Regardless of the depth of a penetration, a Manteena excavation permit needs to be completed and approved before breaking ground.

Excavations:

• of a depth of 1.5m or more required a site specific SWMS.

• with a depth of 500mm or less should be surrounded by bollards and tape or equivalent.

• between 500mm and 1.5m depth should be surrounded by star pickets and para-webbing or equivalent.

• where a direct fall is more than 1.5m depth must be surrounded by temporary or permanent fencing in addition to site perimeter fencing, unless the excavation is right up against the perimeter fencing.

• over 1.5m must be shored, benched, battered or signed-off by a geotechnical engineer before work within the excavation’s zone of influence.

Don’t position yourself in close proximity to where an excavator is operating, or any vehicle being loaded adjacent to a trench / excavation. Safe ladder access is to be provided into trenches at 10m intervals, depending on the length of excavation.

No person is to work alone in an excavation.

Never enter a trench over 1.5m high that is not shored or battered unless it has been inspected by a geotechnical engineer. The engineer’s written approval must be provided to Manteena prior to workers entering the trench.