1.

0 EXCAVATION AND SHORING

Before the excavation is started a qualified person shall design the excavation
(consider soil type, identify existing and predictable hazards such as heavy
machinery working nearby, water level, etc) to ensure proper planning of the
operation required and determine the method.
No ground being excavated can be relied upon to support its own weight. Even
rock that looks solid from a cursory inspection can collapse without warning.
Therefore, it is essential that appropriate precautions be taken to prevent such
collapse before men or machines are allowed into an excavation.
1.1 General Requirements
These requirements are based on SAAD AL ESSA GROUP procedure
and may be subject for updates to incorporate the RSG procedure. Either
way the RSG procedure will prevail once revision done.
Excavations of any depth, whenever required must be sloped back to a
safe angle or shored.
Excavations of more than 4"-0" depth (1.2 Mt) or depending on the
requirements of RSG procedures must be properly timbered or sloped
back to an angle of not less than 30 deg. Depending on the type of soil
(refer to RSG procedures).
Shoring must be designed by a qualified person & meet accepted
engineering requirements. Materials used shall be in good serviceable
condition, and timbers shall be sound, free from large or loose knots, and
of proper dimension.
All parts of an excavation including shoring shall be inspected every day,
by a competent person/authority to ensure that there is no danger of
collapse.
Whenever the presence of underground pipes, cables, vessels, or
structures is known or suspected, mechanical excavators shall not be
used until all such obstructions have been exposed by hand digging,
Mechanical excavators shall not be used within 10 ft. of any obstruction.
Pneumatic breakers shall only be used where necessary to break
concrete or hard surfaces.
Excavated soil or any material must be stacked a minimum of (2) two feet
away from the edge of excavation to prevent falls which may result in
injuries to men working at the bottom.
Men shall not be permitted to work in any place where they could be
struck by any part of mechanical excavator
Where employees, equipment, or members of the public shall cross over
in excavation close plank bridges with adequate handrails shall be
provided.
 When vehicles or equipment dump materials into an excavation, stop
blocks or means shall be provided to prevent such vehicles or equipment
from over running the edge.
Safe means of getting into and out of an excavation shall be provided at
an interval not exceeding 25 ft. The ease of access and convenience of
the workers should be considered for placement of the ladders.
Any area suspected of contamination with combustible or hazardous
materials should have an inspection carried out by a qualified person.
Equipment used must be equipped with spark arresters, or other
appropriate precautions be taken prior to the start of the excavation.
All excavation shall be backfilled and consolidated, and the surface shall
be left in good condition as soon as is practicable.
1.2 Pipeline Excavation, Backfilling & Berm Forming, Stabilization
Site visits shall be conducted with the concerned proponent
Representative to locate and identify existence of power, telephone cables
and other suspected hidden services. Goal Posts shall be used to identify
overhead power line locations.
Prior to the start of any pipeline excavation, a bell hole shall be hand
excavated at intervals of 50 ft. to identify the exact location of the pipeline,
which shall then be marked by stakes.
Any trench more than 4 feet depth > 12-meter-wide must be provided with
multiple ladders, with a 25-foot maximum spacing.
No work shall be started unless the necessary Work Permit is received.
Backfilling shall be done with great care; ensuring equipment does not get
too close and fall into open excavations.
1.3 Use of Mechanical Equipment
When a heavy equipment is to be used, no part of it will be operated
closer than 1 meter to the pipe.
Mechanical excavator shall not to be used to excavate within 10 feet of
any pipeline or other Mechanical equipment and shall have a swinging
motion clearance of 2 feet from any fixed objects.
The surrounding area where mechanized movement, such as arm swing
of a backhoe, will be cordoned with warning tapes.
During any pipeline excavation, backfilling & berm forming work, a lineman
(Spotter) shall stand on top of the pipeline to give signal & direction to the
equipment operator.
No smoking shall be allowed on site especially during stabilization work.
All nearby equipment shall be fitted with spark arrestors, and whenever
required, appropriate grounding shall be installed.
Before moving the machine, the operator should walk around it to see that
area is clear. Workers should not be allowed to sit or lie in the area around
the machine. The engine should be shut off before leaving the machine.
Blades, Scraper bowls etc., must be lowered to the ground before the
operator leaves the unit and the wheels should be properly checked.
If the work is to be done underneath the machine, then the machine
should be blocked in position.