Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00416:reg:4:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00416
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 7/21)
Character Range: 48189–51229

(such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) and leakage from gas bottles, fuel tanks, sewers, drains, gas pipes and LPG tanks.
Plant that uses a combustion engine (for example air compressors, electrical generators) should never be used in a confined excavation such as a trench if workers are in the trench. The build-up of exhaust gases in the excavation, particularly carbon monoxide, can cause death.
Ventilation systems help to maintain adequate oxygen levels and dilute flammable gases, fumes and certain dusts, such as coal and sulphide which can ignite if in its explosive limits. The use of mechanical ventilation also reduces dust, fumes, hazardous contaminants and can control air temperature and humidity.
The ventilation system should be designed by a competent person to provide adequate ventilation levels through the excavation (for example a tunnel) during construction. This might include additional localised extraction ventilation to deal with the production of dust, heat or fumes from the excavation process and the operation of large plant or other activities like plant maintenance. The design should allow for the installation of ventilation equipment or ducting as the excavation progresses to maintain adequate air supply to the working face.
Other methods of controlling the risks associated with atmospheric contamination include:
    * pre-start checks of atmospheric conditions
    * using gas monitors including workers' wearing personal monitors near their airways
    * ensuring adequate ventilation (either natural or mechanical)
    * working in pairs, with one person as a safety observer at the surface to monitor conditions
    * ensuring familiarity with rescue procedures, and
    * using PPE.
Further guidance on working in confined spaces is available in Code of Practice: Confined spaces.

4.7              Manual work
Manual excavation methods are generally used for small, shallow excavations (for example less than 1.5 metres deep) in soft soils.
Regulation 60 A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage the risk of a musculoskeletal disorder associated with hazardous manual tasks.
When working in close proximity, workers should be kept sufficiently far apart to prevent injury from the use of picks or other hand tools. This applies particularly to work in trenches and small excavations.

Preparatory drilling activity and the use of hand drills may increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders including disorders associated with exposure to vibration. For further guidance on controlling the risks of musculoskeletal disorders, refer to the Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks.

4.8              Information, training, instruction and supervision

Section 19 A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision of any information, training, instruction and supervision that is necessary to protect all persons from risks to their health and safety arising from the work carried out.

Regulation 39 A person