DAM/Specific/TBT-DAM-005

Flood Wall Construction

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Flood Wall Construction

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-DAM-005  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Flood walls are structural barriers built to protect communities from flood water.
  • Construction often takes place alongside rivers or estuaries with active drowning risks.
  • Working near live watercourses requires water safety risk assessments and rescue provisions.
  • Flood wall foundations frequently involve deep excavations in unstable waterlogged ground.
  • Dewatering is commonly required and creates risks of settlement and structure damage.
  • Concrete pours must achieve specified water-tightness and durability requirements.
  • CDM 2015 and the Reservoirs Act 1975 may both apply depending on the scheme scale.
  • Environmental constraints including fish spawning seasons may restrict working periods.
  • Flood walls are often built in phases to maintain partial protection during construction.
  • Access for plant alongside watercourses is often restricted and requires careful planning.

Why?

Drowning preventionWorking alongside live watercourses creates constant drowning risk.
Ground instabilityWaterlogged soils collapse easily — excavation support is critical.
Community protectionFlood walls protect homes and lives — quality failures have serious consequences.
Environmental complianceWorking near watercourses requires permits and seasonal restrictions.
Do Don't
  • Complete a water safety risk assessment before starting works near water.
  • Provide life rings, throw lines, and rescue equipment at water-side work areas.
  • Issue personal flotation devices to everyone within 2 metres of water.
  • Design and install excavation support appropriate for the ground conditions.
  • Monitor water levels and have a flood warning and evacuation procedure ready.
  • Follow environmental permit conditions for working near watercourses.
  • Plan concrete pours to achieve watertight construction to specification.
  • Brief all operatives on the rescue plan for their specific location.
  • Maintain partial flood protection during phased construction where required.
  • Inspect excavation support and dewatering at the start of each shift.
  • DON'T work near water without a water safety risk assessment in place.
  • DON'T enter the water to attempt a rescue unless trained to do so.
  • DON'T excavate near watercourses without confirmed ground support systems.
  • DON'T ignore rising water levels or flood warnings — evacuate immediately.
  • DON'T discharge dewatering water into watercourses without a permit.
  • DON'T remove rescue equipment or barriers from water-side work areas.
  • DON'T work alone near water without lone working procedures active.
  • DON'T store materials where they could be washed into the watercourse.
  • DON'T compromise temporary flood protection during construction phasing.
  • DON'T proceed with concrete pours if water ingress is not controlled.

See also: Flood Defence Construction Safety | Drowning Prevention and Water Safety
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