Shaft Sinking Safety and Support
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Shaft Sinking Safety and Support
Shaft sinking creates deep, vertical access points for tunnels, pipelines, and underground chambers. As depth increases, the risks from ground collapse, flooding, confined space atmosphere, and falls from height escalate significantly. Every shaft is unique and requires a specific design, support system, and emergency plan. This talk covers the key safety requirements for shaft sinking operations on UK construction sites.
- Ensure the shaft support system is designed by a competent engineer and formally checked.
- Install support lining progressively as the shaft deepens to maintain ground stability.
- Treat the shaft as a confined space and monitor the atmosphere continuously at the working level.
- Provide safe access using a fixed ladder with rest platforms or a man-riding winch system.
- Install dewatering pumps with backup capacity to manage groundwater inflow during sinking.
- Establish an exclusion zone at ground level around the shaft opening with barriers and signage.
- Brief all operatives on the emergency rescue plan for shaft evacuation before any entry.
- Keep rescue equipment including a tripod, winch, and breathing apparatus at the shaft top.
- Monitor shaft wall stability daily and report any cracking, seepage, or ground movement.
If a worker collapses at the shaft bottom, do not descend without breathing apparatus. Activate the confined space rescue plan. Use the man-riding winch to recover the casualty if accessible. Call 999 stating confined space rescue at depth.
- Install support lining progressively as the shaft deepens to prevent ground collapse
- Monitor the atmosphere continuously at the working level for oxygen and toxic gases
- Safe access must be provided using fixed ladders with rest platforms or man-riding winch
- Keep rescue equipment at the shaft top and brief the team on the evacuation plan
- Report any cracking, seepage, or ground movement to the supervisor immediately
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