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 BRITISH STANDARD BS 8008:1996

Guide to

Safety precautions and

procedures for the
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

construction and
descent of
machine-bored shafts
for piling and other
purposes
BS 8008:1996

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by Technical

Committee B/526, Geotechnics, to Subcommittee B/526/5, Construction of
piles, pile shafts and boreholes, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Association of Consulting Engineers

British Iron and Steel Producers’ Association
Building Employers’ Confederation

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Concrete Society
County Surveyors’ Society
District Surveyors’ Association
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Federation of Piling Specialists
Health and Safety Executive
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Sector Board
for Building and Civil
Engineering, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on
15 March 1996

© BSI 07-1999
First published as CP 2011
March 1969
First published as BS 5573 Amendments issued since publication
June 1978
First published as BS 8008 Amd. No. Date Comments
March 1996

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference B/526/5
Draft for comment 93/101061 DC

ISBN 0 580 24901 8

 BS 8008:1996

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions 1
4 Planning 1
5 Personnel and training 3
6 Plant and equipment 3
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

7 Operation 7
Annex A (normative) Guidance on the competency and training
of personnel involved in the descent of shafts, including the
supervisor, lifting appliance operator and banksman 11
Annex B (informative) Atmospheric monitoring 11
Figure 1 — Example of a descent capsule 6
Table 1 — Summary of the most commonly encountered dangerous gases 9
List of references Inside back cover

© BSI 07-1999 i
BS 8008:1996

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared by Subcommittee B/526/5. It supersedes

BS 5573:1978 which is withdrawn.
Large-diameter shafts, particularly for cast-in-situ piling work, continue to be
used extensively. Personnel descend these shafts, either for purposes of
inspection or for additional hand work such as cleaning out or extending the
underreamed bases of the piles. The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1992 [1]1) require that risk assessments are carried out to identify
the measures that need to be taken to ensure the health and safety of persons.
The first consideration should be the avoidance of operations that place persons
at risk.

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Inspection techniques that do not require persons to enter pile shafts are
preferable to those that do.
Considerable reliance is placed on the training and experience of supervisors and
on the commonsense of the personnel engaged in this work as it is extremely
difficult to anticipate every potentially dangerous circumstance that may arise.
Attention is drawn to the following Regulations and Acts:
Factories Act 1961 [2];
Construction (General Provisions) Regulations 1961 [3];
Construction (Lifting Operations) Regulations 1961 [4];
Construction (Working Places) Regulations 1966 [5];
Construction (Health and Welfare) Regulations 1966;
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [6];
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981;
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences 1985;
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988;
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989;
Noise at Work Regulations 1989;
Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989;
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 [1];
Manual Handling Regulations 1992;
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992;
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 [7];
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994.
In addition, further information can be obtained by reference to the current
edition of Guidance Note EH/40 on occupational exposure limits [8] issued by the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
It is incumbent on users of this British Standard to ensure that they refer to the
latest editions of the Statutory Regulations listed.
Those engaged in the construction of machine-bored shafts need to maintain an
awareness of these Regulations, or subsequent amendments. If the Regulations
are complied with, the possibility of an accident will be reduced, but certain other
precautions are necessary in the case of large-diameter shafts. The purpose of this
British Standard is to reduce the possibility of accidents occurring by drawing
attention to the hazards involved.
This British Standard is based on BS 5573, which has been revised and expanded
to take account of experience gained in large diameter pile construction, new or
revised related standards and codes, and advances in technology leading to larger
and, in particular, deeper shafts.

1) Publications
referred to in the main text of this standard are identified by a number in square
brackets. These publications are listed on the inside back cover.

ii © BSI 07-1999
 BS 8008:1996

It has been assumed in the drafting of this British Standard that the execution of
its provisions is entrusted to suitably qualified and experienced people for whose
guidance it has been prepared.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity

from legal obligations.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

© BSI 07-1999 iii

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

blank
iv

1 Scope
This British Standard provides guidance on the
safety precautions and procedures involved where it
is required to lower personnel into a shaft that is
machine bored and not less than 750 mm in
diameter. It does not cover the descent of hand-dug
shafts lined progressively as excavation proceeds.
2 References
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
2.1 Normative references
This British Standard incorporates, by reference,
provisions from specific editions of other
publications. These normative references are cited
at the appropriate points in the text and the
publications are listed on the inside back cover.
Subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of
these publications apply to this British Standard
only when incorporated in it by updating or revision.
2.2 Informative references
This British Standard refers to other publications
that provide information or guidance. Editions of
these publications current at the time of issue of this
standard are listed on the inside back cover, but
reference should be made to the latest editions.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard, the
definitions given in BS 6100 2 apply together with
the following.
3.1
client
person who or organization that provides the brief,
commissions the work and pays for it
3.2
professional team
person(s) or organization engaged by the client to
represent the client’s interests
3.3
contractor
person who or organization that undertakes
construction of the shaft
3.4
supervisor
person authorized by the contractor, who is resident
on site and whose responsibility it is to supervise
construction and descent of the shaft
© BSI 07-1999
BS 8008:1996
3.5
banksman
person whose duty it is to signal the operator of the
lifting appliance as to when to raise/lower, slew, etc
3.6
site
place where the shaft(s) is(are) to be constructed
3.7
shaft
vertical or inclined excavation of limited cross
section in relation to its depth, which is either
straight or has an underream
3.8
lining tube (casing)
tube of steel or other material placed either as:
a) a “tight” lining in contact with the ground to
support the ground; or
b) a “loose” lining to arrest any collapse of the
ground so as to prevent such collapse that might
affect work on the shaft.
4 Planning
4.1 Site investigation
4.1.1 General
Prior to construction work commencing on site it is
essential that a proper site investigation is
undertaken in accordance with BS 5930 and that
any local and historical knowledge is researched so
that:
a) the strength of the ground can be assessed;
b) the nature of the ground can be determined
with respect to possible hazards.
Possible hazards include:
— the presence of previous constructions
(old foundations, wells, tunnels, buried
services, etc.);
— the presence of weak ground;
— the presence of strata with potential to
weaken rapidly, e.g. fissured clay;
— the presence of permeable waterbearing
strata;
— the presence of high water pressure below
the envisaged base level and tidal waters;
— the presence of existing boreholes;
— the presence of toxic or flammable materials
and gases.
1
BS 8008:1996
4.1.2 Information to be provided to the
contractor
It is essential that all relevant information is made
available to the contractor at the time of tender.
This information should include the following:
a) all site investigation information, factual and
interpretive, including information on
contamination of the ground, and other
knowledge of ground conditions available for the
site and such as may be available for adjacent
sites;
b) the results of searches, with the presence or
otherwise of services or other underground
apparatus and installations identified on a
drawing;
c) the nature of all known industrial processes or
works that have been undertaken on the site or
immediately adjacent property;
d) any other available information that may be
relevant.
4.1.3 Treatment of existing boreholes
The locations of site-investigation boreholes should
always be accurately recorded at the time of making
the boreholes. Boreholes should always be
back-filled and sealed at the top of impervious
strata (refer to BS 5930). If a large-diameter shaft is
excavated immediately adjacent to an unsealed
borehole, this could cause collapse of the wall and
influx of water and debris into the shaft or
underream.
4.2 General precautions
4.2.1 Control of operations
All operations in connection with the construction
and descent of the shaft should be controlled by the
supervisor (see 3.4 and Annex A) whose
responsibility it is to ensure that all operations in
the field are undertaken in a safe and professional
manner. The supervisor should descend and inspect
the shaft prior to descent by others.
4.2.2 Access to shaft
4.2.2.1 Where shafts are the minimum diameter
of 750 mm, descent should only be permitted:
a) for a visual inspection;
b) if there is adequate clearance between the
descent capsule and the sides of the shaft
(see 6.2.3).
Descent into shafts of 900 mm or greater diameter
should be carried out by two persons unless the
descent is for a visual inspection only when one
person could be permitted to descend.
2 © BSI 07-1999
Where descent is for visual inspection by one
person, no part of that person descending the shaft
should be permitted to extend from the descent
capsule.
4.2.2.2 Where the internal diameter of the descent
capsule (see 6.6) is less than 750 mm, only one
person at a time should descend the shaft and that
person should not leave the protection of the
capsule.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
4.2.3 Area near the shaft
Where a shaft is to be descended it is important that
the ground surface in the immediate vicinity of the
shaft is kept clear of all materials (including spoil),
plant and equipment not required for the descent.
At all times there should be suitable unimpeded
access from the shaft to the site entrance for use by
emergency services.
The lifting appliance operator should remain at the
controls and should not be distracted from his duties
whilst persons are below ground.
4.2.4 Prevention of persons, equipment and
material falling into the shaft
The following precautions should be taken to
prevent persons, equipment and material falling
into the shaft.
a) A tight lining tube should be placed in the
upper section of the shaft extending a minimum
of 300 mm above the ground surface.
b) The shaft should be effectively guarded, either
by a minimum 1 100 mm high barrier placed
closely round the shaft or, when the shaft is not
being worked on, by a secure cover. A 1 100 mm
upstand of lining tube could constitute a suitable
barrier.
c) Equipment not required for the descent should
be removed from the immediate vicinity of the
shaft.
d) Personnel should not carry loose tools,
equipment or other items in the vicinity of or
down the shaft. All such items should be securely
attached to the personnel or capsule by means of
lanyards, belts etc.
4.2.5 Other precautions
4.2.5.1 Personnel should not descend the shaft with
materials or chemical substances or gas appliances
that could create a hazardous atmosphere.
4.2.5.2 Spillage of petrol or diesel during cleaning or
fuelling operations in the vicinity of shafts should be
prevented as this could lead to hazardous
atmospheric conditions.
4.2.5.3 Before any descent takes place the shaft
should be flushed with suitable air at a flowrate of
at least 6 m3/min for a minimum period of 15 min.

5 Personnel and training
5.1 Personnel involved in descent of shafts
All personnel involved in the descent of shafts
should be adequately trained and competent in the
duties they are required to carry out. They should
understand and be familiar with the type of work,
the atmospheric-monitoring equipment, the
emergency evacuation and rescue procedures
including the use of breathing and emergency
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
self-rescue sets as appropriate (see Annex A).
5.2 Personnel descending shafts
All personnel descending a shaft should be
adequately trained and in good health with no
infirmities that may affect the safety of themselves
or others. Consideration should be given to the
suitability of persons, and those with a nervous or
claustrophobic disposition should not be permitted
to descend. Newly trained persons should be
accompanied on their first descent by an
experienced person, unless the size of the descent
capsule prevents this. In such a case the
experienced person should always make a
preliminary descent to ensure the shaft is safe to
descend. The responsibilities of the key personnel
involved, i.e. supervisors, lifting appliance
operators and banksmen, are given in Annex A.
5.3 Induction training
Induction training is important when starting on a
new site or when relocating employees. Each site
has its own hazards and constraints. Site control
and emergency and reporting procedures may also
differ between sites. Site induction to ensure
understanding of these circumstances should be
standard practice.
6 Plant and equipment
6.1 General
All plant and equipment used should be of sound
design and construction, properly maintained and
adequate for the work. Certificates of statutory
tests, examinations and inspections should be
available on site where applicable.
Plant and equipment should be positioned so as to
prevent the following:
a) engine exhaust fumes entering the shaft being
descended;
b) unduly surcharging the ground adjacent to the
shaft;
c) inducing vibrations in the vicinity of the shaft.
2) See the Code of practice for the safe use of lifting equipment [9] published by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association.
© BSI 07-1999
BS 8008:1996
6.2 Lifting appliances and lifting gear
6.2.1 Operations in descending a shaft should be
carried out in accordance with the Health and
Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [6] and the Factories
Act 1961 [2]. Attention is drawn to the Regulations
listed in the foreword, and Parts of the following.
a) Construction (Lifting Operations)
Regulations 1961, SI No. 1581 [4]:
1) lifting appliances in Part III;
2) chains, ropes and lifting gear in Part IV;
3) carriage of persons and secureness of loads
in Part VI.
b) Construction (Working Places)
Regulations 1966 [5]:
1) Regulation 22;
2) Form 91, Part 1.
A variety of types of lifting appliance may be used
for the raising and lowering of persons and
materials; these are defined in items a) and b).
Particulars are also given of the requirements for
anchoring and setting up lifting appliances.
Adequate consideration should be given to the safe
working load2) of the lifting gear used to raise or
lower the descent capsule. Due allowance should be
made for shock loading which may occur for example
if the descent capsule strikes the bottom of the tight
lining tube when being raised. As a general guide it
would normally be sufficient to provide lifting gear
with a working load limit of twice the maximum
weight to be lifted. This would ensure that the factor
of safety against ultimate failure would be
between 8 and 10. The lifting gear would normally
terminate with a master link at its upper end. The
lifting gear should be connected to the descent
capsule and the whole unit should be tested at
regular intervals for certification purposes.
The safe working load of the lifting appliance should
be not less than the safe working load of the lifting
gear.
6.2.2 Any winch on any lifting appliance used in
connection with the raising and lowering of persons
has to be constructed such that the brake is applied
when the control lever handle or switch is not held
in the operating position. No winch is to be fitted
with a pawl and ratchet gear from which the pawl
has to be disengaged before the load can be raised or
lowered (refer to clause 44 of the Construction
(Lifting Operations) Regulations 1961 [4]).
Equipment arranged to lower the load slowly under
power should always be used and should be fitted
with limiting or warning devices to avoid
overhoisting.
3
BS 8008:1996
6.2.3 A trial lowering of the lifting appliance hook to
the full depth of the shaft should be conducted
before personnel are lowered to ensure that a
minimum of three turns of lifting rope remain on the
winch drum at all times. There should also be a trial
lowering of the empty descent capsule to the bottom
of the shaft, to demonstrate its free unhindered
movement. (See 4.2.2.1 b.)
6.2.4 The lifting appliance should be under
supervision and kept running while persons are
below ground. Consideration should be given to the
fuel consumption and reserves of the plant before
any descent is carried out.
6.2.5 Suitable standby equipment should be
available in case of breakdown of the lifting
appliances.
6.2.6 Prior to any descent, lifting gear should be
inspected by a competent person.
6.3 Air supply
6.3.1 The air compressor should deliver, to the base
of the shaft, a minimum air flow of 25 l/s per person
at atmospheric pressure, or more as may be
required to maintain a safe atmosphere. Attention
is drawn to the Construction (General Provisions)
Regulations 1961 [3], which states that the air
supplied should be fit for respiration; this can be
achieved either through the design of the
compressor or by the use of filtration systems.
The air compressor should be positioned so as to
prevent the air supply intake being contaminated by
other exhaust emissions.
6.3.2 The end of the air-supply hose at the base of
the shaft should be restrained and fitted with a
diffuser to reduce noise to a level that allows
communication between persons at the top and
bottom of the shaft.
6.3.3 In case of breakdown of the compressor either
a suitable standby air compressor or an air receiver
should be available. The air receiver should have
sufficient capacity to maintain a supply of 25 l/s per
person for 30 min, which is equivalent to 4.5 m3 at a
pressure of 10 bar3). The standby air supplied
should be fit for respiration.
6.3.4 The air compressor should be monitored
during use to ensure correct operation.
6.3.5 It is essential that the compressor is kept
running while persons are below ground and that
consideration is given to the fuel consumption and
reserves of the plant.
6.3.6 On no account should oxygen be added to the
air supply to “sweeten” the air.
3)
1 bar = 105 Pa.
4 © BSI 07-1999
6.4 Monitoring for a safe atmosphere
6.4.1 Particular care should be taken in the
following situations where hazardous atmospheres
or contaminated ground can occur:
a) in fissured and fractured ground where
contaminants can migrate more freely;
b) on sites that are near to or have previously
been occupied by petrol filling stations, chemical
works, gas works, foundries or industrial waste
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
tips;
c) on sites traversed by gas mains or sewers and
where there is increased possibility that toxic
substances are present;
d) on sites known to overlie old mine workings;
e) on sites where there exist deposits that can
produce methane, such as coal, peat or other
organic matter (including domestic waste);
f) on sites where there exist dry or partially
saturated permeable deposits that can contain
pockets of deoxygenated air that can be released
when atmospheric pressure falls;
g) on sites where natural strata can give rise to
hazardous conditions, e.g.
1) chalk, which can give off carbon dioxide; and
2) glauconitic deposits, which can cause oxygen
deficiency.
6.4.2 Atmospheric monitoring should be carried out
before and after air flushing over the full depth of
the shaft before any person descends the shaft.
Monitoring should continue while persons are in the
shaft. Monitoring should include the oxygen content
of the air and the presence of flammable gases and
any toxic gases that could foreseeably be
encountered. Guidance on the current situation
with regard to atmospheric monitoring is given
in Annex B.
6.4.3 All atmospheric-monitoring and gas-detection
equipment should be tested prior to use and have
been calibrated in the previous 6 months. A
certificate of calibration should be available on site.
6.4.4 Electronic monitoring equipment should be
intrinsically safe and be provided with an adequate
power supply for the duration of any descent.
6.4.5 Appropriate precautions against
contamination by the ground or atmosphere should
be taken for persons descending the shaft.

6.5 Communication systems
6.5.1 An efficient two-way communication system
should be provided to allow the banksman
(see Annex A) to communicate with personnel below
ground. Where practicable, communication may be
by normal voice contact or by the use of a voice tube.
When normal voice contact is impractical owing to
external noises or to noise generated by the constant
ventilation of deep shafts, radio or ground line
systems of a voice-activated type should be used.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
6.5.2 The two-way communication system should be
used constantly to monitor the well-being of
personnel below ground and to relay their
instructions to the operator of the lifting appliance.
6.5.3 An intrinsically safe voice-communication
system should be available for use when breathing
apparatus is being used.
6.6 Descent capsule
6.6.1 Descent into a section of unlined shaft should
only be undertaken within a purpose-made descent
capsule. The descent capsule should be designed to
protect personnel both from falling debris and
possible shaft collapse.
Where only one person descends the shaft for a
purely visual inspection, the design of the capsule
should prevent any part of the body from
inadvertently extending from the capsule. The
capsule should be roofed in, but with an emergency
access available through the roof. The capsule
should be designed to allow personnel to ascend via
an internal ladder or step irons to the emergency
access in the roof for evacuation to the surface in
safety. The internal diameter of the descent capsule
should be not less than 625 mm. The arrangement
of the step irons for emergency escape only
(see Figure 1) should be such that persons
descending in the capsule can ascend the step irons
wearing personal protective equipment including
breathing apparatus (see 6.8). Figure 1 shows an
example of a shaft descent capsule.
© BSI 07-1999
BS 8008:1996
6.6.2 Where it is necessary to descend into a section
of unlined shaft, the descent capsule when fully
lowered should extend, where reasonably
practicable, into the lined section of the shaft.
6.6.3 Where the unlined depth of the shaft is greater
than 12 m then a capsule of 12 m minimum height
should be provided.
6.6.4 Where the shaft is lined to the full depth,
descent by the descent capsule as in the example
shown in Figure 1 is not required. The preferred
method of descent should, if reasonably practical, be
made by man-riding skip with overhead protection
against falling objects (see also 4.2.4). In certain
circumstances, as when columns are placed within
linings during top-down construction, the use of a
man-riding skip may not be reasonably practical,
and other access techniques such as ladders, rope
access or bosun’s chair should be considered as
appropriate.
6.7 Lighting
6.7.1 During all stages of the descent operation
there should be adequate illumination at ground
level over the entire area of operations surrounding
the shaft.
6.7.2 Adequate illumination should be provided in
the shaft to allow thorough inspection and to
provide a safe working environment.
All apparatus used for illumination in the shaft
should meet the provisions of BS 6941, be not more
than 24 V rating and be explosion protected.
6.7.3 A fully charged explosion-protected lamp in
good working order should be provided to each
person descending and, in addition, at least one
other lamp should be readily available at the
surface.
5
 Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

© BSI 07-1999
Figure 1 — Example of a descent capsule
BS 8008:1996

6

6.8 Safety and rescue equipment
6.8.1 Safety helmets conforming to the
requirements of BS 5240 should be provided and
worn by all personnel and should not be removed
below ground. Every person inspecting the shaft
from ground level should take adequate precautions
to prevent their helmet falling off by using a firmly
fitting chin strap.
6.8.2 Safety harnesses that ensure that an
unconscious person is lifted in an upright position
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
should be provided and should always be worn by
persons in the shaft to facilitate rescue in the event
of an accident.4) Suitable means should be provided
for attaching the harness quickly to a hoist rope.
Additionally, in shafts of 900 mm or less and in
other confined spaces where a capsule is not used,
where the rescue of an unconscious or injured
person could prove difficult, the safety harness
should at all times remain attached to the hoist
rope.
6.8.3 It is essential that two sets of breathing
apparatus conforming to the Personal Protective
Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 [7] are
always available at ground level in close proximity
to the shaft being entered for rescue or for
emergency purposes.
Breathing apparatus or self-rescue sets should be
carried at all times by persons within the shaft
below ground level.
The breathing apparatus or self-rescue sets may be
of the following types:
a) self-contained breathing apparatus of the
compressed-air type (this is not suitable in shafts
of 900 mm diameter or less where the restricted
space available makes the use of such apparatus
impracticable);
b) air line breathing apparatus of the
compressed-air continuous-flow type;
c) fresh air hose breathing apparatus provided
with a suitable blower;
d) self-rescue sets capable of providing the user
with a supply of oxygen at a breathing rate
of 30 l/min for a minimum of 30 min.
NOTE This equipment should not be used for rescue purposes.
Care should be taken to ensure that the air
compressor is functioning properly as described
in 6.3.
All breathing apparatus and self-rescue equipment
should be inspected by a competent person when
first brought to site and thereafter at monthly
intervals. At intervals not exceeding 6 months
breathing apparatus should be tested and certified.
4) A European Standard (EN 1497) covering rescue equipment and harnesses is in preparation.
© BSI 07-1999
BS 8008:1996
Apparatus should be routinely inspected and tested
after use, even though the period of the previous
inspection and test may not have expired. Routine
inspection should be undertaken by a competent
person.
BS 4275 provides details and advice on the use and
maintenance of the breathing apparatus.
7 Operation
7.1 Permit to enter
7.1.1 Every contractor whose operations involve the
descent of shafts should have a formal document
covering a safe system of work which should include
a “permit to enter”. The permit should be issued and
signed by the supervisor after the supervisor’s
inspection. The permit should be valid for the
designated shaft only, up to the expiry time stated
on the permit.
In assessing the duration of the permit, due
allowance should be made for the anticipated
duration of the descent.
7.1.2 Exit from the descent capsule below ground
level should only be permitted where there is
considered to be minimal risk of collapse or other
dangers. In these circumstances the person’s safety
harness should be connected to the descent capsule.
NOTE The supervisor should evaluate the risks involved and
give permission or otherwise accordingly.
7.2 Procedure for descent
7.2.1 The initial descent should be made in the
capsule by the supervisor, who should be lowered
slowly to the base of the shaft. Particular attention
should be paid to the seal at the bottom of the
casing, cracks and seepages of water in the walls of
the shaft and the presence of boulders and unstable
areas. Where practicable during the descent, any
loose material in the walls of the shaft should be
removed.
7.2.2 Where a shaft has been underreamed, the roof
of the underream should be thoroughly inspected.
7.2.3 When it has been decided, based on the
supervisor’s experience and judgement and the
criteria given in 7.2.4, that the shaft is safe for
others to enter, a permit should be issued stating
the expiry time up to which entry is valid. The
expiry time should not normally exceed 3 h after
completion of the shaft. After the expiry time has
elapsed, the supervisor should repeat the
procedures given in 7.1 and 7.2.
7
BS 8008:1996
7.2.4 It is essential that no entry is made or allowed
into the shaft unless the following conditions have
been met in full:
a) all the plant and equipment and standby plant
and equipment are as described in clause 6;
b) the shaft has been flushed with suitable air
(see 4.2.5.3);
c) suitable atmospheric monitoring equipment
has been used, which indicates no hazardous
atmospheric conditions throughout the shaft;
d) a trained and practised rescue and first-aid
team is present in the vicinity of the shaft and a
rescue drill has been practised within the
previous 4 weeks;
e) the communication system is fully operable;
f) the person descending in the capsule is wearing
appropriate protective clothing and equipment
including safety helmet and harness;
g) the shaft and surface are adequately
illuminated to provide a safe working
environment;
h) no plant that may cause undue ground
vibration near the shaft is left running;
i) no signs of instability or other unsafe conditions
are detected;
j) the hook of the lifting appliance has been
lowered to the full depth of the shaft and the
lifting appliance operator has confirmed to the
supervisor that there are at least three complete
turns of hoist rope left on the lifting appliance
drum;
k) the empty capsule has been lowered to the
bottom of the shaft and the lifting appliance
operator has gauged the shaft depth and the
descent capsule can travel freely up and down the
shaft;
l) all persons who may descend in the capsule
have demonstrated that they can ascend the step
irons and egress through the emergency escape
doors wearing personal protection equipment
including breathing apparatus.
7.2.5 It is essential that during any descent into the
shaft the air supply is maintained and the
atmosphere in the shaft constantly monitored. If the
level of air contaminants exceeds the limits shown
in Table 1 then the shaft should be evacuated
immediately and re-entry should not be permitted
until the atmosphere is proven to be safe.
8 © BSI 07-1999
7.2.6 No person should remain in a shaft for more
than 1 h.
7.2.7 Smoking should be prohibited within the shaft
and in the immediate vicinity of the shaft at the
surface. Potential sources of ignition should not be
taken into the shaft and all personnel should be
made aware of the risks of disposing of matches and
cigarettes down shafts.
7.2.8 Nylon clothing and equipment should not be
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
used because of the risk of static electricity igniting
explosive atmospheres.
7.3 Rescue
7.3.1 Every contractor whose operations involve the
descent of shafts should have in place a formal
rescue procedure document for the particular site,
which should be approved by the contractor’s senior
management. Copies of the procedures should be
circulated to all persons directly involved with the
works including piling operatives, chargehands,
plant operators, foremen, engineers, supervisors
and the professional team’s staff.
7.3.2 The formal rescue procedure document should
address, but not be limited to, the following matters:
a) the names of the rescue team, their specific
duties and the chain of command;
b) instructions for raising the alarm;
c) action to be taken by the supervisor in charge
of the works including a general assessment of
the situation followed by the issue of instructions;
d) instructions and means of communication for
summoning emergency services and advising the
main contractor and other contractors, the
contractor’s head office, etc.;
e) instructions for maintaining and making
available rescue equipment;
f) means of maintaining air supply to the shaft;
g) instructions for switching off all plant not
required for the rescue.
 Table 1 — Summary of the most commonly encountered dangerous gases
© BSI 07-1999

Gas Relative Hazard OELa Explosive Principal sources

density limits
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

8 h TWAb Short-term limit Lower Upper

p.p.m by volume p.p.m by volume % %
Carbon monoxide CO 0.97 Toxic 50 300 – – Explosives/engines
Carbon dioxide CO2 1.53 Asphyxiant 5 000 15 000 — — Natural/engines/welding/explosives/
chemical action on chalk
Nitrogen oxides NO 1.04 Toxic 25 35 — — Explosives/engines
NO2 1.60 Extremely toxic 3 5 — — Welding
Methane CH4 0.60 Explosive and — — 5.3 14 Natural/gas distribution mains
asphyxiant
Hydrogen sulfide H2S 1.70 Toxic and 10 15 4.3 46 Natural/trade effluent in sewers
explosive
Sulfur dioxide SO2 2.30 Toxic 2 5 — — Natural
Propane 1.55  Explosive and — — 2.2 9.5 Leakages
 asphyxiant
Butane 2.10  600 750 1.5 8.5 Leakages
Acetylene 0.91 — — 2.5 81.0 Leakages
Deoxygenated air N2 Asphyxiant — — — — Natural/induced
Petrol/diesel vapour — — Explosive — — 1.3 7.5 Spillage
Ozone O3 Toxic 0.1 0.3 — — Welding
NOTE The odour of gases should not be relied upon as a method of detection as the sense of smell varies appreciably from person to person, fails rapidly in the presence of certain
gases, and is poor in older age groups. Atmospheric monitoring equipment should always be used.
a
OEL = Occupational exposure limit (see Guidance Note EH/40 on occupational exposure limits [8] for further information).
b
TWA = Time weighted average.

BS 8008:1996
9
BS 8008:1996

7.3.3 The rescue procedure document should also
address, but not be limited to, the following
scenarios:
a) specific action where a person has been injured
or rendered unconscious in the base of the shaft;
b) specific action where a person is suffering from
asphyxiation/lack of oxygen in the base of the
shaft;
c) specific action where there has been a collapse
7.3.5 In all cases, however minor the event, the
rescued person should be sent to hospital for a
check-up.
7.3.6 Before descent down a shaft commences,
members of the rescue team should be identified,
instructed and trained in the rescue procedure in
case of emergency. On completion of the first shaft
on the site, a full rescue drill should be carried out.
Rescue drills should be repeated at maximum

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

intervals of 1 month or when changes in the rescue
of the shaft base;
team or working practices on the site occur.
d) specific action where the shaft has collapsed
A full rescue drill should be carried out for every
above the descent capsule.
shaft where different equipment, such as different
7.3.4 In all cases it should be noted that speed and size descent capsules, is first used.
efficiency are of the essence. Rescue operations
should be put into effect immediately and
emergency services called. On arrival these services
should normally work with the supervisor in the
rescue, although they should always maintain
control of their own personnel and equipment.

10 © BSI 07-1999

Annex A (normative)
Guidance on the competency and
training of personnel involved in the
descent of shafts, including the
supervisor, lifting appliance operator
and banksman
A.1 Supervisor
A.1.1 The supervisor (see 3.4) should be competent
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
in the shaft construction techniques in use at the
site and be able to identify and assess the risks from
any unusual or hazardous conditions in the shaft.
The supervisor should be sufficiently experienced
and knowledgeable to be able to assess the length of
time the shaft will remain stable and should
continue to be aware of the condition of the shaft
throughout the period it is open for descent.
A.1.2 The supervisor should be familiar with the
plant and equipment being used including its
limitations and operating techniques.
(See clause 6.)
A.1.3 The supervisor should be trained and
competent in atmospheric monitoring, shaft entry,
rescue procedures and equipment and in the use of
standard crane signals.
(See 4.2.1, 6.4, 6.8 and clause 7.)
A.2 Lifting appliance operator
It is essential that the lifting appliance operator
should be trained and competent in the type of work
and operation of the lifting appliance being used.
The operator should understand and be familiar
with the shaft entry and rescue procedures, and
understand the crane signals given by the
banksman in accordance with BS 7121-1. (See 6.2.)
A.3 The banksman
The banksman should be trained and competent in
slinging and in the use of crane signals and
understand and be familiar with general operations,
shaft entry and rescue procedures and equipment,
the communication system(s) and the atmospheric
monitoring system(s). (See 6.4, 6.5, 6.8 and 7.3.)
© BSI 07-1999
BS 8008:1996
Annex B (informative)
Atmospheric monitoring
B.1 General
There is currently no atmospheric-monitoring
device capable of detecting all the possible
hazardous atmospheric conditions that may occur in
a shaft. (See Table 1.)
The three types of atmospheric monitoring
equipment normally available are:
a) electronic atmospheric monitoring equipment;
b) flame safety lamp;
c) detector tubes.
B.2 Equipment
Electronic atmospheric monitoring equipment is
available to deal with a range of conditions. It is now
almost universally used for monitoring the range of
atmospheric conditions described in B.3.1 to B.3.5.
Flame safety lamps are of limited application as
they are less responsive to the presence of
hazardous atmospheric conditions and require a
high level of training and skill in use. Their use is
not recommended in shaft descent.
Detector tubes are available for monitoring the
presence of a very wide range of organic and
inorganic contaminants (e.g. B.3.5 to B.3.7).
B.3 Atmospheric conditions and contaminants
B.3.1 Oxygen deficiency
The effects of oxygen deficiency are insidious and a
person may collapse without any warning
symptoms. Therefore, although the classical
symptoms are described as deep and rapid
breathing, headache, buzzing in the ears and rapid
heart action, in some cases these symptoms may
never arise. Often a person feels extremely
confident and well up to the moment of sudden
unconsciousness.
B.3.2 Methane
Methane is not normally toxic to humans. However,
in low concentrations in air it is explosive and can be
ignited by a spark.
11
BS 8008:1996
B.3.3 Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is toxic at very low concentrations
and may cause a headache, but at higher
concentrations rapid unconsciousness can occur
without warning.
Carbon monoxide is chemically unstable and
therefore is not a common gas in natural soils.
However, it may find its way into shafts from the
exhausts of machines or from damaged gas pipes in
the vicinity of the shafts. Plant with internal
combustion engines should be kept away from
shafts and where this is not possible, as in the case
of a lifting appliance, the exhaust pipe should be
arranged to point well away from the shaft.
Covering of the shaft(s), when unattended, should
reduce this danger.
B.3.4 Hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide (heavier than air) is a very toxic
gas, but it is not normally found in natural soils.
Initially, at low concentrations it has a
characteristic smell of rotten eggs, but the sense of
smell is soon fatigued and at high concentrations it
cannot be discerned. Traces of this gas should
therefore to be regarded with great suspicion.
12
B.3.5 Nitrous fumes
It is reasonable to suspect the presence of nitrous
fumes in shafts if blasting has taken place during
the excavation work or if a diesel- or petrol-engine
exhaust discharges near ventilation air intakes. The
effects of nitrous fumes may not become apparent
until several hours after inhalation. It is therefore
essential that any case of exposure to nitrous fumes,
however mild, is referred for medical opinion.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
B.3.6 Carbon dioxide
The effects of moderately high concentrations of
carbon dioxide (heavier than air) are excessive
panting and laboured breathing. Greater
concentrations may produce a narcotic effect or
sudden collapse, and death through asphyxiation
may result in a short time.
B.3.7 Ammonia and petrol vapours
Ammonia and petrol vapours and other fumes and
gases resulting from previous occupancy or unusual
soil conditions should always be regarded with great
caution.
B.3.8 Organic solvents
Organic solvents have an irritant effect on the eyes
and lungs and can cause narcosis.
© BSI 07-1999
 BS 8008:1996

List of references

Normative references

BSI publications
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 5240, Industrial safety helmets.

BS 5930:1981, Code of practice for site investigations.
BS 6100, Glossary of building and civil engineering terms.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

BS 6100-2, Civil engineering.

BS 6941:1988, Specification for electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres with type of protection N.
BS 7121, Code of practice for safe use of cranes.
BS 7121-1:1989, General.

Other references
[2] GREAT BRITAIN. Factories Act 1961. London: HMSO.
[6] GREAT BRITAIN. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. London: HMSO.
[7] GREAT BRITAIN. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. London: HMSO.
[9] Code of practice for the safe use of lifting equipment. Bishop’s Stortford: Lifting Equipment Engineers
Association, 1994.

Informative references

BSI publications
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 4275:1974, Recommendations for the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

Other references
[1] GREAT BRITAIN. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992. London: HMSO.
[3] GREAT BRITAIN. Construction (General Provisions) Regulations 1961. London: HMSO.
[4] GREAT BRITAIN. Construction (Lifting Operations) Regulations 1961. London: HMSO.
[5] GREAT BRITAIN. Construction (Working Places) Regulations 1966. London: HMSO.
[8] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Guidance Note EH/40 Occupational Exposure Limits.
Sudbury: 1995.

© BSI 07-1999
BS 8008:1996

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Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 1-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

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