- Review the desk study and site investigation data before excavating made ground.
- Monitor for ground gases in all excavations through made ground or former landfill.
- Wear gloves, safety boots, and RPE when handling potentially contaminated fill.
- Support excavation sides in made ground; do not rely on the fill to stand unsupported.
- Stop work and report immediately if suspected asbestos is found in the fill.
- Classify and dispose of contaminated excavated material as controlled or hazardous waste.
- Brief all operatives on the types of contamination expected from the site investigation.
- Use an exclusion zone around the excavation face where contaminated material is exposed.
- Wash hands and remove contaminated clothing before eating, drinking, or leaving site.
- Record all unexpected contamination finds and report them to the site management.
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- DON'T excavate made ground without reviewing the site investigation data first.
- DON'T assume made ground is clean because it looks like natural soil.
- DON'T enter excavations in made ground without gas monitoring equipment running.
- DON'T handle suspected asbestos found in fill without trained specialist support.
- DON'T leave excavation sides unsupported in loose or variable fill material.
- DON'T dispose of excavated made ground without waste classification testing.
- DON'T ignore unusual smells, colours, or textures in the excavated material.
- DON'T eat, drink, or smoke near excavations in potentially contaminated ground.
- DON'T pick through fill material with bare hands looking for objects.
- DON'T spread contaminated fill across clean areas of the site for use as fill.
See also: Contaminated Land Safety Awareness | Ground Gas Monitoring
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