and marked before and during trench excavation for pipe laying.
Trench excavation near highways requires traffic management and may be affected by vibration from passing vehicles.
The trench must be inspected at the start of each shift and after rainfall by a competent person.

Trench collapse	Unsupported trench walls can collapse onto workers in seconds — burial under soil is frequently fatal.
Struck by loads	Pipes being lowered into trenches can swing, roll, or be dropped, striking workers below.
Manual handling	Working in restricted trench spaces with heavy pipes and fittings causes high rates of musculoskeletal injury.

Do

Don't

DON'T enter an unsupported trench deeper than 1.2 metres under any circumstances
DON'T remain in the trench while pipes are being lowered by machine
DON'T stockpile spoil, materials, or plant close to the trench edge
DON'T work in a trench without a means of escape within 15 metres
DON'T dig without checking for buried services using CAT, Genny, and plans
DON'T compact backfill directly over the pipe crown without protective cover
DON'T lift heavy pipes manually without a handling assessment and aids
DON'T continue working in a trench showing signs of cracking or bulging walls
DON'T leave the trench open and unguarded at the end of the working day
DON'T skip the daily trench inspection even if conditions appear unchanged

See also: Trench Collapse Prevention | Safe Access and Egress From Excavations

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