What it covers
The safe sequence for the dig. Locate and avoid underground services first (drawings and a CAT-and-genny survey), then the excavation method, support of excavations to stop collapse, edge protection, safe use of plant, spoil management, and reinstatement. It names the supervision and the competence required.
Groundworks method statement steps
A foundation dig for a house extension usually follows these steps. The groundworks sample sets out a full method statement and risk assessment for this job.
- Get the service drawings. Obtain the utility drawings and mark the expected routes on the ground.
- Scan before digging. Sweep the area with a CAT and genny, and mark every service found.
- Hand dig trial holes. Expose services near the dig by hand before any machine digs close to them.
- Set up the plant area. Plan the plant route, use a banksman when reversing and keep people out of the swing radius.
- Dig and support. Excavate to the design depth, and support or batter the sides as the dig goes down.
- Protect the edges. Fit barriers around the excavation and keep spoil and plant back from the edge.
- Inspect each shift. Have a competent person inspect the excavation before work starts each shift and after anything that could affect it.
- Backfill and reinstate. Backfill in layers, compact the ground and reinstate the surface.
Buried services and excavation safety
HSE guidance HSG47 sets out three parts to a safe system of work for digging near underground services: planning the work, locating and identifying the services, and safe excavation. CDM 2015 regulation 22 requires every practicable step to stop an excavation collapsing and to stop people, plant or materials falling in. Where supports or battering are used, a competent person must inspect the excavation at the start of each shift. They also inspect after any event that may affect its stability, and after any material falls in. Work does not start until they are satisfied it is safe.
Sources: HSE, Avoiding danger from underground services (HSG47); CDM 2015, regulation 22
Hazards and controls
Services strikes (electricity, gas, water, comms), excavation collapse, people and plant working together, falls into excavations, buried obstructions. Controls follow the hierarchy: avoid and locate services first, support or batter the excavation, keep plant and people apart, protect the edges. PPE is the last line, not the first.
Permits and inspection
Groundworks often need a permit to dig and regular excavation inspections. The method statement flags the permits to put in place and the inspection regime, so the document matches how the work is actually controlled on site.
FAQ
- Does it cover underground services?
- Yes. Locating and avoiding buried services (drawings plus CAT scanning) is in the method, and a services strike is in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- How often must an excavation be inspected?
- Where supports or battering are used, CDM 2015 regulation 22 requires a competent person to inspect the excavation at the start of each shift, and after anything that may affect its stability. The method statement records who inspects and when.
- Is this a groundworks method statement template?
- It is more than a template. You describe the dig and the site, and the method statement and risk assessment are written for that work. You can edit the Word file before a competent person signs it off.
- Will it be accepted on site?
- It uses the HSE five steps and the CDM 2015 framing principal contractors expect. A competent person still has to review and sign it off before use.
- What does it cost?
- Your first document is free. After that, £15 each, three for £35, or ten for £89. No subscription. You can read a full sample before you decide.