Safety Measures in Trial Pits and Trenches for Underground Cabling Works | Excavation and underground services

Safety Measures in Trial Pits and Trenches for Underground Cabling Works

When carrying out the work of cable laying in the underground transmission line, the trench is to be dug/ prepared. Trench work should be done by following safety precautions. All pits and trench work shall comply with WorkSafe requirements, particularly the WorkSafe Code of Practice: Excavation. They may include but are not limited to:

  • When a pit is to be left open overnight, proper barrier mesh and flashing lights, etc as required or the pit must be covered.
  • The soil must be piled safely back from the edge of the pit.
  • Pits or trenches deeper than 1500mm in normal soil may require a ladder for access and require shoring, benching, or sloping of the sides of them.
  • Pits or trenches may require shoring if less than 1500mm deep and the soil is unstable.
  • Undermining walls, foundations, streets, or pavements are to be avoided otherwise appropriate shoring is required.
  • All shoring, benching, and sloping must be installed.
  • Barriers shall be erected to vehicles inadvertently falling into the excavation. Local councils may have more onerous conditions that need to be met.
  • Collapse or flooding of trenches.
  • Lack of ventilation or suitable lighting.
  • Dangerous gases.
  • Confined working space.
  • High temperatures.
  • Traffic hazards

Related topic – click here

Aanchal Gupta

Welcome to my website! I'm Aanchal Gupta, an expert in Electrical Technology, and I'm excited to share my knowledge and insights with you. With a strong educational background and practical experience, I aim to provide valuable information and solutions related to the field of electrical engineering. I hold a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree in Electrical Engineering, which has equipped me with a solid foundation in the principles and applications of electrical technology. Throughout my academic journey, I focused on developing a deep understanding of various electrical systems, circuits, and power distribution networks.

Leave a Reply