• 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.

• 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