Source: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/compliance-code-excavation-key-changes
Timestamp: 2020-06-01 12:56:12
Document Index: 278542100

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Compliance code: Excavation - Key changes - WorkSafe
A guide to explain the changes between the new and old excavation compliance code.
The Minister for Workplace Safety, Jill Hennessy, approved minor amendments to 11 compliance codes (codes) made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), which includes the Excavation compliance code.
Paragraphs 20, 21, 75 and breakout boxes before paragraphs 110, 159, 183
The Excavation compliance code 2018 came into effect on 3 May 2018. It replaces the Safety precautions in trenching operations code of practice, 1988. The new code is based on the old code and is designed to:
The new code has been significantly restructured and includes new information about:
the risk management process – Part 2
how to plan for excavation work – Part 3
controlling risks in excavation work – Part 4
excavation methods – Part 5.
The sections reflect the new layout for the codes. Following these sections is a table that lists the headings of the old and new code for ease of comparison for duty holders.
The key changes include new information about:
Who has duties when excavation work is performed.
Consultation duties for employers.
Duties to provide information, instruction, training and supervision, including construction induction and site induction.
Part 2 – Overview of the risk management process
Some information from the old code has been retained in relation to common hazards associated with excavation work
A large amount of new information has been added to provide an overview of how the risk management process can be applied to this type of work.
Part 3 – Planning excavation work
New content has been introduced that outlines how excavation work should be planned in accordance with the OHS Regulations, including:
The preparation of health and safety coordination plans.
Licensing for high risk work and asbestos removal.
Providing notification to WorkSafe about excavation work before it starts.
This part incorporates some original information from the old code about how to plan for work around essential services, and expands on this to also cover overhead power lines, underground services and adjacent buildings or structures.
Part 4 – Controlling risks in excavation work
Information from the old code in relation to placing the spoil pile and safety helmets has been incorporated, and expands on methods to control risks with information about:
How to manage loads near excavations.
Securing the work area and providing safe entry and exit.
Using plant.
Preventing falls and falling objects.
Managing atmospheric conditions.
Undertaking manual excavation work or emergency works.
Part 5 – Excavation methods
New information about excavation methods such as trenching, tunnelling, shafts and bulk excavations.
Part 6 – Reducing the risk of ground collapse
The majority of information in the old code has been incorporated into this part of the new code, which outlines methods to reduce the risk of ground collapse. The information has been significantly updated and expanded, in line with modern work practices, state of knowledge and legislation.
An outline of the compliance framework, templates for health and safety coordination plans and safe work method statements and a list of Australian Standards relevant to the information in the code. The glossary of terms from the old code has been removed.
Comparison between the old code of practice and new compliance code
Code of practice 1998
0. What is a code of practice?
5. Mines (Trenches) Regulations 1982
1. Site Investigations
2. Placing the spoil pile
3. Daily Inspections: What to watch for
Treading in dangerous ground
Use ladders, not soldiers
5. Battered excavations
6. Ground support systems
Method 1: Timber tongs
Method 2: Hydraulic support systems
7. Cohesive strength and pressure
Part 2.1 – Identifying hazards
Part 2.2 – Assessing the risks
Part 2.3 – Controlling the risks
Part 2.4 – Review and revision of risk controls
notification of construction excavation work
excavated material and loads near excavations
placing excavated material
atmospheric conditions and ventilation
design of tunnel
controlling the risk of ground collapse
benching and battering
shoring terms
plywood panels (sandwich sheets)
soldier set systems
installing and removing ground support systems
installing ground support systems
removing ground support systems
Appendix B – Sample health and safety coordination plan
Appendix C – Safe work method statement template
Appendix D – Documents associated with this compliance code
Further information about the Excavation compliance code, including a copy of the code, contact the WorkSafe Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.