EXC/Support Systems/TBT-EXC-025
Excavation Permit and Briefing Process
Excavations › Support Systems › Excavation Permit and Briefing Process
Toolbox Talk
Excavation Permit and Briefing Process
An excavation permit or permit to dig must be obtained before any ground is broken on a construction site. The permit documents the service scan results, trial hole findings, support requirements, and specific precautions for the planned excavation. It ensures that all underground services have been identified, the excavation method is agreed, and all workers are briefed on the hazards before digging begins. Starting excavation without a valid permit is prohibited and has led to fatal cable and gas strikes.
Key Hazards
Striking buried services because scanning and planning were not completed before digging
Workers beginning excavation without being briefed on the identified hazards
Permits issued without physically verifying service scan results and trial hole findings
Permits not updated when the excavation location or method changes during the works
Control Measures
- Obtain a signed permit to dig from the authorised person before any ground disturbance begins.
- Complete all service detection including CAT and Genny survey and trial holes before the permit is issued.
- Record the locations of all detected and known services on the permit documentation.
- Brief all excavation operatives on the permit conditions, service locations, and safe digging methods.
- Display the permit at the excavation location so it is visible to all workers in the area.
- Specify the excavation method, support requirements, and any hand-dig zones on the permit.
- Update the permit if the excavation location, depth, or method changes from the original plan.
- Close out the permit when the excavation is backfilled or the work is complete.
- Retain completed permits on file as part of the project health and safety records.
Remember
- No ground disturbance is permitted without a valid, signed excavation permit or permit to dig.
- Service detection results and trial hole findings must be verified before the permit is issued.
- All excavation workers must be briefed on the permit conditions and service locations before starting.
- The permit must be displayed at the excavation location throughout the duration of the work.
- If the excavation changes from the original plan, the permit must be reissued or amended.
- Permits to dig are a project record and must be retained for audit and investigation purposes.
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Delivered By
RAMS Builder
Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.