• Establish hearing protection zones around all sheet piling operations on site.
• Use a crane for handling all sheet pile sections — they must never be lifted manually.
• Maintain exclusion zones around the piling rig and beneath any suspended piles.
• Use tag lines to control sheet pile movement during crane positioning.
• Monitor vibration levels on adjacent structures and services throughout the operation.
• Set up the guide frame or template accurately before starting pile installation.
• Scan for buried services along the sheet pile alignment before driving begins.
• Ensure pile clutches interlock correctly as each section is driven.
• Brief all nearby workers on the noise zones, exclusion areas, and piling schedule.
• Hold valid CPCS or NPORS certification before operating piling plant or rigs.

• DON'T work near sheet piling without hearing protection inside the designated zone.
• DON'T attempt to manhandle sheet pile sections — use the crane for every movement.
• DON'T enter the exclusion zone around the piling rig during active driving.
• DON'T allow piles to swing freely from the crane — use tag lines for control.
• DON'T continue driving if vibration monitoring shows trigger levels are exceeded.
• DON'T start pile driving without the guide frame correctly aligned and secured.
• DON'T drive piles through areas with unlocated buried services.
• DON'T accept piles that have not interlocked properly — they weaken the retaining wall.
• DON'T allow unprotected workers in the noise zone during piling operations.
• DON'T operate piling equipment without the required competency card and training.

See also: Piling Safety Awareness | Noise Induced Hearing Loss