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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION COMPETITION 2015/16

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Occupational Safety and

Health in Construction

Competition 2015/16

Cork Institute of Technology

Team Members:

Alan Hayes

Anna Pietrzak

Brian Byrd

4th Year Structural Engineering Students

Dr. Mary Moloney – Project Mentor


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Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2

Summary of Duties .............................................................................................................................. 4

Q1. Using the principles of behavioural- based safety, design a poster to be used on this and other

State-sponsored conservation projects to; ............................................................................................. 6

Q2. (a) You are asked to advise TLEG ltd. on the selection of reasonable practicable safe work

methods to carry out the inspection, damage assessment and repair work to the sewer system.

Describe the safe work methods you would advise them to use including the safety reasons for

selection of these methods..................................................................................................................... 8

(b). Control of Occupational Health (OH) hazards will be important on this project. List the OH

hazards you see as relevant to this project and outline how you propose to control them................ 17

Q3. One section in the vicinity of the junction of Bedford Row and Henry Street is known to have

significant deterioration and will require repair by means of open excavation from ground level.

Prepare (a) a risk assessment and (b) a proposed safe system of work for this aspect of the project

including outlining your proposed safety controls for worker’s vehicles and members of the public in

the area. ................................................................................................................................................ 20

References ............................................................................................................................................ 28

Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 28

Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 29

Appendix A – Risk Assessment Guidance Tables .............................................................................. 29

Appendix B – Behavioural Based Safety Poster ................................................................................ 30

Appendix C – Traffic Management Scheme Design .......................................................................... 31

Appendix D – Safe System of Work Forms........................................................................................ 32

Appendix E – Form AF3 ..................................................................................................................... 33

Appendix F – Temporary Works Design Certificate .......................................................................... 34

Table of Figures Figure 1: The organisational relationship ............................................................................................... 3

Figure 2: Example of manhole opening equipment .............................................................................. 10

Figure 3: Example of Tripod system to aid entry to the sewer ............................................................. 10

Figure 4: Oxygen Deficiency Monitor ................................................................................................... 18

Table of Tables Table 1: ABC model ................................................................................................................................. 7

Table 2: Method Statement for Inspection and Damage Assessment ................................................... 8

Table 3: Method Statement for Repair Work ....................................................................................... 11

Table 4: Risk Assessment for Inspection and Repair of the Sewer ....................................................... 13

Table 5: List of Occupational Health Hazards ....................................................................................... 17


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Introduction

The following project highlights the main health and safety hazards associated with the

inspection, damage assessment and repair work to a Victorian sewer line in Limerick city

centre.

The project brief outlines the necessary work required to be carried out on the deteriorated

section of the sewer. The section of the sewer requires work to be carried out by the means

of both confined space entry and open excavation from the ground level.

The tasks required and outlined in the project brief as specified by the Client, Limerick City

Council include:

Advice on the selection of reasonably practicable safe work methods to carry out the

inspection, damage assessment and repair work necessary for the sewer system.

List of associated Occupational Health hazards.

Risk assessment for the repair carried out by the means of confined space entry and

open excavation.

The proposed safe system of work for the open excavation sequence of work,

including aspect such as proposed safety controls for workers, vehicles and members

of the public in the area.

This report is carried out as a part of the Health and Safety Assessment undertaken by the

Health and Safety Co-ordinator for the construction stage of the project. The organisational

relationship between the parties involved in this project is shown in Figure 1 below.


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Figure 1: The organisational relationship

The key risks associated with this project are working in confined spaces as well as deep

excavations. All work should be carried out in accordance with Safety, Health and Welfare at

Work (Construction) 2013.

Health and safety plays a significant role in all construction projects especially when large risks

are present. The duties and responsibilities of each party involved in the project are

summarised in the following table.

Client

Limerick City Council

PSDP

Limerick City Council

PDCS

TLEG Ltd.

Health and Safety Co-ordinator

Temporary Works Designer


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Summary of Duties

The Client Limerick City Council

Project Supervisor Design Process Limerick City Council

Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage

TLEG Ltd.

Contractors TLEG Ltd.

• Appoint competent PSDP prior to commencement of works

• Identify hazards arising from the design or from the technical, organisational, planning, or time related aspects of the project

• Co-ordinate the implementation of the construction regulations by contractors

• Co-operate with the PSCS

• Appoint PSCS prior to work commencement

• Where possible, eliminate the hazards or reduce the risk

• Organise co-operation between contractors and the provision of information

• Provide a copy of your safety statement and relevant information to the PSCS

• ensure adequate personnel are employed to complete the works

• Communicate with PSCS on all health and safety matters

• Co-ordinate the reporting of accidents to the Authority

• Promptly provide the PSCS with information required for the safety file

• co-operate with the project supervisor and supply necessary information

• Ensure that the work of designers is co-ordinated to ensure safety

• Notify the Authority before construction commences

• Comply with directions of Project Supervisors

• retain and make available the Safety File for the completed structure.

• Organise co-operation between designers

• Provide information to the site safety representative

• Report accidents to the Authority and to the PSCS

• provide a copy of the safety and health plan prepared by the PSDP to every person tendering for the project.

• Prepare a written safety and health plan for any project including any particular risks involved

• Co-ordinate the checking of safe working procedures

• Comply with site rules and the safety and health plan and ensure that your employees comply

• notify the Authority of the appointment of the PSDP where construction is likely to take more than 500 person days or 30 working days

• Prepare a safety file for the completed structure and give it to the client

• Co-ordinate measures to restrict entry on to the site

• Identify hazards, eliminate the hazards, or reduce risks during construction


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• Notify the Authority and client of non-compliance with any written directions issued

• Co-ordinate the provision and maintenance of welfare facilities

• Facilitate the Site Safety Representative

• The PSDP may issue directions to designers or contractors or others

• Co-ordinate arrangements to ensure that craft, general construction workers, and security workers have a Safety Awareness card, e.g. Safe Pass and a Construction Skills card where required

• Ensure that relevant workers have a safety awareness card and a construction skills card where required

• Co-ordinate the appointment of a site safety representative where there are more than 20 persons on site

• Provide workers with site specific induction

• Appoint a safety adviser where there are more than 100 on site

• Appoint a safety officer where there are more than 20 on site or 30 employed

• Provide all necessary safety file information to the PSDP

• Consult workers and Safety Representatives

• Monitor the compliance of contractors and others and take corrective action where necessary

• Monitor compliance and take corrective action

• Notify the Authority and the client of non-compliance with any written directions issued

• The PSCS may issue directions to designers or contractors


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Q1. Using the principles of behavioural- based safety, design a poster

to be used on this and other State-sponsored conservation projects to;

a. motivate site personnel to work safely, and

b. positively influence safety on-site.

The poster is to be accompanied by an explanatory note, setting out which behavioural-

based safety management techniques you have utilised.

Behavioural-based safety is defined as an “approach that promotes interventions which are people-

focused and often incorporate one-to-one or group observations of employees performing routine

work tasks, setting goals carefully and giving timely feedback on safety-related behaviour, coaching

and mentoring” [1]. The promotion of the total safety culture by all workers for their own safety and

the safety of others beyond their statutory obligations and requirements was utilised in the design of

the poster. The behavioural-based safety technique of increased situation awareness was utilised

while designing this poster and the ABC model was also applied to the poster design as described in

Table 1.

The aim of the poster (attached in Appendix B) was to highlight the dangers of entering and working

in confined spaces as well as to plan a safe sequence of work if entry cannot be avoided. Many workers

are unaware of the risks of working in confined spaces and would underestimate the dangers which

are present.

The colour scheme utilised for the purpose of this poster was kept in line with the warning signs in

order to draw the attention of workers. The poster includes an image of the workers entering the

sewer with a slogan warning to not make this journey your last one. The site personnel will be

motivated by the drastic catchphrase used to activate their thought process to think about potential

consequences of unsafe work. As many heritage sewers are present throughout the country this

poster could be used when any remedial work is being carried out on these sewers.


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A

Antecedent

B

Behaviour

C

Consequence

HSA Definition A stimulus or event that occurs before a

behaviour in time. This stimulus or event

may result in the behaviour. Work examples

include goals, policies, training, job aids,

guides.

Anything that we can see an individual do, or say.

A stimulus or event that occurs after a

behaviour in time. This consequence

could increase or decrease behaviour in

the future, depending on its reinforcing

or punishing properties. Work examples

include feedback, recognition, task

completion, goal achievement, rewards.

Approach to poster

design

The poster is hugely influenced by previous

fatal accidents and aims to warn workers of

potential tragedies resulting from unsafe

behaviour.

The scheduled deadlines and difficult working

conditions are possible influential factors causing

accidents, as a result of rushing the work and not

being thorough with work methods.

Tragic events tend to influence workers

by increasing the situation awareness

associated with the incident and can

positively influence future work on site.

Table 1: ABC model


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Q2. (a) You are asked to advise TLEG ltd. on the selection of

reasonable practicable safe work methods to carry out the inspection,

damage assessment and repair work to the sewer system. Describe

the safe work methods you would advise them to use including the

safety reasons for selection of these methods.

Scope of work:

This project will include the inspection, damage assessment and repair to a Victorian sewer line in

Limerick City.

The main items of works will include the following

The inspection of the existing sewer to identify its current condition;

Following inspection, a damage assessment and appraisal is to be carried out to all potential

areas suffering from deterioration;

All repair and remedial work is to be completed in a safe and efficient manner.

Working in confined spaces is extremely dangerous if sufficient care is not taken prior to entry. Where

possible the entry into a confined space should be avoided. This may be achieved by the use of desk

surveys or using Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera surveys from ground level.

For the inspection and damage assessment of the sewer it is proposed to use a CCTV survey as this

will provide a good indication on the integrity of the sewer without the need for entry by personnel.

Following the CCTV survey, an assessment on the volume of corrective action required in the sewer

will be completed which will determine the requirement for entry by personnel. For entry by

personnel temporary propping systems which designed in accordance with the PSDP and structural

engineer shall be implemented. The following method statement sets out the method by which the

inspection and damage assessment are to be completed.


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Table 2: Method Statement for Inspection and Damage Assessment

Work

item

Job Step Method

1 Road Traffic Management Closing off a section of the road in order to safely access the sewer

All workers should have the following CSCS cards:

Signing, lighting and guarding on roads

Assisting in the implementation of health and safety at roadworks

2 Opening manholes Removing metal manhole covers using appropriate tools (Figure 2).

3 Securing of perimeter around manhole Closing off the area around the open manholes in order to protect the public

4 Implementation of CCTV equipment The use of CCTV equipment attached to a remote control car which moves through the sewer

relaying images to the surface. The CCTV equipment is lowered into the manhole until the base

of the sewer is reached. The car travels to the end of the area of sewer being inspected and is

brought back with the use of cables. All electrical equipment is to be EX-rated to prevent

potential accidents where flammable vapours are present

5 Requirement for personal access to the sewer In the case of an error occurring with the use of the CCTV equipment a person may need to

enter the sewer in order to amend the problem. This process requires two workers at all times.

6 Assessment of the atmosphere within the

sewer

Before any person can enter the sewer the atmosphere must be tested. This is done with the

use of specialized equipment which is lowered into the sewer when atmospheric readings are

returned to the surface.


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7 Sufficient harnessing being provided A certified harness is attached to the person and tested before the worker enters the sewer.

The harness is used with a certified tripod system (Figure 3) to lower the person into the sewer.

8 Lighting being provided in the sewer Sufficient Ex-rated lighting must be used to illuminate the sewer in order for the worker to see

their entry points. Lighting will also be provided on the worker’s helmet also.

9 Worker access to the sewer Using both the certified harness attached to the tripod system and a ladder the worker is

lowered down the sewer.

10 Inspection of the sewer The two workers progress down the sewer assessing the damage as they go. The designed

temporary propping system will also be installed to prevent collapse of the sewer during

inspection

11 Workers exit from sewer The workers safely exit the sewer one at a time using the harness system.


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Figure 2: Example of manhole opening equipment

Figure 3: Example of Tripod system to aid entry to the sewer

Following the inspection and damage assessment of the sewer it was assumed that only minor works

were to be carried out to the surveyed section of sewer. The works to be carried out were repointing

of areas of the sewer where the joints had deteriorated using a lime based grout. Some refurbishment

to areas of the sewer are also required to be completed. Table 3 comprises a method statement which

sets out the method in which the repair works are to be completed. Table 4 provides a risk assessment

of the inspection and repair of the sewer for the duration of the works.

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Table 3: Method Statement for Repair Work

Work

item

Job Step Method

1 Traffic Management Similar to inspection the road and area surrounding the sewer is closed off and

protected from the public. A proposed traffic management plan is illustrated in the

attached drawing.

2 Lighting being provided in the sewer As for the inspection sufficient lighting must be shined down the sewer and lights are

provided on the worker’s helmets. As well as this in-situ lighting systems will be provided

in the sewer for the repair works.

3 Implementation of Propping One worker enters the sewer and receives propping as it is lowered using a pulley winch

system mounted on a tripod. The sections of the dismantled propping are lowered into

the sewer one at a time. A second worker enters the sewer once all the elements of the

propping have been lowered down. The two workers then proceed to erect the propping

against the roof and sides of the sewer. The propping system used is to be erected at the

required locations as specified by the PSDP in conjunction with the structural engineer.

4 Tools and grout being lowered into sewer The lime grout needed to complete the repair and the tools required are lowered into

the sewer using a pulley winch system mounted to a tripod. The lime grout is to be

mixed and prepared on the surface before being lowered into the sewer.

5 Completion of Repairs Each worker will carry a trowel and lime grout sufficient for completing the minor repairs

to the stone work repointing the stone where necessary. All necessary PPE is to be worn

at this stage to minimise the risk of lime burns. The PPE is set out in the accompanied

risk assessment.


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6 Exiting the sewer When exiting the sewer, the remaining lime grout and tools are attached to the pulley

winch system and lifted out of the sewer. The winch system is to be certified and to have

a Safe Working Load (SWL) exceeding the predicted weight of such equipment and lime

grout. As the workers move the propping system back to the beginning of the sewer the

in-situ lighting will be removed and disconnected as they go. The lights are removed by

attaching them to the pulley winch system and lifted out of the sewer. With sufficient

lighting remaining the workers will proceed to dismantle the propping system and

remove it in sections using the pulley winch system. Finally, the remaining in-situ lights

are removed and lifted out of the sewer using the pulley system, the lights being shined

down the sewer and the lights attached to the worker’s helmets remain in use until all

workers and equipment have being exited from the sewer.


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Table 4: Risk Assessment for Inspection and Repair of the Sewer

Risk Assessment for Inspection and Repair

Hazard Risk Involved Risk Level

Calculation (Before)

Rating Control Methods Responsible

Person

Risk Level Calculation

(After) Rating

Signature/ Date Completed

L S L S

Road traffic management

Injury to public and or workers

2 5 10

•Personnel with sufficient experience and CSCS cards in signage and lighting are to be consulted. •Information regarding the workers and expected closure dates and times is to be relayed to the public before work commences. •Adequate public walkways and access points are to be used. •Local councils are to be consulted and informed of all aspects of the traffic management plan

PSDP 1 4 4

• Accidents to members of the public

• Trips • Falls 1 4 4

• The excavations to be fenced off in public places. Contractor 1 3 3


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Person


(After) Rating

Signature/ Date

Completed

L S L S

• Open manholes • Risk of falling into open manhole • Risk of injury due to falling equipment

2 5 10

• Unobstructed area around the manhole • Provide adequate signage and fencing around the manhole • A separate entrance to be used for cables etc. • A harness mounted to a tripod is to be used when lowering workers and equipment into the sewer

Contractor 1 3 3

• Hazardous atmosphere

• Lack of oxygen leading to loss of conciseness or suffocation • Presence of toxic and flammable gases that could cause a fire or explosion

2 5 10

• Provision of extractor fans • Adequate ventilation • Purging of gases • The equipment used on site is to be EX zone specified, in order to prevent explosions and ignitions.

Contractor 1 4 4


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Person


(After) Rating

Signature/ Date

Completed

L S L S

• Unsanitary conditions

• Disease and/or infection

2 4 8

• Ensure workers are provided with sufficient PPE including full body suits and breathing apparatus where necessary. • Ensuring designated sanitary facilities are provided including emergency showers etc. • Providing sufficient first aid facilities •Providing adequate training on disease and infections to each worker involved in the works.

Contractor 1 3 3

• Tripping Hazard • Injury from tripping due to poor lighting

2 3 6

• Sufficient lighting to be provided for entry and assessment of the sewer. • Cables for lighting to be bound together and kept out of walkways • Replacement and back up lights to be kept on site • lighting to be provided on worker’s helmets or jackets etc

Contractor 1 2 2


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Person


(After) Rating

Signature/ Date

Completed

L S L S

• Hazardous materials • Risk of burns from lime mortar

2 3 6

• Adequate PPE is to be provided for each worker • Training on the dangers of working with lime to be provided for each worker. • The lime mortar is to be mixed on the surface and lowered into the sewer using the pulley winch system provided • Sufficient first aid and washing areas are to be provided

Contractor 1 4 4

• Egress from sewer • Risk of tripping, falling, equipment falling, disease, structural collapse

2 5 10

• A detailed plan of egress is to be provided to all workers including steps to be taken. • Firstly all repair tools and mortar are to be lifted out of the sewer using the pulley winch system • Lighting is only to be removed in areas of completed works and is done so as the propping is removed • All in-situ lighting is to be removed before final propping is dismantled • External lights and lighting provided on worker’s helmets etc is kept until all workers and tools are out of the sewer

Contractor 1 4 4

Note: Refer to Appendix A for guidance on risk assessment ratings


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(b). Control of Occupational Health (OH) hazards will be important on

this project. List the OH hazards you see as relevant to this project and

outline how you propose to control them.

The list of OH hazards and proposed control measures are shown in Table 5.

Table 5: List of Occupational Health Hazards

List of Occupational (OH) Hazards Control Masseurs to Mitigate the Hazards

Asphyxiation • Ventilation • Extractor fans • Respiratory equipment • Detection and monitoring of oxygen levels • Provision of oxygen deficiency personal monitors (Figure 2)

Noise • Ear protection • Scheduled operational hours

Possibility of contracting a disease (hepatitis, Weill’s disease etc.)

• Based on inspection appropriate Tyvek suits and all other appropriate PPE • Vaccinations for hepatitis • Training and awareness of symptoms and consequences of contracting such diseases. • Personal hygiene and wash facility

Inhalation of harmful material (Dust) • Provision of adequate vapour and respiratory masks • Ventilation

Harmful Gases (possibility of suffocation) • Ventilation • Extractor fans • Gas purging • Respiratory equipment • Detection and monitoring of gases

Confined spaces (restricted work area) • Confined space training • Provision of "Man-down Alarms"

Risk of injury through manual handling • Appropriate training • Buddy system for lifting • Provide working platform with a trolley to move heavier equipment and materials

Presence of lime causing lime burning • Appropriate PPE – Masks, gloves, goggles, and overalls where appropriate when mixing mortar. • Personal hygiene and wash facility

Tripping hazard • Provide appropriate adequate lighting (EX rated) • House keeping


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Figure 4: Oxygen Deficiency Monitor

Occupational Health (OH) hazards associated with this project include hazards involving exposure to

harmful substances in the working environment. The HSA aims to provide general awareness

campaigns to highlight the positive interaction between health and work. This includes highlighting

the need for occupational health systems and the protection of workers from work related illnesses.

The Authority aims to collaborate with workers and employers to improve these initiatives.

Unsanitary working environment in a sewer where harmful substances are present enhances the risk

of contracting diseases such as hepatitis, Weill’s disease etc. The proposed control measures to

minimise the risk of ill health include provision of appropriate PPE such as coverall suits in order to

reduce the contact with harmful materials, provision of vaccinations to reduce contraction of hepatitis

and providing sanitary and wash facilities.

Harmful gases and dust are also present in this project. Adequate ventilation will be provided and

extraction in order to remove the harmful elements while providing a steady flow of oxygen in to work

space. Gas purging will be provided by inducing a large volume of oxygen in to the working space.

Workers will be provided with appropriate respiratory equipment based on the inspection and as

outlined in “A Guide to Respiratory Protective Equipment” published (2010) by the Health and Safety

Authority.

The “Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces” [2] published by the Health and Safety

Authority provide the guidance on the hazards assisted with work in restricted areas. These hazards

include accumulation of toxic substances, flammable atmosphere and excessive heat build-up each of

which is addressed in the method statement.

A toxic atmosphere can cause impairment of judgement, unconsciousness and even death. It can

occur in the confined space due to the presence of hazardous substances that may remain in the work


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space from previous processes or arise from the disruption of sludge or other deposits during cleaning.

To prevent this, it is proposed that based on inspection the sewer may require to be cleaned prior to

the start of repair work to remove any harmful sludge or deposits.

The use of a lime based mortar can cause significant damage to workers through burning. This is

prevented by the use of appropriate PPE such as masks, gloves and goggles being worn at all times

when using the lime mortar. For mixing of the lime mortar an overall suit must also be worn due to

the high presence of lime dust during the mixing process.


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Q3. One section in the vicinity of the junction of Bedford Row and

Henry Street is known to have significant deterioration and will

require repair by means of open excavation from ground level.

Prepare (a) a risk assessment and (b) a proposed safe system of work

for this aspect of the project including outlining your proposed safety

controls for worker’s vehicles and members of the public in the area.

This section comprises a risk assessment taking into account all relevant risks associated with the open

excavation at the junction between Bedford Row and Henry Street. Some of the risks associated with

this type of work include:

Locating of underground services (requires CSCS card);

Appropriate access and egress into the excavation;

Depth of excavation;

Destabilisation of nearby structures.

A safe system of work plan is also required for the open excavation work. A detailed method of work

is introduced below and the relevant Safe System of Work forms can be found in Appendix D. These

forms are to be completed by the Contractor prior to work on site. For inspection of excavations which

must be undertaken at least every 7 days and also after an event which may affect the stability of the

excavation Form AF3 must also be completed throughout the duration of works. This form is attached

in Appendix E.


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Risk Assessment for Open Excavation




Person


(After) Rating

Signature/ Date Completed

L S L S • Access and egress to and from excavation

• Risk of people falling in to the excavation

3 5 15

• Unobstructed access and egress to be provided • Adequate size of the openings and free from obstruction • Additional opening should be provided for ventilation ducts, power lines and other cables required for work • A barrier and a safety warning signs are to be provided to prevent unauthorised entry into a confined space •the Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP)

Contractor 1 4 4

• Hazardous atmosphere • Lack of oxygen leading to loss of conciseness or suffocation • Presence of toxic and flammable gases that could cause a fire

2 5 10

• Provision of extractor fans • Adequate ventilation • Purging of gases • The equipment used on site is to be EX zone specified, in order to prevent explosions and ignitions.

Contractor 1 3 3


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Person


(After) Rating

Signature/ Date

Completed

L S L S

• Destabilization of nearby structures

• Damage or collops of the nearby structures

1 5 5

• Ensure excavations do not affect the footings of scaffolds or the foundations of nearby structures. Walls may have very shallow foundations that can be undermined by even small trenches. • Temporary supports to be provided before excavation work commence. • Structural surveys of the foundations will carried out to determine the extent of the temporary supports required and the advice provided by the structural engineer will be adhered to in order to ensure the safety of workers. • Shoring supports to be provided if required to provide stability of the structure.

Contractor 1 3 3

• Loose rock or soil • Excavated material spoil heaps collapse into trench

2 2 4

• The excavations to be fenced off • shoring support for the excavation • No spoil heaps to be created on site Contractor 1 2 2


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Person


(After) Rating

Signature/ Date

Completed

L S L S

• Contact with underground services

• Injuries caused by the potential explosion • Incidents from damaged cables such as electric shock • Risk of fire

2 5 10

• Survey of the area is to be carried out in order to establish location of the services. This will include visual inspection of the area to look for the obvious signs of services such as patching in the road surface. • The location of the services will be determined by trained and competent personnel who have the required CSCS Card. Identified services will be marked on the ground and mapped. • The person responsible for supervising excavation work will have correct service plans. • Personnel undertaking the excavation work, needs to be adequately trained and know about safe digging practices and emergency procedures. • Code of Practice 'Avoiding Danger from Underground Services' provided by HSA, will be adhered to in order to provide further guidelines on avoiding danger while working in the close proximity to the underground services.

Contractor 1 4 4


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Person


(After) Rating

Signature/ Date

Completed

L S L S

• Falling loads • Materials falling onto people working in the excavation

2 5 10

• The edges of the excavation are to be protected against falling materials. • Provide toe boards. • Appropriate PPE to be worn by workers in excavation, such as a hard hat, boots and clothing.

Contractor 2 2 4

• Pedestrians, vehicles and tools falling into the excavation

• Head injury to the worker if the equipment falls from height • Children might gain access onto the site and fall in to the excavation

1 4 4

• Fence off all excavations in public places to prevent people, tools and vehicles falling in to the excavation • Out of hours precautions to be provided such as on site 24-hour security, backfilling or securely covering excavations to prevent children getting in to the site.

Contractor 1 3 3

• Machinery and vehicle traffic

• People being struck by plant

1 5 5

• Safety briefing to be provide each day before commencement of work or at the beginning of the shift. • Appropriate traffic management to be put in place.

Contractor 1 2 2

• Accidents to members of

the public

• Trips

• Falls 1 4 4

• The excavations to be fenced off in

public places. Contractor 1 3 3

Note: Refer to Appendix A for guidance on risk assessment ratings


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(b) Proposed System of Works

The main items of works will include the following,

Open excavation of the road will be required in order to complete the necessary repairs

Partial closure of the road network will be required for the duration of the works

Pedestrian walkways will be required to serve as access to neighbouring shopping district

The proposed safe system of works for the excavation will include the following,

1. A desk study is to be completed in order to determine the most suitable day and time for a

road closure. i.e. when there is the least amount of disturbance to the public.

2. The public must be informed of the works a minimum of two weeks before the works

commence. A site notice must be erected within the area of the excavation and a notice

must be placed in the local paper. This will reduce the risk of a traffic backlog and heavy

population in the area.

3. The desk study should also determine the position of any services that may be present in the

vicinity of the excavation by contacting the relevant service providers. As old services may

be damaged, gas or waste can leak causing contamination of the site or may cause harm to

workers or the general public. To combat this all of the services within the vicinity of the site

must be thoroughly assessed in order to determine any faults that may exist.

4. To reduce the risk of damage to services causing gas leaks or flooding etc. All service

providers must be notified of the day time and duration of the excavation and works.

5. Due to the poor planning and mapping of older services not all will be present on current

drawings and documents, for this reason a careful approach must be taken to the excavation

and specialised equipment must be used in order to search for services that may have been

excluded from the desk study.

6. A site survey must be completed for the soil condition before the excavation is conducted.

This is to reduce the risk of partial collapse of the soil causing machinery, equipment or

workers falling into the excavation and to identify the type of ground conditions present.


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7. As the excavation will take place in a built up area the foundations of neighbouring

structures may be damaged having a negative effect on the stability of the structures. In

order to reduce the risk of this the desk study must include a review of the stability of

surrounding structures in order to reduce the risk of partial collapse due to the excavation.

8. Taking into account the situation of the project (Limerick City Centre) and the heavy traffic

and population of the area, a detailed traffic management system must be drawn up and

included in the project brief. The detailed traffic management system must allow for the

accommodation of emergency vehicles and is to be completed by a specialist traffic

management company. The traffic management plan is to be completed in accordance with

Chapter 8 of the Department of Transport’s Traffic Signs Manuals which comprises of

“Temporary Traffic Measures and Signs for Roadworks”. [3] A preliminary traffic

management scheme design is shown in Appendix C.

9. As the site is located in a heavily populated area the risk of an injury to a member of the

public is of a high risk. To combat this, the proposed area of works must have adequate

fencing and security measures present.

10. Due to the city centre location of the works, site security must be provided on a 24-hour

basis to reduce the risk of unauthorised entry to the site. As well as this all machinery and

equipment must be adequately secured off site hours in the provided site compound.

11. As the depth of the excavation will be more than 1.2 metres, the risk of trench collapse will

be present. To reduce the risk of injury to the workers, sufficient trench boxes or trench

propping must be provided before any worker begins work within the excavation.

12. In order to ensure a safe working construction site all workers and machinery must have the

following safety measures. Workers to provide relevant safe pass, permits and tickets in

order to be present on site or operate the machinery and equipment on site. All workers

must have relevant PPE which include:

hard hats

safety gloves

high visibility vests

safety goggles

safety boots.


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As the works may induce noise pollution all workers must be provided with adequate ear

protection to reduce the risk of hearing loss. The machinery used on site must have

adequate lighting, signage and warning sirens for reversing.

13. The perimeter of the excavation must be adequately secured as the risk of workers,

equipment or machinery falling into the excavation will be present. They area of excavation

must have a minimum distance of 1.2 metres to the nearest fence in order to reduce the risk

of pedestrians or materials falling into the excavation.


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References 1. Health and Safety Authority, Behavioural Based Safety Guide. 2013.

2. Health and Safety Authority, Code of Practise for Working in Confined Spaces, H.a.S.

Authority, Editor. 2015.

3. Department of Transport, Temporary Traffic Measures and Signs for Roadworks, D.o.

Transport, Editor. 2010.

Bibliography Health and Safety Authority, “Guidelines on Risk Assessments and Safety Statements”

Health and Safety Authority. (2013). SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (CONSTRUCTION).

Health and Safety Authority (2010), “Code of Practise for Avoiding Danger from Underground

Services”

ESB Networks (2008), “Code of Practise for Avoiding Danger with Overhead Electricity Lines”

Health and Safety Authority (2013), “Guide for Contractors and Project Supervisors”

Health and Safety Authority (2009), “Working on Roads Guidelines”


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Appendices

Appendix A – Risk Assessment Guidance Tables

Likelihood of Accident

Occurrence Description Score

Remote Low possibility of occurrence 1

Possible Likely to occur 2

Almost Certain High Risk 3

Severity of Accident

Level Description Score

Small/Non-Existent

No Injury

1

Minor Minor Injury 2

Serious

Major Reversible Injury 3

Major

Permanent Injury 4

Extreme Fatal Injury 5

Risk Assessment Matrix

Small/Non-existent

Minor Serious Major Extreme

1 2 3 4 5

Remote 1 1 2 3 4 5

Possible 2 2 4 6 8 10

Almost Certain 3 3 6 9 12 15

Legend

1-5 Low L

6-10 Medium M

11- 15 High H


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Appendix B – Behavioural Based Safety Poster


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Appendix C – Traffic Management Scheme Design This Appendix includes a drawing of the proposed scheme design for the traffic management plan

during the excavation and repair of the sewer.


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Appendix D – Safe System of Work Forms This Appendix includes:

Safe System of Work Plan for Ground Works

Safe System of Work Plan for Civil Engineering Works


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Appendix E – Form AF3 This Appendix comprises the Form AF3 which must be completed during inspections of the

excavation.


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Appendix F – Temporary Works Design Certificate This temporary works design certificate must be completed by both the Temporary Works Designer

and the PSDP.

Could this be your LAST journey?

Every entry can be fatal for YOU and your

COLLEAGUES………and tragedy for your FAMILY!!

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