EXC/General/TBT-EXC-007

Excavation Permits and Controls

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Excavation Permits and Controls

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-EXC-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • An excavation permit controls all ground-breaking activities to prevent service strikes and collapses.
  • The permit must be issued before any mechanical or hand excavation work commences.
  • It confirms that service drawings have been reviewed and a CAT and Genny scan completed.
  • The permit defines excavation boundaries, depth, support requirements, and access arrangements.
  • A competent person must approve the permit — typically the site manager or engineer.
  • Permits must be renewed daily or when conditions change, whichever comes first.
  • CDM 2015 and HSG47 set out excavation control requirements for all ground-breaking work.
  • The permit must be displayed at the excavation and all operatives briefed on its conditions.
  • Permit conditions include monitoring requirements, inspection frequency, and emergency procedures.
  • All excavations over 1.2 metres deep require formal support unless safely battered.

Why?

Prevent service strikesPermits ensure underground services are identified before digging begins.
Avoid collapseFormal controls require support systems appropriate to depth and ground.
Legal complianceCDM and HSG47 require documented controls before any excavation work.
Clear accountabilityPermits define who is responsible for inspection, monitoring, and safety.
Do Don't
  • Obtain a signed excavation permit before starting any digging activity.
  • Review service drawings and complete a CAT and Genny scan first.
  • Confirm excavation boundaries, depth, and support method on the permit.
  • Display the permit at the excavation where all operatives can see it.
  • Brief all workers on the permit conditions before they enter the area.
  • Renew the permit daily and after any significant change in conditions.
  • Inspect the excavation at the start of every shift as a minimum.
  • Record all inspections and findings in the excavation inspection register.
  • Ensure safe access and egress is in place before work begins.
  • Stop work and contact the permit issuer if conditions change unexpectedly.
  • DON'T dig without a valid signed excavation permit in place.
  • DON'T exceed the boundaries or depth stated on the permit.
  • DON'T start excavation before service scans and drawings are checked.
  • DON'T allow the permit to expire without renewal or cancellation.
  • DON'T enter an excavation that has not been inspected that day.
  • DON'T modify support systems without approval from the competent person.
  • DON'T assume ground conditions are the same as the previous excavation.
  • DON'T remove edge protection without the permit issuer's approval.
  • DON'T continue working if water ingress or ground movement is observed.
  • DON'T allow any work outside the conditions stated on the permit.

See also: Excavation Safety Awareness | CAT and Genny Safe Use
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