Excavation Procedure PDF

Procedure
Excavation
QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000007
Rev 2
February 2014
Uncontrolled when printed
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Upstream Operations
Excavation Procedure
Revision 2 February 2014
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Table of Contents
FOREWARD 5
1.1 Scope of Document 5
1.2 Document Revisions and Approval 5
1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience 5
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 5
3.0 PLANNING 7
3.1 Risk Management 7
3.1.1 Hazard Identification 7
3.1.2 Risk Assessment (Safe Work Method Statement) 8
3.1.3 Risk Control 9
3.1.4 Design 9
3.1.5 Consultation 10
3.2 Permit to Work (PTW) for Excavation 10
3.3 Identification of Services 10
3.3.1 Site Survey of Area to be Excavated 10
3.3.2 QGC Crossing Process 11
3.3.3 Limits of Approach 11
3.4 Task Rescue Plans 11
3.5 Planning for Backfilling 12
4.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT 13

4.1 Adjacent Work Activities 13
4.2 Ventilation, Harmful Gases and Fumes 13
4.3 Barriers, Barricades and Signage 13
4.4 Public Access 14
4.4.1 Work Near Public Roads or Footpaths 14
4.5 Movement of Vehicles and Plant Near or Over Excavations 14
4.6 Work at Night/Lighting 15
4.7 Adjacent Buildings or Structures 15
4.8 Site Contamination 16
4.8.1 Acid Sulphate Soils 16
5.0 PLANT & EQUIPMENT 16

5.1 Selection and Transport of Excavation Plant and Equipment 16
5.1.1 Selection 16
5.1.2 Transport 16
5.1.3 Specifications 17
5.2 PPE 17
6.0 TRAINING & COMPETENCE 17

6.1 Training Requirements 17
6.2 Engineering Resource 17
7.0 SAFE WORK PRACTICES 18

7.1 Supervision 18
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7.2 JSEA/Step Back 18

7.3 Installed/Live Services 18
7.3.1 Gas Detection 18
7.3.2 In-Field Identification of Live Services 18
7.3.3 Exposure of Live Services 19
7.3.4 Water Excavation Equipment 19
7.3.5 Mechanical Excavation Near Live Services 19
7.3.6 Excavation Near Underground or Overhead Electrical Hazards 19
7.3.7 Service Identification Markers 19
7.3.7.1 Colour Codes for Service Identification 20
7.3.8 Temporary Services 20
7.3.9 Placing Electrical Cables 20
7.4 Access and Egress 20
7.5 Ground Support 21
7.5.1 Depth Less Than 1.2 metres 21
7.5.2 Depth 1.2 Metres or Greater 21
7.5.3 Design 21
7.5.4 Shoring 22
7.5.5 Benching and Battering 22
7.5.6 Narrow Trenches, Ditches and Small Holes 22
7.6 Fall Prevention and Falling Objects 22
7.6.1 Fall Prevention 22
7.6.2 Falling Objects 23
7.6.3 Barricades and Handrails 23
7.6.4 Walkways 23
7.7 Excavated Material 23
7.8 Inspections 24
8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES 24

8.1 Water Management 24
8.2 Waterlogged Ground 24
8.3 Erosion from Adverse Weather 25
8.4 Cultural, Environmental and Archaeological Issues 25
9.0 COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION WORKS 25

9.1 Filling Around Services 25
9.2 Completion of Works 26
10.0 AUDIT AND MANAGEMENT REVIEW 26
Appendices Table of Contents

APPENDIX A Document Distribution Record (RACIE Sheet) 27
APPENDIX B Definitions and References 29
APPENDIX C Change History 35
APPENDIX D Feedback Form 37
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FOREWARD
1.1 Scope of Document

The purpose of this document is to:
provide the operational controls required for performing excavations in accordance with safe working
practices;
define the responsibilities of nominated persons; and
define approvals required for excavation work.
It applies to all excavation work conducted under the QGC Operations PTW process (Refer to QCOPS-
BX00-HSS-PCE-000002), including:
ground penetrations
open excavations; and
trenching and shoring activities.
This procedure has been developed to comply with applicable BG and QGC Standards and is to be used
in conjunction with all applicable legislation, Codes of Practice, and Australian Standards.
Note: Local legislation may contain additional requirements that must also be applied in work activities
and risk assessments.
1.2 Document Revisions and Approval

This document bears a revision status identifier which will change with each revision. All revisions to this
document (after approval and distribution) are subject to review and endorsement by the same functions
as the original.
1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience

This document is intended for Operations members as well as other QGC stakeholders. The document
will be made available on the intranet. This document will be updated during subsequent lifecycle stages
and changes communicated as applicable.
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
The following responsibilities apply for all personnel undertaking activities covered by this document.
Role Responsibility
General Manager a) Ensure that all aspects of the QGC Operations Excavation
Upstream Operations/ Procedure are implemented, resourced and monitored.
b) Ensure emergency response persons are trained and competent
Upstream Projects
to perform emergency rescue from a work situation
General Managers
c) Ensure the PTW system, which includes Excavating as a high
risk activity is effective in operation, documented, and adequately
resourced in material, personnel, and skills.
d) Ensure processes for monitoring, auditing and reviewing the
Excavation procedure are established and maintained.
Field Operations Manager a) Maintain a PTW system that covers Excavation, to ensure that
/ Project Field Area work will be undertaken on QGC work sites with adequate control
Manager measures in place to reduce risk to ALARP.
b) Ensure that identified non-compliances are reported, thoroughly
investigated and remedial actions closed out.
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Role Responsibility
c) Facilitate Excavation consultation and communication processes

across QGC operations for review of the PTW System across all
levels. Ensure Management of Change Processes are in place
where required.
d) Ensure that information, instruction, training and supervision of all
personnel are provided to enable them to perform their work such
that their exposure to the hazards on QGC sites is as low as
reasonably practical.
e) Appoint Endorsing Authorities for high risk tasks involving
Excavation.
f) Implement a process to ensure the design, modification,
purchase and/or hire of plant, equipment and PPE used for
Excavation complies with all applicable statutory requirements
and this procedure.
Area Superintendent a) Ensure Competent Personnel are appointed to manage the
Excavation procedure for the site.
b) Ensure that there is a system to regularly inspect and maintain in
proper working condition all plant, equipment or PPE used for
Excavation on QGC sites.
c) Ensure the development, maintenance and regular review of
hazard and equipment registers for the site that support the
Excavation procedure. This equipment will be tested and certified
for use by licensed and Competent Persons.
d) Ensure emergency response people, systems and processes are
in place for the site. This includes appointing appropriately
trained and Competent Personnel and conducting a full scale
emergency response drill at least annually.
e) Auditing the site for compliance to the Excavation procedure on a
regular basis.
f) Ensure that all employees and contractors using the Excavation
procedure are informed of its requirements; are trained and
competent and understand the need for compliance.
g) Ensure the Excavation procedure is understood and complied
with by all employees and contractors, including monitoring the
effectiveness of the Excavation procedure within their work area.
Area Owner In addition to Area Owner responsibilities detailed in the PTW procedure,
ensure that all excavation tasks in their area are monitored during the
course of the work as per the requirements of this procedure.
Permit Holder or Team In addition to the Permit Holder or Team Leader responsibilities detailed
Leader in the PTW procedure, ensure all excavations work undertaken complies
with the conditions and controls set out in this procedure.
Work Party Member In addition to the Work party Member responsibilities detailed in the PTW
procedure, ensure individual familiarity with the approved PTW content,
including Excavation procedure requirements and comply whilst
completing the task.
Permit Issuer In addition to the Permit Issuer responsibilities set out in the PTW
procedure
a) Ensure that all identified excavation work is undertaken under the
PTW system and that authorisations are obtained from
Excavation Endorsing Authorities when required.
b) Ensure all controls necessary for safe Excavation work are
clearly documented in the SWMS and PTW and its supporting
documentation (Certificates and plans).
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Role Responsibility
Endorsing Authority In addition to the Endorsing Authority responsibilities set out in the PTW
procedure:
a) Certify on the Excavation Certificate that all controls are
appropriate for the task and as per the requirements of this
procedure.
b) Provide advice to the workforce on undertaking safe excavations.
HSSE Manager a) Ensure the Excavation procedure complies with BG Group, QGC
and Australian Regulatory requirements.
b) Ensure the Excavation procedure is audited as per the audit
schedule and monitor close out of non-conformances.
c) Provide advice on Excavation best practice for continuous
improvement.
d) Ensure this procedure is reviewed and kept-up-to-date.
e) Ensure incident investigations are conducted and corrective
actions implemented for any incident involving Excavation.
f) Facilitate Excavation consultation and communication processes
across QGC operations for review of the PTW System across all
levels. Ensure Management of Change Processes are in place
where required.
Permit and Compliance a) Provide guidance on PTW system, including any proposed
Coordinator temporary deviations to all parties as required. This includes
oversight of the Excavation procedure in line with PTW
procedural principles.
b) Ensure that the Excavation procedure is reviewed regularly to
ensure compliance with regulatory and QGC standards, policy
and procedural requirements.
c) Verify all identified excavation work is undertaken under the PTW
system and is consistently applied across all parts of the
operation.
d) Ensure the Excavation procedure is audited as per the audit
schedule and monitor close out of non-conformances.
3.0 PLANNING
3.1 Risk Management

3.1.1 Hazard Identification
As a minimum, the following hazards must be considered when planning excavation activities:
underground and overhead services, including gas, water, sewerage, telecommunications,
electricity, chemicals, and fuel or refrigerant in pipes or lines;
the fall or dislodgement of earth or rock;
falls and falling objects;
inappropriate placement of excavated materials, plant or other loads;
the instability of any adjoining structure caused by the excavation;
the instability of the excavation due to persons or plant working adjacent to the excavation;
the presence of or possible inrush of water or other liquid;
road traffic obstruction caused by the excavation or trench;
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a hazardous atmosphere in the excavation or trench due to:

o gas or flammable liquids from above-ground leaks or spills;
o vehicle/machinery exhaust fumes;
o poor ventilation; or
o oxygen depleting soils
vibration;
lifting and handling hazards (e.g. from scaffolding being lowered into the excavation);
buried munitions;
confined space hazards;
health and ergonomic risks associated with manual excavation techniques;
welfare and sanitation risks associated with remote/temporary worksites, and
contaminated soil.
Controls for all hazards identified must be recorded on the SWMS.
Ground Conditions
In conjunction with the planning process outlined in the Permit to Work Procedure (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-
PCE-000002), before any mechanical excavation works take place, the ground conditions must be
assessed. This can be achieved through boreholes, trial pits or information from previous or current work
in the area. If none of the above is possible, the ground conditions must be examined when excavation
commences.
3.1.2 Risk Assessment (Safe Work Method Statement)

Before any excavation activity occurs, a Competent Person must perform a risk assessment (SWMS) as
part of the work planning process. The SWMS must:
consider all reasonably foreseeable hazards; and
determine the required control measures for these hazards.
All SWMS must be developed in accordance with QGC Safe Work Method Statement Procedure
(QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000005).
The SWMS must be retained with the PTW documentation for the excavation and may be used for
subsequent excavations at the same site if the conditions remain constant and unchanged from the
development of the original SWMS.
The SWMS must consider the reason for the excavation and all applicable hazards associated with the
work and the specific work site. In addition to the general excavation hazards identified in Section 3.1.1,
the SWMS must consider the following job-specific factors:
local site conditions, including access, ground slope, adjacent buildings and structures, water
courses (including underground) and trees;
depth of the excavation;
soil properties, including variable soil types, stability, shear strength, cohesion, presence of ground
water and the effect of exposure to the elements;
proximity of live services to the excavation and minimum approach distances;
potential for sewerage seepage or methane gas/vapour migration;
the condition of the soil substrate;
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fractures or faults in rocks, including joints, bedding planes, dip and strike directions and angles, and
clay seams;
any specialised plant or work methods required (for example ground support, removal of material
below the live service);
the method(s) of transport, haul routes and disposal;
exposures that may occur, such as noise or UV rays;
the number of people involved;
the need to enter/work in the excavation;
the possibility of unauthorised access to the work area;
local weather conditions, and
the length of time the excavation or trench will be open.
For excavations and trenches across roads, the control of traffic and pedestrians must be considered in
the SWMS and consideration must be given to preparing a traffic management plan, for approval by the
Local Road Authority if required.
Confined Spaces
If the SWMS identifies the potential for the excavation to become a confined space (e.g. concentrations of
airborne contaminants in the trench that could lead to impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation),
a Confined Space Identification Risk Assessment (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-FRM-000010) must be completed.
If this assessment confirms the presence of a confined space, the requirements of the QGC Confined
Space Entry Procedure (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000003) must be met in addition to the requirements of
this procedure.
3.1.3 Risk Control
Controls for excavation activities must be selected according to the hierarchy of controls. Wherever
possible, the requirement to excavate should be eliminated. If no single control is sufficient to reduce
excavation risks to the lowest level reasonably practicable, a combination of controls must be used.
Based on the outcome of the risk assessment, all necessary safety systems and equipment, including
PPE, must be provided and an emergency plan must be prepared, commensurate with the risk.
Most Effective Elimination Can the need for excavation be avoided by installing cables or pipes above ground in
pipe racks, cable racks or existing culverts?
Substitution Can an alternate method such as moling, directional drilling or other non-destructive
pipe-laying technique be used instead of open excavation?
Engineering/ Isolation Can barricades, barriers, fencing or handrails be put in place to prevent the risk of
falls?
Can benching, battering or shoring the sides of an excavation reduce the risk of
ground collapse?
Administrative Controls Can procedures, SWMS, PTW, emergency plans, toolbox talks, JSEAs and regular
inspections minimise exposure?
Personal Protective Can hard hats, hearing protection and high-visibility vests protect workers from
Least Effective Equipment excavation hazards?
3.1.4 Design
Designs must optimise the layout, constructability, operability, maintainability and accessibility of facilities,
while at the same time minimising the requirement for excavation or trenching during construction and
subsequent operation.
Excavations and trenches must be sited to minimise excavation risks to people, plant and the
environment, including the possibility of damaging other services in the vicinity.
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Excavations and any supports must be designed in accordance with acceptable engineering principals
and standards.
3.1.5 Consultation
Personnel involved in excavation activities must be consulted during development of the SWMS and
JSEA, and selection of the required controls.
3.2 Permit to Work (PTW) for Excavation

A PTW is required for all excavations deeper than 300mm in brownfield areas.
A PTW is required for excavations less than 300mm in depth unless:
the excavation has been appropriately risk assessed and has been approved by the Area Owner as
a one-off, low-risk activity; or
the task is listed on the sites Approved Task List (ATL).
The PTW must:
identify the reason for the excavation;
list the controls required to safely manage both the excavation and movement around and into the
excavation; and
identify the nominated competent safety observer/spotter.
If personnel will be entering an excavation that has been determined a confined space (refer to Section
3.1.2), a Confined Space Certificate (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-CER-000001) must be issued with the PTW.
If excavation will occur within the 15 metre pipeline exclusion zone, the relevant QGC Area
Superintendent or delegate must be consulted and Guidelines for work near QGC Pipelines (QCOPS-
OPS-HSS-GDL-000001) must accompany the PTW application.
For all Brownfield excavations of 1.2m or greater, a QGC appointed Excavation Endorsing Authority must
review and approve/endorse the PTW application and supporting documentation. An Endorsing Authority
is not required for driving stakes, auguring, boring or piling if there is no risk of a person entering the
excavation.
Third-party service owners must be consulted to obtain approval and determine additional controls
required when working in the vicinity of their services.
The PTW can only be issued when the SWMS and the Excavation Certificate (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-CER -
000003) are complete and the control measures are either in place or ready to be installed as the
excavation proceeds.
Note: Refer to Permit to Work Procedure (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000002)
3.3 Identification of Services

3.3.1 Site Survey of Area to be Excavated
Before physical excavation work begins, the Permit Holder (or person applying for the permit) must
initiate a thorough site or route survey to identify:
any overhead or underground services that may be affected;
the location, depth, size and capacity/rating of any underground pipes, cable or plant associated
with the services; and
any restriction on trenching or excavation activities imposed by the owner of an underground
service.
As a minimum, the survey must include:
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a Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) search completed with sufficient time to allow for any changes in the
work program caused by the identified services (Submit DBYD requests at http://1100.com.au or
phone 1100); and
a review of existing and proposed infrastructure in the QGC Geographical Information System (GIS)
using MapMagic (http://mapmagic).
Particular attention should be given to investigation of secondary infrastructure that may have been
buried with large assets such as fibre optic cables, anode cables, etc.
The results of this survey must be accurately recorded and documentation, including a map and
coordinates of the area to be excavated, must be attached to the PTW. All survey information must be
communicated to the work party before excavation work begins.
Any services identified in the field that were not identified on DBYD and MapMagic searches must be
reported to the QGC GIS team.
3.3.2 QGC Crossing Process
The QGC Crossings Process must be followed for:
all excavations crossing QGC linear infrastructure (including trunklines, gathering lines and fibre-
optic cable); and
all construction work that approaches within 15m of the extremities of any QGC linear infrastructure.
QGC construction contractors must obtain a QGC Crossing reference number before they submit the
PTW request. A crossings application is not required; contact the Crossings Team via email to request
the crossings reference number.
Third parties crossing QGC infrastructure must submit a crossings application and have approval to cross
from the Crossings Team before they submit the PTW request.
Contact the QGC Crossings team at CrossingQGC@bg-group.com and refer to Managing Crossings of
QGC Infrastructure by Third Parties and QGC Contractors (QCLNG-BX00-CON-PCE-000012).
3.3.3 Limits of Approach
A limit of approach specifies the clearances required when working around underground services (and
sometimes overhead services). The limits of approach for identified services must be confirmed by
consulting the service owner, local legislation or guidance material, and must be reflected in the
excavation PTW conditions.
The limits of approach for QGC underground gas and water services are built into the Excavation
Certificate (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-CER -000003). Additional limits of approach must be included in Step G
of the certificate (e.g. limits of approach for overhead power lines).
3.4 Task Rescue Plans

A specific Task Rescue Plan must be developed for any activity where a person is entering an
excavation. This plan must be commensurate with the risks identified for the activity and must consider,
as a minimum:
the nature of the hazard and possible emergencies;
the size and location of the place of work;
the number and mobility of persons at the workplace;
the safe and rapid evacuation of persons from an excavation;
emergency communications (including communication with service owners);
appropriate medical treatment of injured persons;
location of rescue equipment including shoring material;
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location of pumps;
gas monitoring equipment;
unplanned or unforeseen natural disasters such as electrical storms, floods, fire that may present a
hazard to working operations;
the location of the nearest emergency services;
access for rescue vehicles and personnel;
map/aerial picture of area identifying valve locations; and
any other risks identified for the activity.
Control measures within the emergency plan must include:
development and communication of a warning system;
development and communication of safe and rapid evacuation procedures, including injured
persons;
having trained personnel, commensurate with the level of risk, to oversee evacuation and rescue
procedures until emergency authorities arrive;
appropriate medical treatment and evacuation of injured persons;
shutting down of work, including plant and electrical equipment;
provision of fire fighting and rescue equipment at appropriate locations; and
display of evacuation procedures in appropriate location(s) at the work area.
All excavation work party members must be made aware of the task rescue plan and how it relates to
them.
3.5 Planning for Backfilling

Backfilling operations must be considered during the planning process to ensure that the operation is
planned and conducted safely and efficiently while achieving the planned standards of compaction.
As a minimum, the following issues must be considered:
placement of material while personnel are in the excavation;
movement of machines above and around the excavation;
removal of shoring to ensure personnel not exposed to unsupported trench walls;
how the required compaction levels will be obtained;
vibration effects from compaction equipment;
exhaust gases from compaction equipment;
manual lifting of compaction equipment in and out of the trench; and
marking of services with underground marking tapes and surface markings as per local legislative
requirements.
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4.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Adjacent Work Activities
Zone of Influence
A zone of influence must be determined and marked around each excavation. Heavy loads, including
plant, vehicles, spoil piles and stored materials must not be operated or located in the Zone of Influence
unless a Competent Person has designed the ground support system installed.
Vibrating Machinery
Vibrating or impact machinery must not be operated within the zone of influence when personnel are in
the excavation.
Work Separation
Workers and work tasks in excavations must be sufficiently separated to avoid injury.
Workers must also be separated from active digging faces and active dumps to avoid being struck by:
falling material;
an excavator bucket; or
any part of the excavator within the excavator swing radius.
Working alone in an excavation is not permitted. There must be a dedicated spotter at all times.
4.2 Ventilation, Harmful Gases and Fumes

The task risk assessment (SWMS) must consider the potential for exhaust gases from equipment outside
the excavation to enter the workings, and for exhaust gases from equipment inside the excavation to be
not carried away from the work area by natural ventilation.
Where mechanical ventilation equipment is required to establish and maintain a safe environment, the
equipment must be monitored regularly and have the controls, including any remote power supply,
identified and tagged to prevent any unauthorised or accidental interference.
4.3 Barriers, Barricades and Signage

The perimeter of all excavations or trenches must be secured to prevent unauthorised access of
personnel into the work area. Methods include:
barricades/barriers;
fencing; and
handrails.
Barriers or stop blocks must be installed where there is an identified risk of plant (e.g. cranes, dumpers,
tip trucks, etc.) manoeuvring too close to the edge of the excavation and either affecting the stability of
the edge or falling in.
Barriers must be:
made of substantial material (excavated material can be used);
at least 900mm high;
installed at least 1.0m from the edge of the excavation unless approved by a Competent Person;
and
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installed outside of the zone of influence i.e. horizontal clearance equal to trench depth.
Webbing fences and hard warning tape are not acceptable barriers for fall protection and must only be
used for pedestrian traffic management.
Trenches must be back filled as soon as practicable, or, as a minimum, covered with a substantial cover
or barricaded. Trenches must not be left open overnight in vehicle or pedestrian traffic areas. When an
excavation is opened exposing a buried asset, protection measures must be put in place to protect the
asset from vehicle impact if identified as a risk during the Risk Assessment or deemed as required by the
relevant Superintendent.
When an excavation is to be left open and unattended:
clear and sufficient signs must be posted at the entrances to the excavation to highlight the
excavation hazard and any particular hazards encountered within the excavation (e.g. confined
spaces);
adequate barriers must be in place to avoid danger to pedestrians and vehicles;
suitable lighting and reflective signage must be installed, where appropriate; and
the area must be regularly inspected.
4.4 Public Access

Particular care must be taken in and around areas where the general public may have access to an
excavation:
In remote locations or where the general public may not have access, the Area Superintendent must
review requirements for barricading and must ensure that adequate hazard demarcation and
protection is provided.
For excavations in the public domain or within third-party property or land, the protective system
must display the Principal Contractors contact details for reporting defective barriers or unsafe
excavations.
4.4.1 Work Near Public Roads or Footpaths
Excavation and trenching works near public roads and footpaths must not put the public or workers at
risk:
As a minimum, the barrier and signage requirements contained in the Queensland Manual of
uniform traffic control devices Part 3: Works on roads must be complied with.
In addition, local legislation or guidance information may prescribe clearances and approvals
required before working in the vicinity of roads or footpaths. Local council approvals or permits must
be attached as supporting documentation to the QGC PTW.
4.5 Movement of Vehicles and Plant Near or Over Excavations

Vehicles and plant must not be brought alongside excavations or trenches unless:
it is essential to do so; and
a Competent Person has approved the movement.
If it is required to cross buried infrastructure with vehicles, approvals must be obtained from the relevant
area and asset department if required. Refer to Guidelines for work Near QGC Pipelines QCOPS-OPS-
HSS-GDL-000001.
If the excavation needs to be temporarily bridged, a Competent Person must determine the use and
design of temporary bridging. When road plates are used for temporary bridging:
the trench sides must be stable or adequately supported (considering the anticipated traffic loading);
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no person must work or pass under a road plate unless traffic is halted;
the plate must be of sufficient length to be firmly supported for at least 600mm on each side of the
trench and of sufficient width to provide a distance of at least 250 mm from the wheels of vehicles to
the edge of the plate (or as determined by a Competent Person);
the thickness of the plate must be sufficient to support the range of traffic encountered;
ramps must be formed of a suitable material where the road plate is proud of the road surface;
consideration should be given to securing the road plates by pinning or sinking into the roadway
when the site is not attended or when subject to frequent use by heavy vehicles;
appropriate ramp warning signs must be displayed;
they must be regularly inspected if the site is unmanned;
appropriate lifting and handling precautions must be taken to ensure that the road plates are
transported, installed and removed safely; and
fabricated bridges must have engineering certification for load bearing capacity.
4.6 Work at Night/Lighting

Excavations must be sufficiently lit to:
make hazards visible;
conduct work tasks safely; and
safely evacuate the area in the event of an emergency.
Excavations in public areas and near permanent public access ways must have their edges illuminated.
Battery operated flashing lights placed at intervals are usually sufficient.
In deeper excavations or during times of reduced visibility, lighting may be necessary to allow work to
proceed safely. The lighting must be placed so that the level of illumination at the working area is not less
than 200 LUX and access ways and working areas are free of glare and deep shadow.
Lighting must be guarded and installed to prevent damage and power leads must be protected from water
ingress and mechanical damage. All electrical items must comply with the QGC Electrical Safety
Procedures.
Further information can be found in:
AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations Construction and demolition sites (Section 2.7 Lighting
and luminaries)
AS 2293.1 2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings Part 1: System design,
installation and operation (Section 5 Design of emergency escape luminaire installation)
4.7 Adjacent Buildings or Structures

Excavation work which is likely to impact on the stability and security (including stress cracks) on any part
of a structure must not commence until adequate protection measures are employed to monitor and
maintain the existing structural integrity of the asset.
Any excavation below the level of the footing of any structure or retaining wall that could affect the
stability of the structure must be secured by a suitable ground support system unless the excavation is in
stable rock, as determined by a Competent Person. Suitable supports for the structure may also be
required.
In all cases, the Permit Holder must ensure that adjacent buildings or structures are not adversely
affected by vibration or concussion during the excavation work. Precautions must be taken to ensure that
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buildings or structures containing equipment sensitive to shock and vibration are adequately protected if
temporary relocation of the equipment is not possible.
Excavation work must be carried out in a manner that does not cause flooding or water penetration to any
adjacent building or structure.
4.8 Site Contamination

Contaminated sites require special management during excavation. Personnel may be exposed to
contamination in the soil through inhalation, ingestion (swallowing) and through skin absorption. These
substances may include heavy metals, hydrocarbons, insecticides, asbestos, silica dust, combustible
material, or biologically harmful material from buried wastes.
If it is determined that these substances may be present or if they are encountered during the excavation
process:
a system to eliminate or control these hazards must be investigated and implemented; and
a strategy must be developed for the storage and eventual treatment or disposal of these materials.
The Area Superintendent must ensure that any material imported as fill or exported as waste material has
been evaluated for contamination.
Note: In some circumstances, exporting contaminated material from a site requires Local/State
Government approvals and these must be obtained before the material is allowed to leave the site.
4.8.1 Acid Sulphate Soils
Acid sulphate soils are common in low-lying coastal areas and represent a significant environmental
threat when unearthed. The Area Superintendent must ensure geo-technical assessment of the site
investigates the potential of encountering acid sulphate soils during excavation operations.
Where acid sulphate soil is identified as a risk:
all personnel involved in excavations must receive training in how to recognise acid sulphate soils
and how to manage the risks; and
the risk must be managed and treated through the application of lime or by ensuring that the
affected area is submerged to control oxidation.
5.0 PLANT & EQUIPMENT
5.1 Selection and Transport of Excavation Plant and Equipment

5.1.1 Selection
Plant and equipment used for excavation must be:
suitable for the work to be done;
suitable for the location of the work site; and
inspected by a Competent Person prior to use.
5.1.2 Transport
All excavation plant and equipment must be:
transported to the work site on an appropriate trailer, truck or carrier; and
inspected before it enters the worksite to ensure it is free of soil and weeds.
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5.1.3 Specifications
As a minimum:
ride-on tracked, wheeled or rubber-tyre vehicles entering an excavation must be fitted with a
certified FOPS cab or canopy and ROPS;
tracked, wheeled and rubber-tyre heavy equipment working around an excavation should be fitted
with a ROPS cab or canopy;
all excavators working on the site must have ROPS/FOPS cabs or canopies; and
all electrical and fuel-powered equipment introduced into an excavation must be in good mechanical
and electrical order.
5.2 PPE
All personnel operating excavating equipment and working in the vicinity of excavation work must wear
appropriate PPE. In addition to QGC minimum field PPE requirements, other PPE may be required if
personnel are:
exposed to hazardous substances or contaminated soils;
entering confined or restricted areas; or
conducting activities within the excavation that require additional precautions (e.g. double eye/face
protection for grinding works).
6.0 TRAINING & COMPETENCE
6.1 Training Requirements

Personnel performing excavation work must be qualified, trained and competent for the task and the level
of risk involved. Specific competencies required for the work (e.g. confined space training) must be
identified during the work planning process.
As a minimum, all personnel involved in excavation activities:
must have a current general construction induction card; and
must have been trained and assessed as competent at a level appropriate to their role and level of
responsibility.
In addition, all operators of plant used for excavation must have been verified as competent.
6.2 Engineering Resource

The business must provide an engineering resource who is available to provide guidance on identifying
and mitigating excavation risks. As a minimum:
this person must have at least three years experience in stabilising trenches; and
this person must be a geo-technical engineer or hold a qualification that covers:
o relevant standards, legislation and codes of practice;
o risk identification, assessment and controls specific to trenching collapse;
o safe work practices for installing controls;
o planning and preparing for trenching work;
o identifying underground services; and
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o identifying soil types and other factors that affect the stability of a trench.
7.0 SAFE WORK PRACTICES
7.1 Supervision
A competent QGC representative must be present for the identification, exposure and excavation of:
any live gas or electricity services, regardless of voltage or pressure;
any other service within 3 metres of a live gas or electrical service;
any other services identified as high risk; and
The QGC representative must be present whenever excavation activities get within 3m of the above
services. This person must have experience and skills commensurate with the level of risk involved in the
task.
A contractor supervisor must be present for:
the identification, exposure and excavation of all known services, regardless of identified risk; and
any mechanical excavation within 15m of a live service.
The permit holder for the excavation activity must be on site at all times during excavation activities.
7.2 JSEA/Step Back

Immediately before an excavation task begins, the work group must use the JSEA and/or Step Back
process to:
identify any new/ unique hazards specific to the work area; and
ensure all persons involved with the activity are aware of the work hazards and the controls
required.
7.3 Installed/Live Services

7.3.1 Gas Detection
Where relevant, appropriate controls must be implemented to prevent accidental ignition of flammable
vapour or gas. If the risk is identified, the work area must be monitored using approved and correctly
calibrated gas detectors before and during the work activity. Refer to AS 2885.3:2001 Pipelines - Gas and
liquid petroleum - Operation and maintenance.
7.3.2 In-Field Identification of Live Services
All installed underground services must be located and identified in-field before excavation begins. Once
the position of the service has been confirmed using instrument cable/pipe locators and mechanical
probes, the service must be visually identified through potholing. When potholing:
hand digging or vacuum excavation must be used;
picks and crowbars must not be used;
a contractor supervisor must be present; and
a QGC representative must confirm the identification and location of the service before any further
excavation activity begins.
If the identified service is not going to be fully exposed at the time of identification, it must be identified
with colour-coded conduit (see Section 7.4.1).
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Note: Positive identification of services must occur within a minimum of 3 metres (dependant on
workplace risk assessment) of the planned excavation; this includes the area used to bench or batter.
7.3.3 Exposure of Live Services
In all cases, known services must be vacuum or hand excavated (without picks or crowbars) until fully
exposed. The excavation must be witnessed by the contractor supervisor. (Also refer to Section 7.1 for
QGC supervision requirements).
When pipes are to be laid across existing services by horizontal directional drilling, the safe passage must
be verified by opening an excavation above the crossing point. Separation distances between existing
and new assets must be agreed by the asset owner prior to installation.
If any damage is caused to an underground service, no matter how minor, it must be reported as soon as
possible. Work must only continue once the damage has been repaired, or it has been assessed and
confirmed by a Competent Person that it is safe to do so.
7.3.4 Water Excavation Equipment
Water excavation equipment capable of more than 3200psi requires a level 2 risk assessment and
relevant Site Safety Manager approval before a PTW can be issued.
7.3.5 Mechanical Excavation Near Live Services
Mechanical excavation (including auguring and boring) is not permitted:
directly above live services, irrespective of the depth; and
within 1m diagonally and 1m below any known live service.
All mechanical excavation in close proximity (defined as one bucket width) to the 1m exclusion zone must
be undertaken with a blunt scraper. Tiger teeth are not permitted.
If it is not possible to comply with the criteria above due to the presence of rock:
the current permit to work must be immediately cancelled
a formal risk assessment must be performed; and
a new permit to work must be approved by the relevant Site Safety Manager and issued.
A spotter must always be present during the excavation.
7.3.6 Excavation Near Underground or Overhead Electrical Hazards
Specific work controls must be developed for work near under underground or overhead power lines.
These must include:
the option of isolating the electrical service;
the use of a competent spotter;
the use of warning signs and notices; and
the application of exclusion zones.
Written safety advice must be obtained from the Asset Owner. Refer to QGC Safe Access to Low Voltage
Electrical Apparatus Procedure (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000011) and QGC Safe Access to High
Voltage Apparatus Procedure (QCLNG-BX00-HSS-PCE-000105) and Electrical Safety Act 2002.
7.3.7 Service Identification Markers
Underground services and identification markers, such as flags or survey pegs, must be consistently
colour coded. Details of the colour coding must be included as part of the Excavation Certificate.
Identification survey pegs must be uniquely labelled or numbered and must include information
referencing service type, pipe/conduit configuration and known service depth.
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Note: Older services may not be colour coded in accordance with modern systems or may be housed in
a duct or other covering that is incorrectly coloured for that particular service (e.g. an electrical cable that
is wrongly sheathed within a white telecommunication duct). Dirty service equipment and/or poor light
conditions (e.g. during emergency work at night) may make services appear a different colour to what
they actually are).
7.3.7.1 Colour Codes for Service Identification
As a guide, the following marking colours are often used for marking services (as per AS/NZS 4130
APIA Code of Practice Upstream Gathering Networks CSG Industry). These colours are to be used
within QGC.
Application Colour
(AS/NZS 4130 APIA Code of Practice Upstream
Gathering Networks CSG Industry)
Drinking Water (Potable Water) Blue

White
Recycled Water Purple
Pressure Sewer Cream
Gravity Sewer (utility) & Grey
Sanitary Drainage (private)
Storm Water N/A
Electrical Orange
Gas Yellow
Communications White
7.3.8 Temporary Services
Where electrical cables or other services are laid in trenches for temporary service supply, they must be
protected (with conduits, slabs, etc.) and marked in accordance with the relevant legislative and
Australian Standards requirements.
7.3.9 Placing Electrical Cables
Electrical cables must be covered by at least 600mm of fill. If the cover is less than 900mm a strip of
bright orange polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene must be placed above the cable. The strip must have
continuous markings on the upper surface indicating that an electrical cable is below. Refer to Electrical
Safety Code of Practice 2010
7.4 Access and Egress

Safe and sufficient means of access and egress must be provided at all times whenever and wherever
personnel are working in an excavation:
a minimum of two access/egress points must be in place for every 9m of excavation;
ladders may be used but they must extend at least 1m above the top of the excavation; and
where possible, ladders must be placed at or near junctions or corners of an excavation.
If an excavation is more than 1.2m deep, the following control measures must be applied:
The Permit Holder must ensure there is ladder access installed at least every 9 metres of length;
For excavations shorter than 9 metres, an emergency means of access must be provided. This can
take the form of:
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o a second ladder placed near the excavation that can be installed quickly ;or
o ingress /egress ramps at either end of the excavation;
Personnel must not work alone. The Permit Holder must enforce this; and
Entry points must be secured when work is suspended and the excavation is left unmanned. This
protection must include, where appropriate, the use of lighting and reflective signage (see Section
4.6).
7.5 Ground Support

7.5.1 Depth Less Than 1.2 metres
Excavations of less than 1.2m depth do not need to be shored, benched or battered unless they pose an
unacceptable risk to workers or the public. When determining this risk, the following factors must be
considered:
soil type and condition (e.g. acid sulphate soils);
accessibility to the public;
protection and barricading required;
expected duration of exposure;
the proximity of heavy equipment to persons in or around the trench;
the position of the water table in relation to the bottom of the excavation; and
the requirement for de-watering, and whether it will affect the stability of the trench.
Where the site assessment indicates an unacceptable risk of injury through excavation collapse, or where
there is a possibility of the sides of an excavation becoming unstable (e.g. because of ground conditions
and/or superimposed loading), the excavation must be supported irrespective of depth.
7.5.2 Depth 1.2 Metres or Greater
Excavations deeper than 1.2m must be controlled to prevent the risk of collapse. This may include being
supported on all sides by shoring, benching, battering, or any combination of these.
Workers in excavations deeper than 1.2m must never work outside the protection of ground support
systems, no matter the circumstances.
As part of the planning process for an excavation deeper than 1.2m, a Competent Person must examine
the ground conditions and submit a statement in writing detailing the findings of the examination. This
statement must include:
the type(s) of ground encountered;
the calculations used in deciding the method of protection required, if relevant; and
any other specific issues that need to be addressed.
This statement must be signed by the Competent Person and kept on with the PTW.
7.5.3 Design
All ground supports must be designed by a Competent Person for the specific work activity and installed
by a competent, trained person. The design must consider:
soil classification;
depth of excavation;
water content of the soil;
weather impacts on site conditions; and
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adjacent operations.
The Area Superintendent must ensure all methods of ground support are designed in accordance with
acceptable engineering principles, published technical standards and legislative requirements.
7.5.4 Shoring
Shoring or ground support (in the form of rock bolts, shotcrete etc.) must:
be installed as per the engineered design requirements;
be installed without delay as the excavation progresses;
extend at least 300mm above the edge of the excavation, or a fender board of the same height must
be provided.
Workers installing the system must be given clear installation instructions, including drawings. If the
installation differs from the design, all changes must be referred back to a Competent Person for
approval.
Shoring must be inspected:
daily, before any work commences;
after any fall of the sides or working face; or
after blasting.
Shoring must be dismantled in the reverse order to its installation.
7.5.5 Benching and Battering
Benching and battering may be used to support excavations:
where space and conditions permit; and
where the decision has been approved by a Competent Person.
A Competent Person or a geo-technical engineer must give written approval if the overall slope of the
benched or battered wall exceeds 45 degrees to the horizontal (i.e. the benches are higher than their
width).
7.5.6 Narrow Trenches, Ditches and Small Holes

Shoring, benching and battering is generally not required if it is impossible for a person to fully enter the
trench, ditch or round penetration, irrespective of the depth of the excavation. However, these narrow
excavations still constitute a hazard for other reasons, and therefore due consideration must be given to
implementing effective controls for those hazards (e.g. covering, barricading etc.).
7.6 Fall Prevention and Falling Objects

The task risk assessment (SWMS) must determine the controls required to protect personnel in
excavations from falls and falling objects.
7.6.1 Fall Prevention
As a minimum, the following fall-prevention controls must be considered:
clearly defined and protected pedestrian detours;
intermediate platforms for deep excavations;
safe means of movement between different levels of the excavation;
an adequate fall arrest system; and
backfilling as work progresses.
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All controls must be properly installed and maintained until the work is completed or until there is no
longer any risk of personnel falling into the excavation.
Where the risk of falling/work at heights has been identified by risk assessment, all required fall
prevention/work at height controls must be in place.
7.6.2 Falling Objects
Where falling object hazards have been identified:
overhead protective structures must be provided; and
toe boards must be installed in deep excavations.
Loads must not be lifted, suspended or moved over a person under any circumstances.
Note: The risk of material falling into an excavation increases during high winds.
7.6.3 Barricades and Handrails
Where a person could fall 1.0m or more into an excavation, barricades or handrails must be installed as
soon as practicable after excavation.
If barricades or handrails are removed to allow access for plant or materials, they must be re-installed as
soon as the access is no longer required.
7.6.4 Walkways
Walkways across trenches must meet the requirements of AS1657 Fixed platforms, walkways,
stairways and ladders Design, construction and installation: guard rails must be at a height above
the walkway of not less than 900mm or more than 1100mm;
another rail is required with a gap of no more than 450mm between it and the top of the toe board
or the top rail unless the there is a sheet of sturdy mesh, sheeting or other material between the top
rail and the toe board;
toe boards must extend at least 100mm above the surface of the walkway and the gap between the
toe board and the walkway must not exceed 10mm; and
the minimum width for walkways with guard rails on both sides is 550mm; otherwise the minimum
width is 600 mm. The recommended width for two way traffic is 900mm.
Note: refer also to QGC Fall Prevention Procedure (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000004).
7.7 Excavated Material

Care must be taken to prevent the weight of excavated material (spoil) contributing to excess loading and
collapse of the excavation edge.
To prevent debris falling into the excavation:
at least 600mm of space must be left between the excavation and spoil in unoccupied excavations;
and
at least 1.0m of space must be left between the excavation and spoil in excavations occupied by
personnel.
In all cases, excavated materials must be placed to present no risk to personnel, pedestrians, road traffic
or other work activities.
Where the spoil is to be re-used:
the surface materials must be kept separate from the subsoil to allow soil layers to be replaced in
the correct order; and
the spoil should be protected against adverse wet weather conditions; and
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the spoil should be covered to maintain moisture content.

For excavations in trafficked roads, excavated soil should be placed to form an additional barrier against
traffic, if possible.
7.8 Inspections
The Area Superintendent must ensure that a documented system of regular inspections is in place for
trenches and excavations. A Competent Person must conduct an inspection:
before the start of each shift;
after any ground slip or collapse of a section of wall;
after any substantial rain event which may have led to water ingress;
after any change in ground conditions (e.g. dry weather);
after every blast;
after any hazardous substances or material is encountered; and
after any change in site conditions (e.g. other construction activities taking place in the vicinity).
As a minimum, the inspection must cover:
potential instability in the work area, including excessive edge loading;
the adequacy of the working space, and access and egress for personnel in the excavation;
the adequacy of supports and barriers; and
risks posed to adjacent work workers.
Any issues identified during the inspection must be corrected as soon as practicable, and before any
other work takes place in the excavation.
Copies of the inspection results must be held with the PTW documentation at a prominent location in the
work area.
Note: Any person in the work area may stop the excavation works if the works appear to be unsafe.
8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES
8.1 Water Management

Controls must be in place to manage water entering the excavation and draining from the works. Sources
of water ingress include seepage, flooding from other existing watercourses, flooding from storm events
and flooding from burst water mains and sewers in the excavation. Tidal or stream effects may also
impact excavations in coastal or fluvial environments.
Disposal of water must be given careful consideration. Water that has occupied a trench or excavation
for even a short period may not be suitable for direct discharge to local waters or the storm water system.
The Area Superintendent must ensure the quality of water requiring disposal has been assessed and that
disposal meets local/State government regulations.
8.2 Waterlogged Ground

Where waterlogged ground conditions are expected and water-removing equipment is required, it is
usually satisfactory to pump from sumps within the excavation. Where in-trench pumps are used for
prolonged periods, particularly in ground of a sandy or silty nature, it may be necessary to install suitable
filters behind sump linings to prevent loss of ground which could affect stability. Similar filters may be
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necessary along the trench sides in extreme conditions. Trench sumps must not be excavated to such a
depth that they present a hazard.
Alternative water removing methods must be considered in any of the following circumstances:
where it is proposed to excavate through running sand or water bearing peat;
where pumping from trench sumps is inadequate to keep trenches free from water;
where deep excavations have to be made in waterlogged ground; and
where excavations are to be present for a considerable period of time in waterlogged ground.
Alternative measures include sumps external to the excavation, well points, electro-osmosis and
consolidation by freezing or by chemical process. Where it is anticipated that such measures will be
needed, the advice of a suitability qualified engineer experienced in such works must be sought.
8.3 Erosion from Adverse Weather

To prevent erosion from adverse weather, excavations must be planned to:
minimise the erosive effects of concentrated flow;
reduce total soil disturbance;
reduce total slope length and gradient;
provide stabilising ground cover protection from the effects of raindrop impact.
8.4 Cultural, Environmental and Archaeological Issues

Trenching and excavation operations may unearth or damage the cultural or ecological value of a site
(e.g. remnant vegetation or aboriginal artefacts). Before beginning work in an area where this may be an
issue, the Area Superintendent must ensure that the cultural, ecological and archaeological value of the
site has been assessed and appropriate measures are in place to maintain the values identified.
9.0 COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION WORKS
9.1 Filling Around Services

Where services are installed in trenches, care must be taken not to damage the service or any coating or
wrapping during backfilling works. To protect pipe coatings and polyethylene pipe, subsoil fill must be
clean, moist and free from sharp stones greater than 18 mm in size. Backfill soil may be sieved to meet
this requirement or soil may be imported as required.
Fine fill material should be packed firmly around pipes or fittings to give a minimum compacted thickness
of 75mm. Cementitious materials must not be used as fine fill material around pipes.
When placing fine fill around large diameter pipes, or where the side gap between the wall of the
excavation and the pipe is greater than 75mm, special care must be taken to ensure firm compaction of
the fine fill especially around the lower half of the pipe.
The required thickness of other levels of reinstatement will depend on the location of the excavation (e.g.
private land, carriageway, footway, etc.) and the requirements of the landowner or management authority.
All unbound materials used in these levels must be placed in layers no deeper than 300mm within the
trench and firmly compacted using approved mechanical compaction equipment.
Excavated material may be suitable for re-use as backfill material provided that the material is moist,
does not contain any particles larger than 75 mm and is uniformly graded, but not single sized.
Use of cement or stabilised sand over buried assets must be approved by the asset owner.
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9.2 Completion of Works

At the completion of the work, the work site must be cleared of all rocks, soil and other debris and
returned, as far as is practicable, to its original condition or finished to an agreed plan. Any re-vegetation
of the work area must be conducted with suitable species and in consultation with relevant local
government personnel.
Drawings and other documentation must be updated to reflect any changes due to the work just
completed.
10.0 AUDIT AND MANAGEMENT REVIEW

QGC HSSE must conduct periodic audits and reviews of:
operational procedures, work control arrangements and other requirements applicable to excavation
activities; and
workplace application of this procedure.
All audits must comply with Governance & Assurance Standard (QCGGC-BX00-HSS-STD-000005).
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APPENDIX A DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION RECORD (RACIE SHEET)

DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION SHEET
Consulted:
Enter name/position of those required to review the document (excl. Key Consulted persons see
forward)
Informed:
Enter name/position of those to receive the completed document
Responsible Person: Lynn OMalley Principal Technical Advisor HSSE Upstream Operations
Accountable Person: Richard Schokman General Manager Upstream Operations
Endorser: Peter Thompson Vice President Production Operations
QGC Operations and Projects Personnel
QGC HSSE Training.Compliance@bg-group.com
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RACIE Terms
R Responsible: the person who actually produces the document
A Accountable: the person who has to answer for the success or failure of the quality and timeliness of
the document
C Consulted: those who must be consulted before the document is published
I Informed: those who must be informed after the document is published
E Endorsed: the person who must approve the document before publication
Revision Record
Issue Date Reason for Issue Responsible Accountable

A 4.04.12 Issued for comment L OMalley Rod McPherson
0 29.05.12 Issued as Final L OMalley Rod McPherson
Revised to align with QGC Excavation and
1 11.12.13 L OMalley Richard Schokman
Trenching Standard Issued for review
2 5.02.14 Issued for use L OMalley Richard Schokman
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APPENDIX B DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCES

Definitions
In this document, the following definitions apply:
Term Meaning
Angle of repose The slope at which dumped or excavated material is naturally stable and does not
fall away
Backfill Material used for refilling excavations
Barricade An object such as jersey kerb or plant capable of providing effective protection
against traffic entering the work site. IMPORTANT: Barricade/Barriers <4.2m clear
of traffic at 60kmph, <3.0m clear of traffic at <60kmph and <6.8m clear of traffic at
80kmph require design verification and signoff by the traffic engineer (check with
local/state requirements)
Barrier A self-supporting structure or a self-supporting series of continuous solid barriers
erected or placed to restrict the entry to a workplace
Batter or slope The angle of an excavation in relation to the horizontal
Battering The development of a sloped wall to an excavation to a predetermined angle.
Benching The development of stepped sides to an excavation to lessen the overall slope of
the excavated walls to a predetermined angle
CAD Coordinator Person (engineer, senior surveyor etc.) with the capability to access and use the
current services model or equivalent process/system. This person can be assigned
the responsibility to provide services information as identified in survey
documentation, services drawings, as built construction drawings and provide
overlay drawings such as service locations onto design drawings
Closed Sheeting A continuous frame with vertical or horizontal sheathing planks placed side by side
to form a continuous retaining wall supported by other members of a support
system used to secure the face of an excavation
Competent Person A person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience the
knowledge and skills to carry out the task test or inspect equipment. Generally
'competency' is assessed by QGC or a third party.
Note: In relation to performing an inspection or other task for a control measure,
means a person who has acquired, through training, qualifications or experience the
knowledge and skills to do the task in a safe way, including knowledge of relevant
Australian Standards, Industry Standards, Codes of Practice and other legislation.
Confined Space Entry All situations where a person is entering or partially entering a space that:
is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person;
is designed or intended to be at normal atmospheric pressure while the person
is in the space;
is likely to be a risk to health and safety from:
o an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level
o contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause
injury from fire or explosion
o harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants
o engulfment
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Term Meaning
Construction Zone A defined location that has been formally identified with clearly defined boundaries
in which the following activities may occur:
a Greenfield or Brownfield site with special cordoned off barriers and denoted
safe for the purpose of the work to be done;
excavation, including the excavation or filling of trenches, ditches, shafts, wells,
tunnels and pier holes, and the use of caissons and cofferdams;
building, including the construction (including the manufacturing of prefabricated
elements of a building at the place of work concerned), alteration, renovation,
repair, maintenance and demolition of all types of buildings; and
civil engineering, including the construction, structural alteration, repair,
maintenance and demolition of, for example, gas wells, pipelines, ponds,
compression plant, power stations, roads, bridges and tunnels, and works
related to the provision of services such as communications, drainage,
sewerage, water and energy supplies, etc.
Cover A steel plate or other suitable material capable of withstanding the loads that may
be imposed upon it and of sufficient weight or secured to prevent unauthorised
removal.
Dial before you dig A free referral service for information on underground pipes and cables anywhere is
(DBYD) Australia.
Disconnected service Applies to all services power/communications/gas/sewer-water/storm water, etc.)
A disconnected service is one which is rendered permanently out of service
These services are decommissioned, disconnected /cut off from the supply
source with the intention that they are redundant they are no longer part of
the service owners operational network.
Earthmoving Operator controlled mobile plant used to excavate, load, transport, compact or
machinery spread earth, overburden, rubble, spoil, aggregate or similar material, but does not
include a tractor or industrial lift truck
Excavation A hole in the earth, or a face of earth, formed after rock, sand, soil or other material
is removed.
Exclusion Zone An area from which all persons are excluded during excavation work
Face An exposed sloping or vertical surface resulting from the excavation of material
Fence Continuous enclosure not less than 1800mm in height that prevents unauthorised
access to the work area and of such strength to remain erect in position during all
conditions
FOPS Acronym for falling object protection system A protective structure over an
operating cabin of a vehicle designed to prevent object falling from above from
entering the operators station-Often integrated with a ROPS cabin but may be
installed as a stand-alone system
Geo-technical An engineer, whose qualifications are acceptable for membership in the Institution
engineer of Engineers Australia and who has qualifications and experience in soil stability,
soil mechanics and excavations
Greenfield Zone A formally designated Zone that has been clearly identified, fully risk assessed, and
has been demonstrated to have limited operating infrastructure, live services or
above or below ground, prior to new work being undertaken.
Handrail A rail one meter in height (plus or minus 100mm) effectively supported, security and
of such rigidity and strength capable of providing support so as to prevent persons
falling
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Term Meaning
Isolated Service Applies to all services power/ communications/ gas/ sewer-water/ storm water etc.
An isolated service is one, which is rendered temporarily out of service. I.e.
electrical services power outage/water supply cut off stop valves closed/
sewer mains plugged etc.
Services are isolated for one of two purposes:
o To enable work to be carried out in close proximity to the service in
safety or to minimise risk of electrocution/explosion/fire/fluid leakage if
the service is inadvertently damaged during work activities; or
o To enable work on the service (cut tee into water main, install sewer
junction, CCTV camera inspection, connect power to switch gear etc.)
to be undertaken safely and in such a manner that temporary disruption
of supply to consumers/public is controlled
Job Safety and A component of QGCs overall risk management process that occurs at the area of
Environment Analysis work immediately prior to commencement of the task under a PTW
(JSEA) A JSEA involves conducting a work party review of all relevant HSSE
documentation associated with the task and capturing any additional hazards not
already identified (e.g. in the, PTW, SOP or SWMS), assessing the risk/s and
deciding on appropriate controls to reduce the risks
Level 2 Risk A risk assessment facilitated by a competent person independent of the work.
Assessment
Limits of approach A table, modified to suit local requirements which specifies the minimum distance
between the service and mechanical or hand excavation
Non destructive A process of digging holes with the use of air and water whilst the debris is
digging vacuumed and saved for back fill
Operator protective A roll-over protective structure (ROPS), falling object protective structure (FOPS),
device operator restraining device and seatbelt
Overburden Surface soil that must be displaced
Permit Holder A person deemed competent and approved by QGC to carry out the work specified
on a PTW and to whom a PTW can be issued by the Permit Issuer
Permit Issuer A person deemed competent and approved by QGC to define the control measures
to be implemented in establishing a safe work environment for the Work Party and
issue PTW and supporting documents
Positive identification Measures have been undertaken to determine that the service located is actually
the service it is believed to be:
Measures include pot holing - soft dig options including non destructive
excavation methods and scanning /detection techniques
Potholing The use of a high pressure water and vacuum system to safely locate buried
pipelines and cables
Powered mobile plant Plant that us provided with some form of self propulsion that is ordinarily under the
direct control of an operator
Prescribed Information about an underground service, necessary to safely undertake
information excavation/trenching work at or near the service, including:
(a) The location of the service
(b) The type of the service
(c) The depth of the service
(d) For an electrical servicewhether the service is live; and
(e) The restrictions to be followed in doing the work
31 of 37
Upstream Operations
Term Meaning
Runners Any timbers, metal or sheet piling used to form the vertical members if an
excavation support
Safe Slope The steepest slope at which an excavated face is stable against slips and slides,
having regard to the qualities of the material in the face, the height of the face, the
load above the face and the moisture conditions
Safe Work Method A work statement produced as part of the submission for a Permit to Work that:
Statement (SWMS) identifies the work activity to be undertaken and the proposed steps in the job;
states the safety hazards and or associated risks for each step;
describes the control measures that will be applied to the work activity and the
revised risk;
and includes a description of the equipment used in the work and the competencies
of the workers.
Scafftag Propriety trade mark commonly used to refer to a system of tagging scaffolds or
other equipment to visibly record inspections and status
Service authority The owner, controller or operator of an underground or overhead service-
For the purpose of this guideline an underground or overhead service includes
electrical, water, sewage and drainage, gas, telecommunications, petrochemicals
and hazardous substances
Must A mandatory term no deviation is permitted without written approval from the
Group Technical Authority.
Shoring The use of timber, steel or other structural material to provide effective and
adequate temporary support to maintain the stability of the walls of the excavation
Soft dig Is a non-mechanical means to expose / identify the location of underground
services by using wooden handled or other insulated implements, i.e. shovels,
mattocks etc.-Non destructive excavation includes methods such as Vacuum
techniques
Soldier Vertical upright timber or steel element used for supporting a trench wall
Strut or screw jack A timber or steel member usually horizontal in compression, resisting thrust or
pressure from the face or faces of an excavation. Screw jack struts are adjustable
Support Structure A shoring system to maintain the stability of the walls and roof of an excavation and
includes a trench shield
Tom Structural member used to hold soldiers against a trench wall or to press walers
apart in a close sheeted trench
Trench An excavation where the maximum depth is greater than the width-
Generally developed temporarily for the placement or repair of pipes and services
Trench Shield A structure with two vertical side plates permanently braced apart by cross frames
or struts designed to resist the pressure from the walls of a trench and capable of
being moved as a unit
Vacuum truck A truck mounted, heavy duty industrial vacuum loader designed to pneumatically
convey solids, liquids, sludge or slurry through suction lines typically 5-10 cm in
diameter
Waling A horizontal beam supporting vertical timbers, runners or sheeting
Water scouring An erosion process resulting from the action of the flow of water
32 of 37
Upstream Operations
Term Meaning
Zone of influence The volume of soil around an excavation, measured from the bottom level of the
excavation, between the sides of the excavation and a line drawn at an angle from
the horizontal. Generally, the zone of influence extends some 30 degrees from the
horizontal for sands and 45 degrees for other material
Acronyms and Abbreviations

In this document, the following acronyms and abbreviations apply:
Acronym/Abbreviation Meaning
DBYD Dial Before You Dig
FOPS Falling object protection system
JSEA Job Safety and Environment Analysis
PTW Permit To Work
ROPS Roll over protective structure
SWMS Safe Work Method Statement
Referenced / Associated Documents
Ref. Document Number Title/Description
1. BGA-OPS-OS-0032 Excavation and Trenching
2. QCQGC-BX00-HSS-STD-000021 Excavation and Trenching Standard
3. QCGGC-BX00-HSS-STD-000030 Working in Confined Spaces
4. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000002 Permit to Work Procedure
5. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000005 Safe Work Method Statement Procedure
6. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000003 Confined Space Entry Procedure
7. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000004 Fall Prevention Procedure
QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000011 Safe Access to Low Voltage Electrical Apparatus

8.
Procedure
9. QCLNG-BX00-HSS-PCE-000105 Safe Access to High Voltage Apparatus Procedure
QCLNG-BX00-CON-PCE-000012 Managing Crossings of QGC Infrastructure by Third

10.
Parties and QGC Contractors
33 of 37
Upstream Operations
Ref. Document Number Title/Description
11. QCOPS-OPS-HSS-GDL-000001 Guidelines for work near QGC Pipelines
12. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-CER-000001 Confined Space Certificate
13. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-CER-000003 Excavation Certificate
14. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-FRM-000002 SWMS form
15. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-FRM-000010 Confined Space Identification Risk Assessment form
16. QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PLN-000001 Task Rescue Plan
17. Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011
Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Regulation

18.
2011
19. Model Code of Practice - Excavation Work
Electrical Safety Act 2002 and Electrical Safety Reg

20.
2002
Queensland Manual of uniform traffic control devices
21.
Part 3: Works on roads
22. Code of Practice: Working near exposed live parts
Identification of the contents of pipes, conduits and

23. AS 1345:1995
ducts
Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders
24. AS1657
Design, construction and installation
Pipelines: Gas & Liquefied Petroleum Maintenance
25. AS 2885.3: 2001
and Operation
Electrical installations Construction and demolition
26. AS/NZS 3012: 2010
sites (Section 2.7 Lighting and luminaries)
Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings
Part1: System design, installation and operation
27. AS 2293.1: 2005
(Section 5 Design of emergency escape luminaire
installation)
.
34 of 37
Upstream Operations
Revision2 February 2014
2012
APPENDIX C CHANGE HISTORY
QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000007_1
This procedure has undergone a major review to align to the structure of, and controls stipulated, in the
QGC Excavation and Trenching Standard QCQGC-BX00-HSS-STD-000021.
To provide greater clarity within the procedure, several sections have been retitled and reworded
without changing their original intent. Where double up of information occurred in the previous revision,
this has been deleted.
Key changes and additional controls within this revision are outlined below
Section Change History Details
2.0 Responsibilities amended to align with PTW Rev 3. Duplication of responsibilities in PTW
procedure deleted.
3.2 A PTW is required for all excavations, unless:
the excavation has been appropriately risk assessed and has been approved by the Area Owner
as a one-off, low-risk activity; or
the task is listed on the sites Approved Task List (ATL).
If excavation will occur within the 15 metre pipeline exclusion zone, the relevant QGC Area
Superintendent or delegate must be consulted and Guidelines for work near QGC Pipelines
(QCOPS-OPS-HSS-GDL-000001) must accompany the PTW application.
3.3.1 Site Survey of Area to be Excavated
Additional criteria added to meet the QGC standard.
3.3.2 QGC Crossing Process
New subsection included to cover the recently introduced crossings process.
4.1 Adjacent work activities
New subsection included to meet QGC standard.
6.0 Training and Competence
New subsections 6.1 Training Requirements & 6.1 Engineering Resource included to align with the
QGC standard
7.1 Supervision
This subsection has been expanded to include the additional supervision criteria detailed in the
standard and expanded to provide greater clarity on requirements.
7.3 Installed Live Services
This subsection has been divided into 9 additional sections.
7.3.1 Gas Detection
7.3.2 In field Identification of Live Services
7.3.3 Exposure of Live Services
The additional criteria set out in the standard have been included.
7.3.4 Water Excavation Equipment new subsection Water excavation equipment capable of more
than 2000psi requires a level 2 risk assessment and relevant Site Safety Manager approval before a
PTW can be issued.
7.3.5 Mechanical Excavation Near Live Services
The additional constraints and limits set out in the standard have been included.
7.3.6 Excavation Near Underground or Overhead Electrical Hazards.
Reworded for clarity - criteria unchanged
7.3.7 Service Identification Markers and 7.3.7.1 Colour Codes for Service Identification
These subsections have been amended to align with AS/NZS 4130 APIA Code of Practice
Upstream Gathering Networks CSG Industry). These colours are to be used within QGC.
7.3.8 Temporary Services No change to content.
Appendix Excavation Certificate has been deleted to enable independent revisions to occur. This certificate is
C readily accessible via the intranet.
Appendix C now details the procedure change history
Note: wording improvements and deletion of duplicated information have not been identified in
the change history. A copy of the procedure with all changes tracked is available for review
upon request.
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Upstream Operations
2012
QCQGC-BX00-HSS-PCE-000007_2
Section Change History Details
3.1.1 Added bullet: oxygen depleting soils
3.1.2 Last paragraph added for approval by the Local Road Authority if required.
3.2 Amended conditions requiring PTW to:
A PTW is required for all excavations deeper than 300mm in brownfield areas.
A PTW is required for excavations less than 300mm in depth unless:
3.3.1 Added Particular attention should be given to investigation of secondary infrastructure that may have been
buried with large assets such as fibre optic cables, anode cables, etc.
nd
3.3.2 Reworded 2 Paragraph A crossings application is not required; contact the Crossings Team via email to
request the crossings reference number.
3.4 Added bullet: map/aerial picture of area identifying valve locations
3.5 Added bullet: how the required compaction levels will be obtained
4.3 Added bullet to Barrier must be: installed outside of the zone of influence i.e. horizontal clearance equal to
trench depth.
4.3 par 5 Added When an excavation is opened exposing a buried asset, protection measures must be put in place
to protect the asset from vehicle impact if identified as a risk during the Risk Assessment or deemed as
required by the relevant Superintendent.
4.4.1 Deleted AS 1742.3 2009 and replaced with the Queensland Manual of uniform traffic control devices Part 3:
Works on roads
4.5 par 2
Added If it is required to cross buried infrastructure with vehicles, approvals must be obtained from the
relevant area and asset department if required. Refer to Guidelines for work Near QGC Pipelines QCOPS-
OPS-HSS-GDL-000001.
4.7 par 1 Reworded to Excavation work which is likely to impact on the stability and security (including stress cracks)
on any part of a structure must not commence until adequate protection measures are employed to monitor
and maintain the existing structural integrity of the asset.
7.3.3 par 2
Inserted: When pipes are to be laid across existing services by horizontal directional drilling, the safe
passage must be verified by opening an excavation above the crossing point. Separation distances between
existing and new assets must be agreed by the asset owner prior to installation.
7.3.3 par 3 Added no matter how minor..assessed and
7.3.4 Amended psi rating from 2000 to 3200
nd
7.3.5 Amended 2 bullet to: within 1m diagonally and 1m below any known live service
7.3.9 New sub section: Electrical cables must be covered by at least 600mm of fill. If the cover is less than
900mm a strip of bright orange polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene must be placed above the cable. The strip
must have continuous markings on the upper surface indicating that an electrical cable is below. Refer to
Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010.
7.6.1 Where the risk of falling/work at heights has been identified by risk assessment, all required fall
prevention/work at height controls must be in place.
st
7.7 1 bullet: to at least 600mm to align with QGC standard
Par 2 added or other work activities.
nd
9.1 2 last par amended particles larger than 75 mm and is not uniformly graded (i.e. is not single-sized) to
particles larger than 75 mm and is uniformly graded, but not single sized
Last par added Use of cement or stabilised sand over buried assets must be approved by the asset owner.
Appendix B Referenced /Associated Documents : Added:
Working in confined spaces standard
Queensland Manual of uniform traffic control devices Part 3: Works on roads
Deleted :AS 1742.3: 2009

Appendix B Definitions:
Amended Confined Space to Confined Space Entry and reworded to align with Working in Confined Spaces
Standard.
Amended Excavation to: A hole in the earth, or a face of earth, formed after rock, sand, soil or other material
is removed.
36 of 37
Upstream Operations
2012
APPENDIX D FEEDBACK FORM
FEEDBACK FORM
This form should be used to notify comment or suggestions for improvement, relating to any aspect of the
document identified below. Please return the completed form by Email, to the Responsible identified in the
associated RACIE matrix
Document title: Document No:

Excavation Procedure QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000007
Issue No:
Issue Date:
Comments by: Date:

Name: .. Email address / Contact Tel.No:
Position: ..
Project / Business Unit:
..
Page / Section No: Comment
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4.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT 13

5.0 PLANT & EQUIPMENT 16

6.0 TRAINING & COMPETENCE 17

7.0 SAFE WORK PRACTICES 18

7.2 JSEA/Step Back 18

8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES 24

9.0 COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION WORKS 25

10.0 AUDIT AND MANAGEMENT REVIEW 26

Appendices Table of Contents

1.1 Scope of Document

1.2 Document Revisions and Approval

1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience

c) Facilitate Excavation consultation and communication processes

3.1 Risk Management

a hazardous atmosphere in the excavation or trench due to:

3.1.2 Risk Assessment (Safe Work Method Statement)

3.2 Permit to Work (PTW) for Excavation

3.3 Identification of Services

3.4 Task Rescue Plans

3.5 Planning for Backfilling

4.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT

4.1 Adjacent Work Activities

4.2 Ventilation, Harmful Gases and Fumes

4.3 Barriers, Barricades and Signage

4.4 Public Access

4.5 Movement of Vehicles and Plant Near or Over Excavations

4.6 Work at Night/Lighting

4.7 Adjacent Buildings or Structures

4.8 Site Contamination

5.0 PLANT & EQUIPMENT

5.1 Selection and Transport of Excavation Plant and Equipment

6.0 TRAINING & COMPETENCE

6.1 Training Requirements

6.2 Engineering Resource

7.0 SAFE WORK PRACTICES

7.2 JSEA/Step Back

7.3 Installed/Live Services

Drinking Water (Potable Water) Blue

7.4 Access and Egress

7.5 Ground Support

7.5.6 Narrow Trenches, Ditches and Small Holes

7.6 Fall Prevention and Falling Objects

7.7 Excavated Material

the spoil should be covered to maintain moisture content.

8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES

8.1 Water Management

8.2 Waterlogged Ground

8.3 Erosion from Adverse Weather

8.4 Cultural, Environmental and Archaeological Issues

9.0 COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION WORKS

9.1 Filling Around Services

9.2 Completion of Works

10.0 AUDIT AND MANAGEMENT REVIEW

APPENDIX A DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION RECORD (RACIE SHEET)

I Informed: those who must be informed after the document is published

Issue Date Reason for Issue Responsible Accountable

APPENDIX B DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCES

Acronyms and Abbreviations

DBYD Dial Before You Dig