Groundworks method statement example: foundation and drainage excavation

HSE five steps · CDM 2015

You write this: Excavate trenches for new strip foundations and drainage on a residential extension, including locating and avoiding existing underground services.
You get this: Solid Ground Contractors Ltd will excavate trenches for new strip foundations and drainage on a residential extension, including locating and avoiding existing underground services. The site is Plot 2, Orchard Rise, Leeds LS9 8**, for Hilltop Developments (project ref SGC-2207). Work starts Mon 23 Jun 2026 and is planned for 2 weeks. The site is occupied or operational, has live electricity, gas and water services, and has the public and other trades nearby. The work will be done under a Permit to dig, with services located and marked before any machine digging, trenches supported or battered back, and the work area segregated from other people. Author: M. Owusu, Site Supervisor (SMSTS). Items to confirm before work starts: trench depths and widths, ground conditions and groundwater, the age of the existing building, and whether the asbestos register covers the work area, were not given. The RAMS therefore assumes trenches of up to about 1.5 m deep, supported with trench support boxes, and a pre-12000 building until the register shows otherwise. Hilltop Developments must confirm these on the pre-start walk with M. Owusu, along with the services drawings, any overhead lines near the work, which adjoining areas are occupied, the depth and condition of the existing foundations next to the new trenches, the spoil storage and removal route, delivery access and working hours, and who the banksman will be.

Generated for an example job to show the format. Make your own site-specific version and have a competent person review it.

Document details
Contractor	Solid Ground Contractors Ltd
Author	M. Owusu, Site Supervisor (SMSTS)
Client / Principal Contractor	Hilltop Developments
Site	Plot 2, Orchard Rise, Leeds LS9 8**
Project reference	SGC-2207
Start / duration	Mon 23 Jun 2026 / 2 weeks

1. Scope of works

Solid Ground Contractors Ltd will excavate trenches for new strip foundations and drainage on a residential extension, including locating and avoiding existing underground services. The site is Plot 2, Orchard Rise, Leeds LS9 8**, for Hilltop Developments (project ref SGC-2207). Work starts Mon 23 Jun 2026 and is planned for 2 weeks. The site is occupied or operational, has live electricity, gas and water services, and has the public and other trades nearby. The work will be done under a Permit to dig, with services located and marked before any machine digging, trenches supported or battered back, and the work area segregated from other people. Author: M. Owusu, Site Supervisor (SMSTS). Items to confirm before work starts: trench depths and widths, ground conditions and groundwater, the age of the existing building, and whether the asbestos register covers the work area, were not given. The RAMS therefore assumes trenches of up to about 1.5 m deep, supported with trench support boxes, and a pre-12000 building until the register shows otherwise. Hilltop Developments must confirm these on the pre-start walk with M. Owusu, along with the services drawings, any overhead lines near the work, which adjoining areas are occupied, the depth and condition of the existing foundations next to the new trenches, the spoil storage and removal route, delivery access and working hours, and who the banksman will be.

2. Sequence of works

Method statement, safe system of work

Before mobilising, M. Owusu reviews this RAMS with Hilltop Developments, confirms the items listed in the scope, and agrees site rules, working hours, delivery access and the segregation plan.
Pre-start check for asbestos: obtain and read the client's asbestos register or management survey for the work area. If it does not cover the area to be disturbed, or the building age is not confirmed, get a refurbishment and demolition survey of that area before any digging. If any suspect material is found at any stage, stop, keep people away and report it to the supervisor and Hilltop Developments before work carries on.
Hold a site induction and briefing for all operatives. Cover the Permit to dig, the services drawings, emergency routes, the muster point, plant and pedestrian segregation, the no-entry rule for unsupported trenches and the stop-work rule for anything unexpected.
Collect and read the services drawings and records for gas, electricity, water, drainage and telecoms. Check for overhead lines and any visible signs of services such as covers, meters, marker posts and fresh patching. Walk the area with the supervisor.
Obtain the signed Permit to dig from Hilltop Developments before any excavation starts. Keep it on site and renew it as the permit conditions require.
Set up the work area before digging. Erect Heras-type fencing or barriers with signs, separate pedestrian routes from plant routes, and agree the gate and banksman positions. Tell other trades and occupants where the work area is and where they can walk.
Scan the dig area with a CAT and genny, in both power and radio modes, in a grid pattern by a trained user. Mark the results on the ground with spray paint and compare them with the drawings. Re-scan after any ground disturbance and each day before digging starts.
Dig hand-dug trial holes to expose and confirm the position of services where the drawings or scan show them near the trench lines, crossing them or within the safe digging distance. Use insulated or non-metallic hand tools and hand dig in layers, never using a pick or forcing the tool into the ground. Do not use mechanical breakers or forks near suspected services.
Once the services are confirmed and marked, set out the strip foundation and drainage trench lines with pegs and string and agree them with the supervisor.
Excavate in stages with the 3-tonne excavator operated by the CPCS operator. Keep the excavator working at a safe distance from the marked services, using a banksman while others are near. Stack spoil at least 1 m back from the trench edge, or load it into the dumper and move it away. Do not stack spoil against the existing building.
Install the trench support boxes as the excavation progresses so that nobody enters an unsupported trench deeper than the agreed depth. Lift the boxes using certified lifting accessories, with the lift planned and slingers and a banksman in place. Nobody is under the load. Do not enter any trench until the supervisor has checked it.
Provide safe access in and out of each trench with ladders secured and extending 1 m above the edge, or a trench box with a built-in ladder. Place edge protection or barriers around open excavations, with kicker boards where plant or materials could fall in.
Inspect each excavation at the start of every shift, and after any event that could affect stability such as heavy rain, a collision or a fall of ground. Record the inspection on the register and make a record of any defects before anyone enters. Dewater with a pump and silt control if water enters, and never allow people to work in a flooded trench.
Excavate drainage runs in the same way, keeping the trench supported, checking falls with a level and keeping the dumper routes separate from pedestrians. Do not enter existing drains or manholes under this method statement.
Refuel plant and the generator only with the engines off, away from the trench edge and drains, using a drip tray and spill kit. Keep fuel stored in a secured, labelled container away from other trades.
At the end of each shift, barrier off all open trenches, fit covers or sturdy edge protection where needed, lock off plant, remove keys, check the perimeter fence and sign out with the PC. Clean the road and footway of mud before leaving.
On completion, hand the trenches over to the next trade only after the supervisor has inspected them, the trench boxes have been removed or the trenches backfilled as agreed, and the Permit to dig has been closed out. Remove surplus spoil and waste with a licensed carrier and leave the work area tidy.

3. Risk assessment

Built on the HSE five steps, MHSWR 1999 regulation 3 and the hierarchy of control.

Striking underground services (live electricity, gas and water) during excavation
Medium
Who / how
Operatives digging and the excavator operator (electric shock, burns, explosion, drowning or crushing from burst mains); occupants and other trades nearby (fire, explosion, loss of supply)
Existing controls
Permit to dig issued by Hilltop Developments. Services drawings obtained. CAT and genny available.
L×S
3×5=15
Additional controls
Follow HSE guidance HSG47 (Avoiding danger from underground services). Obtain and read service records for the work area. Scan with CAT and genny in a grid before every dig, using trained users, and mark the results. Hand dig trial holes to confirm services before machine digging. Use insulated or non-metallic hand tools. Hold a briefing on emergency action. If an unmarked service is found, stop, stay clear and report it. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Reg 14) prohibit working near live conductors unless it is unavoidable and suitable precautions are taken. Stay clear of overhead lines in line with the PC's agreed exclusion zone. Insulated gloves are not a substitute for locating the services first.
Trench collapse or fall of ground burying or crushing an operative
Medium
Who / how
Operatives working in or near the trenches (burial, crush injuries, suffocation, fatal)
Existing controls
Trench support boxes available. CPCS operator. SMSTS supervisor.
L×S
3×5=15
Additional controls
Design out entry where possible by completing foundation checks from the surface. Where entry is needed, support every trench with trench boxes installed as the excavation progresses, or batter the sides to a safe angle if the ground and space allow. Keep spoil, plant and materials at least 1 m back from the edge. Comply with CDM 2015 Regulation 22 (excavations), with a competent person inspecting at the start of each shift and after any event that could affect stability, with the result recorded. Check for groundwater and for loose or made ground. No one enters an unsupported trench. Install and remove boxes from outside the excavation where possible. Hard hat as a last line.
Falling into open excavations
Low
Who / how
Operatives, other trades and occupants (broken bones, head injury, impalement on reinforcement or pegs)
Existing controls
Barriers on site. Supervisor briefing.
L×S
3×4=12
Additional controls
Give the trenches fixed edge protection or barriers with top rail, mid rail and toe board where people could walk near them. Cover or fence any excavation left open in a walkway. Keep trench lengths short to limit open excavation. Provide secured ladders for access and exit, and keep walkways clear of spoil. Cap any protruding reinforcement. Use a night-time check to confirm barriers are in place. Safety boots EN ISO 20345 and hard hat EN 397 as the last line.
Occupied site: staff, residents, visitors and other trades (such as the main contractor's operatives, plumbers, electricians and delivery drivers) working or moving around the dig area
Medium
Who / how
Occupants of the site and any adjoining occupied plots, other trades, visitors and delivery drivers (struck by plant, falls into trenches, exposure to dust, noise and mud, loss of services)
Existing controls
Site induction. PC site rules.
L×S
3×4=12
Additional controls
Agree the work area and segregation plan with Hilltop Developments before starting. Fence off the dig and plant areas with signage. Give other trades and occupants a clear alternative pedestrian route, and agree working hours and noisy-work times with them. Keep plant and pedestrian routes separate and use a banksman where they cross. Hold a daily briefing with other trades and tell them before any service shut-off or scanning. Do not leave open trenches or plant unattended where others can reach them. Keep access routes to the existing dwelling clear for emergency services. Hi-vis clothing EN ISO 20471 for everyone in the working area.
Public and other trades nearby: unauthorised access to site and open trenches, especially out of hours, and members of the public using Orchard Rise
Medium
Who / how
Members of the public, children, passers-by and delivery drivers (falls into trenches, being struck by plant or vehicles, mud on the road)
Existing controls
Site perimeter fencing by the PC. Plant parked and locked.
L×S
3×4=12
Additional controls
Confirm the site boundary and perimeter fence with the PC, and close any gaps with Heras fencing and clips. Keep the public away from the working area using fixed barriers and warning signs. At the end of each shift, barrier off and cover trenches, lock gates and immobilise plant. Use a banksman for plant exiting the site and wheel wash or sweep the road where mud is tracked. Keep deliveries off the footway as far as possible and use a marshaller. Check the site perimeter at the start of each day.
Excavator and dumper movements: being struck, run over, or plant overturning
Medium
Who / how
Operatives on foot, the plant operators, other trades and the public (crush injuries, fatal)
Existing controls
CPCS operator for the excavator. Supervisor on site.
L×S
3×5=15
Additional controls
Use plant only by trained, authorised operators. Segregate plant and pedestrian routes, with exclusion zones around the slew radius. Use a banksman for reversing and tight areas, and agree hand signals. Apply a no-one-in-the-swing-radius rule. Check plant daily and keep the checklist as required by PUWER 1998. Fit and use seat belts. Keep working platforms firm, level and clear of trench edges, and keep plant a safe distance from the trench edge. Reversing alarms and cameras where fitted. Hi-vis and hard hat as last line.
Lifting, installing and removing trench support boxes with the excavator
Low
Who / how
Operatives guiding the boxes and anyone beneath or beside the load (crush injuries, fatal)
Existing controls
CPCS operator. Trench boxes with certified lifting points.
L×S
2×4=8
Additional controls
Plan each lift, naming the slinger, signaller and operator. Use certified lifting chains and shackles within their thorough-examination date, in line with LOLER 1998, and check the excavator's rated lifting capacity. Keep people clear of the load and out of the trench during the lift, and use tag lines. Do not lift over other people. Install and remove boxes following the manufacturer's instructions. Gloves EN 388 and safety boots EN ISO 20345 as last line.
Manual handling of hand tools, trial hole spoil, pipes and fittings
Low
Who / how
Operatives (back, shoulder and hand injuries, strains)
Existing controls
Operatives briefed on lifting. Tools in good order.
L×S
3×3=9
Additional controls
Use the excavator or dumper for heavy items where possible, and use two-person lifts or trolleys for pipes and fittings. Keep trial holes small and rotate hand-digging tasks. Break up loads and keep stores close to the work area. Follow the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 principles for assessment. Gloves EN 388 as a last line.
Noise and vibration from the excavator, dumper, generator and any hand tools
Low
Who / how
Operatives, other trades and neighbours (hearing damage, whole-body and hand-arm vibration)
Existing controls
Plant maintained. Operators trained.
L×S
3×2=6
Additional controls
Choose well-maintained, low-noise plant and keep the generator as far from occupied areas as possible, with doors and covers closed. Limit machine running times and rotate the operator to limit whole-body vibration. Check seat suspension and keep haul roads smooth. Agree noisy-work times with the PC. Assess exposure under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, and avoid hand-held breakers where possible. Hearing protection EN 352 where noise levels require it.
Slips, trips and falls on uneven, muddy ground, spoil heaps, hoses and leads
Low
Who / how
Operatives, other trades and visitors (sprains, fractures, cuts)
Existing controls
Supervisor checks of the work area.
L×S
4×2=8
Additional controls
Keep walkways and access routes clear and level, and stack spoil only in designated areas. Lay stone or boards on muddy routes and keep leads and hoses off walkways or hung overhead. Clean mud from hard surfaces and manage water with pumping and channels. Good lighting and tidying at the end of each shift. Safety boots with good tread EN ISO 20345 as the last line.
Disturbing unidentified asbestos-containing materials (for example in old drain pipes, buried debris, made ground or at the existing building)
Medium
Who / how
Operatives, occupants and other trades (long-term lung disease and cancer from inhaled fibres)
Existing controls
Contractor will check the client's asbestos register and management survey before work.
L×S
2×5=10
Additional controls
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 5), check the client's asbestos register or management survey for the work area before work starts. If it does not cover the area, or the building age is unknown, a refurbishment and demolition survey of the area is needed first. Brief all operatives on the stop-work rule. If suspect material is found, stop, keep people away, and report it to the supervisor and Hilltop Developments before work carries on. Do not break, sweep or move it. Work only resumes when it has been identified and cleared.
Ground and groundwater contact: dust from dry spoil, dermatitis and infection (including Weil's disease) from muddy or contaminated water and drain contact
Low
Who / how
Operatives and anyone close by (skin irritation, eye and chest irritation, infection)
Existing controls
Welfare facilities with wash points. Operatives briefed on hygiene.
L×S
2×3=6
Additional controls
Dampen dry spoil and work with the wind blowing dust away from others. Report any suspicious smell, staining or discoloured ground to the supervisor and stop digging until checked. Keep cuts covered with waterproof dressings and provide hand-washing and drying facilities near the work area. No eating, drinking or smoking until hands are washed. Tell operatives to seek advice if they have flu-like symptoms after working in wet ground. Gloves EN ISO 21420 / EN 388 and safety glasses EN 166 as a last line.
Diesel and fuel spills and fire during refuelling of the excavator, dumper and generator
Low
Who / how
Operatives and others nearby (burns, skin and eye irritation, fire); the environment (pollution of drains and ground)
Existing controls
Spill kit available. Fuel in approved containers.
L×S
2×3=6
Additional controls
Use a trained person to refuel with the engine off, using a funnel or auto shut-off pump, and a drip tray. Refuel away from trenches, drains and other trades. Store fuel in a labelled, closed container in a secured area away from ignition sources. Keep a spill kit and fire extinguisher at the refuelling point. Follow COSHH 2002 and the diesel Safety Data Sheet. Gloves and eye protection as a last line.
Electric shock from the generator, CAT and genny signal generator and 110 V tools
Medium
Who / how
Operatives and others near the equipment (electric shock, burns)
Existing controls
Equipment in test date. Operators trained.
L×S
2×5=10
Additional controls
Use 110 V centre-tapped earth supply and RCD protection where mains-voltage tools are used. Check leads and equipment before use, and keep leads off the ground and out of water or trenches. Do not use damaged equipment. Keep equipment dry and set up the generator on firm, stable ground, bunded for fuel. Make sure only trained users operate the CAT and genny. Follow the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and PUWER 1998 for inspection and maintenance. Insulated gloves where specified as a last line.
Undermining or destabilising the existing building, boundary walls or adjacent structures and foundations
Medium
Who / how
Operatives in the trenches, occupants and other trades (structural collapse, crush injuries, fatal)
Existing controls
Existing foundation depth to be confirmed. Supervisor checks.
L×S
2×5=10
Additional controls
Confirm the depth and type of the existing foundations and the position of the new trenches in relation to them with the PC and designer before digging. Do not excavate below the existing foundation level near the building without an engineer's agreed method such as stepped, short-length or underpinned excavation. Monitor for cracks or movement and stop work if any are seen. Keep spoil and plant away from walls. Report any unexpected structure or void immediately. Hard hat as a last line.

Risk assessment: hazards, who may be harmed, controls and residual risk
Hazard	Who / how	Existing controls	L×S	Additional controls	Residual
Striking underground services (live electricity, gas and water) during excavation	Operatives digging and the excavator operator (electric shock, burns, explosion, drowning or crushing from burst mains); occupants and other trades nearby (fire, explosion, loss of supply)	Permit to dig issued by Hilltop Developments. Services drawings obtained. CAT and genny available.	3×5=15	Follow HSE guidance HSG47 (Avoiding danger from underground services). Obtain and read service records for the work area. Scan with CAT and genny in a grid before every dig, using trained users, and mark the results. Hand dig trial holes to confirm services before machine digging. Use insulated or non-metallic hand tools. Hold a briefing on emergency action. If an unmarked service is found, stop, stay clear and report it. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Reg 14) prohibit working near live conductors unless it is unavoidable and suitable precautions are taken. Stay clear of overhead lines in line with the PC's agreed exclusion zone. Insulated gloves are not a substitute for locating the services first.	Medium
Trench collapse or fall of ground burying or crushing an operative	Operatives working in or near the trenches (burial, crush injuries, suffocation, fatal)	Trench support boxes available. CPCS operator. SMSTS supervisor.	3×5=15	Design out entry where possible by completing foundation checks from the surface. Where entry is needed, support every trench with trench boxes installed as the excavation progresses, or batter the sides to a safe angle if the ground and space allow. Keep spoil, plant and materials at least 1 m back from the edge. Comply with CDM 2015 Regulation 22 (excavations), with a competent person inspecting at the start of each shift and after any event that could affect stability, with the result recorded. Check for groundwater and for loose or made ground. No one enters an unsupported trench. Install and remove boxes from outside the excavation where possible. Hard hat as a last line.	Medium
Falling into open excavations	Operatives, other trades and occupants (broken bones, head injury, impalement on reinforcement or pegs)	Barriers on site. Supervisor briefing.	3×4=12	Give the trenches fixed edge protection or barriers with top rail, mid rail and toe board where people could walk near them. Cover or fence any excavation left open in a walkway. Keep trench lengths short to limit open excavation. Provide secured ladders for access and exit, and keep walkways clear of spoil. Cap any protruding reinforcement. Use a night-time check to confirm barriers are in place. Safety boots EN ISO 20345 and hard hat EN 397 as the last line.	Low
Occupied site: staff, residents, visitors and other trades (such as the main contractor's operatives, plumbers, electricians and delivery drivers) working or moving around the dig area	Occupants of the site and any adjoining occupied plots, other trades, visitors and delivery drivers (struck by plant, falls into trenches, exposure to dust, noise and mud, loss of services)	Site induction. PC site rules.	3×4=12	Agree the work area and segregation plan with Hilltop Developments before starting. Fence off the dig and plant areas with signage. Give other trades and occupants a clear alternative pedestrian route, and agree working hours and noisy-work times with them. Keep plant and pedestrian routes separate and use a banksman where they cross. Hold a daily briefing with other trades and tell them before any service shut-off or scanning. Do not leave open trenches or plant unattended where others can reach them. Keep access routes to the existing dwelling clear for emergency services. Hi-vis clothing EN ISO 20471 for everyone in the working area.	Medium
Public and other trades nearby: unauthorised access to site and open trenches, especially out of hours, and members of the public using Orchard Rise	Members of the public, children, passers-by and delivery drivers (falls into trenches, being struck by plant or vehicles, mud on the road)	Site perimeter fencing by the PC. Plant parked and locked.	3×4=12	Confirm the site boundary and perimeter fence with the PC, and close any gaps with Heras fencing and clips. Keep the public away from the working area using fixed barriers and warning signs. At the end of each shift, barrier off and cover trenches, lock gates and immobilise plant. Use a banksman for plant exiting the site and wheel wash or sweep the road where mud is tracked. Keep deliveries off the footway as far as possible and use a marshaller. Check the site perimeter at the start of each day.	Medium
Excavator and dumper movements: being struck, run over, or plant overturning	Operatives on foot, the plant operators, other trades and the public (crush injuries, fatal)	CPCS operator for the excavator. Supervisor on site.	3×5=15	Use plant only by trained, authorised operators. Segregate plant and pedestrian routes, with exclusion zones around the slew radius. Use a banksman for reversing and tight areas, and agree hand signals. Apply a no-one-in-the-swing-radius rule. Check plant daily and keep the checklist as required by PUWER 1998. Fit and use seat belts. Keep working platforms firm, level and clear of trench edges, and keep plant a safe distance from the trench edge. Reversing alarms and cameras where fitted. Hi-vis and hard hat as last line.	Medium
Lifting, installing and removing trench support boxes with the excavator	Operatives guiding the boxes and anyone beneath or beside the load (crush injuries, fatal)	CPCS operator. Trench boxes with certified lifting points.	2×4=8	Plan each lift, naming the slinger, signaller and operator. Use certified lifting chains and shackles within their thorough-examination date, in line with LOLER 1998, and check the excavator's rated lifting capacity. Keep people clear of the load and out of the trench during the lift, and use tag lines. Do not lift over other people. Install and remove boxes following the manufacturer's instructions. Gloves EN 388 and safety boots EN ISO 20345 as last line.	Low
Manual handling of hand tools, trial hole spoil, pipes and fittings	Operatives (back, shoulder and hand injuries, strains)	Operatives briefed on lifting. Tools in good order.	3×3=9	Use the excavator or dumper for heavy items where possible, and use two-person lifts or trolleys for pipes and fittings. Keep trial holes small and rotate hand-digging tasks. Break up loads and keep stores close to the work area. Follow the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 principles for assessment. Gloves EN 388 as a last line.	Low
Noise and vibration from the excavator, dumper, generator and any hand tools	Operatives, other trades and neighbours (hearing damage, whole-body and hand-arm vibration)	Plant maintained. Operators trained.	3×2=6	Choose well-maintained, low-noise plant and keep the generator as far from occupied areas as possible, with doors and covers closed. Limit machine running times and rotate the operator to limit whole-body vibration. Check seat suspension and keep haul roads smooth. Agree noisy-work times with the PC. Assess exposure under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, and avoid hand-held breakers where possible. Hearing protection EN 352 where noise levels require it.	Low
Slips, trips and falls on uneven, muddy ground, spoil heaps, hoses and leads	Operatives, other trades and visitors (sprains, fractures, cuts)	Supervisor checks of the work area.	4×2=8	Keep walkways and access routes clear and level, and stack spoil only in designated areas. Lay stone or boards on muddy routes and keep leads and hoses off walkways or hung overhead. Clean mud from hard surfaces and manage water with pumping and channels. Good lighting and tidying at the end of each shift. Safety boots with good tread EN ISO 20345 as the last line.	Low
Disturbing unidentified asbestos-containing materials (for example in old drain pipes, buried debris, made ground or at the existing building)	Operatives, occupants and other trades (long-term lung disease and cancer from inhaled fibres)	Contractor will check the client's asbestos register and management survey before work.	2×5=10	Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 5), check the client's asbestos register or management survey for the work area before work starts. If it does not cover the area, or the building age is unknown, a refurbishment and demolition survey of the area is needed first. Brief all operatives on the stop-work rule. If suspect material is found, stop, keep people away, and report it to the supervisor and Hilltop Developments before work carries on. Do not break, sweep or move it. Work only resumes when it has been identified and cleared.	Medium
Ground and groundwater contact: dust from dry spoil, dermatitis and infection (including Weil's disease) from muddy or contaminated water and drain contact	Operatives and anyone close by (skin irritation, eye and chest irritation, infection)	Welfare facilities with wash points. Operatives briefed on hygiene.	2×3=6	Dampen dry spoil and work with the wind blowing dust away from others. Report any suspicious smell, staining or discoloured ground to the supervisor and stop digging until checked. Keep cuts covered with waterproof dressings and provide hand-washing and drying facilities near the work area. No eating, drinking or smoking until hands are washed. Tell operatives to seek advice if they have flu-like symptoms after working in wet ground. Gloves EN ISO 21420 / EN 388 and safety glasses EN 166 as a last line.	Low
Diesel and fuel spills and fire during refuelling of the excavator, dumper and generator	Operatives and others nearby (burns, skin and eye irritation, fire); the environment (pollution of drains and ground)	Spill kit available. Fuel in approved containers.	2×3=6	Use a trained person to refuel with the engine off, using a funnel or auto shut-off pump, and a drip tray. Refuel away from trenches, drains and other trades. Store fuel in a labelled, closed container in a secured area away from ignition sources. Keep a spill kit and fire extinguisher at the refuelling point. Follow COSHH 2002 and the diesel Safety Data Sheet. Gloves and eye protection as a last line.	Low
Electric shock from the generator, CAT and genny signal generator and 110 V tools	Operatives and others near the equipment (electric shock, burns)	Equipment in test date. Operators trained.	2×5=10	Use 110 V centre-tapped earth supply and RCD protection where mains-voltage tools are used. Check leads and equipment before use, and keep leads off the ground and out of water or trenches. Do not use damaged equipment. Keep equipment dry and set up the generator on firm, stable ground, bunded for fuel. Make sure only trained users operate the CAT and genny. Follow the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and PUWER 1998 for inspection and maintenance. Insulated gloves where specified as a last line.	Medium
Undermining or destabilising the existing building, boundary walls or adjacent structures and foundations	Operatives in the trenches, occupants and other trades (structural collapse, crush injuries, fatal)	Existing foundation depth to be confirmed. Supervisor checks.	2×5=10	Confirm the depth and type of the existing foundations and the position of the new trenches in relation to them with the PC and designer before digging. Do not excavate below the existing foundation level near the building without an engineer's agreed method such as stepped, short-length or underpinned excavation. Monitor for cracks or movement and stop work if any are seen. Keep spoil and plant away from walls. Report any unexpected structure or void immediately. Hard hat as a last line.	Medium

4. COSHH assessment

Built on COSHH 2002 regulations 6 and 7 and HSE guidance L5.

Check each entry against the supplier's Safety Data Sheet before work starts. Take workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005.

Diesel fuel for the excavator, dumper and generator

Task or use: Refuelling and topping up the 3-tonne excavator, dumper and generator on site during the groundworks.
Route of exposure: Skin contact from splashes and wet gloves, eye contact, inhalation of vapour or fumes during refuelling, and ingestion through poor hygiene.
Who could be harmed: Operatives doing the refuelling and anyone close by, through skin and eye irritation, headaches or dizziness from vapour, and fire risk. Spills can also harm the environment.
Hazards: Fuel can irritate skin and eyes, and the vapour can cause headaches or dizziness. It is flammable and harmful to the environment. The exact hazards depend on the product, so check section 2 of the supplier's Safety Data Sheet.
Controls: Reduce quantities on site and carry only what is needed for each shift, in approved, labelled containers.
Use an auto shut-off pump, funnel or closed transfer system and a drip tray to avoid splashes and spills.
Refuel with engines off, in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources, trenches, drains and other trades.
Limit refuelling to trained persons and keep a spill kit and extinguisher at the point of use.
Wash hands and any splashed skin before eating, drinking or smoking.
PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves to the specification in the Safety Data Sheet
Safety glasses to EN 166
Overalls, changed if soaked in fuel
Storage and disposal: Store in approved, labelled, closed containers in a secured, bunded area away from ignition sources, drains, trenches and other trades. Dispose of waste fuel, contaminated soil and used spill-kit material as hazardous waste through a licensed carrier. Do not pour onto the ground or down drains.
First aid and spillage: Skin: remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap and water. Eyes: rinse with clean water for several minutes and get medical help. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting and seek medical advice. Small spills: stop the source, contain with the spill kit, stop it reaching drains and clear up. Large spills or a spill reaching a drain: tell the supervisor and call the emergency services if there is a fire risk.
Health surveillance: None is expected for occasional refuelling. Anyone who develops skin problems must report them to the supervisor so that skin checks can be arranged.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet: Before work starts, confirm from the supplier's Safety Data Sheet the hazards in section 2, the glove and eye protection specification, first aid and spill measures, and storage and disposal advice. Take any workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005. Assessment follows the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 and HSE's COSHH guidance (L5, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice).

5. Plant & equipment

3-tonne excavator (CPCS operator, daily checks)
Dumper (trained operator, daily checks)
Trench support boxes with certified lifting points
CAT and genny (cable avoidance tool and signal generator)
Generator with RCD protection, on firm ground and bunded for fuel
Certified lifting chains, slings and shackles for trench boxes, within their LOLER thorough-examination dates
Insulated or non-metallic hand tools, shovels and trial-hole tools
Secured access ladders
Fixed barriers, Heras-type fencing, signs, edge protection and trench covers
Submersible pump and silt control for dewatering
Spill kit, fire extinguisher and drip tray for refuelling
Levels, string line and marking spray for setting out and marking services

6. Materials / COSHH

Materials in use are diesel fuel for the excavator, dumper and generator, and the excavated ground and spoil. The detail for diesel is in the COSHH assessment. The excavation work itself is not expected to create other hazardous substances, but any unexpected staining, odours or suspect material found while digging must be reported and work stopped until it has been checked. No cement, concrete or chemicals are listed for this scope.

7. PPE

Safety boots with steel or composite toecap and midsole, EN ISO 20345
Hard hat, EN 397
High-visibility clothing, EN ISO 20471
Work gloves, EN 388, and waterproof gloves for wet work
Safety glasses, EN 166
Hearing protection, EN 352, where noise assessment requires it
Waterproofs and warm clothing for wet and cold weather
Disposable RPE only if dust cannot be controlled, face-fit tested and clean shaven
All PPE is the last line of defence, after the removal, engineering and administrative controls in the risk assessment.

8. Competence & training

The excavator operator holds a valid CPCS card for the machine type. The supervisor, M. Owusu, holds SMSTS. All operatives must hold a valid CSCS card for their role and have a site induction before starting. The CAT and genny must only be used by operatives trained in its use and in the HSG47 services avoidance procedure. The dumper operator, banksman and slinger must be trained and authorised for those roles, and Hilltop Developments will check their evidence at the pre-start walk. Operatives are briefed on this RAMS, the Permit to dig, the emergency plan and the stop-work rules, and sign to confirm they have understood it.

9. Permits

Permit to dig, issued by Hilltop Developments before any excavation starts, kept on site, and renewed or re-signed as its conditions require
Any additional permit or authority the PC requires for plant movements, road closures or isolation of services

10. Access & egress

Access to the work area is from Orchard Rise through the PC's site entrance, using the agreed route and a banksman where plant or vehicles cross pedestrian routes. The exact route, gate positions and delivery area are to be confirmed with Hilltop Developments on the pre-start walk. Pedestrian and plant routes are kept separate, and walkways are kept clear and level. Access into trenches is by secured ladders or the trench box ladder, and nobody climbs on the sides or boxes. Emergency vehicle access to the existing dwelling and the work area must be kept clear at all times.

11. Welfare

Welfare facilities are to be provided by Hilltop Developments as principal contractor, including toilets, hand-washing with hot water, drinking water, a place to dry clothes and a place to eat and rest. Solid Ground Contractors Ltd will confirm at the pre-start walk what is provided, and supply its own if the site facilities are not available. Operatives wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking, particularly after working in wet ground or handling fuel.

12. First aid

A trained first aider is to be present on site during work, and the name and location are confirmed at induction. A first aid kit is kept in the supervisor's vehicle and at the work area. Accidents and near misses are reported to the supervisor and recorded in the site accident book, and reportable incidents are notified in line with RIDDOR. The nearest accident and emergency department will be confirmed at the site induction.

13. Emergency procedures

Services strike: stop work, switch off and leave the machine if it is safe to do so, move everyone away from the area and do not touch anything. For electricity, treat all cables as live and keep people at least 10 m away. Call 999 for injury or fire and 105 for the electricity network. For a gas leak, call the National Gas Emergency number 0800 111 999 and keep ignition sources away. For water, isolate at the stop valve if safe. Trench collapse: raise the alarm, call 999, do not enter the trench to attempt a rescue, and keep other people back. Emergency services are directed to Plot 2, Orchard Rise, Leeds LS9 8** by a named person at the entrance. Fire: raise the alarm, call 999 and use the extinguisher only if safe. Muster point and alarm arrangements are agreed at induction, and a head count is made by the supervisor. Suspect asbestos found: stop, keep people away and report it.

14. Environmental

Prevent fuel and silty water reaching drains, using drip trays, spill kits and silt control when dewatering. Keep the road and footway clean by sweeping mud from site vehicles, and damp down dry spoil to stop dust drifting to neighbours. Keep noisy work within the agreed hours. Store topsoil and subsoil separately where they are to be reused, and remove surplus spoil and waste using a licensed waste carrier with transfer notes kept. Protect any retained trees and their roots as directed by the PC, and keep an eye out for nesting birds. Report any unexpected contaminated ground or odours and stop digging until checked.

This document was AI-generated as a drafting aid. It is not a substitute for professional health & safety advice. It must be reviewed, verified and made site-specific by a competent person before use, briefed to all operatives, and updated when site conditions or the method change. The provider accepts no liability for use of this document on site.

Groundworks method statement: what it covers

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