Severity Site triio Activity Vacuum Excavator Persons conducting assessment SHEQ DEPT Assessment No triio 21 Review Date 11/01/2021 Revision No. 10 Name: Paul Disley/Ian Buchanan Signature Date: 11/01/2019 Person Supervising Work Site Manager/ Engineering Team Leader Employer triio Approved: John Downes Signature Date 11/01/2019 Persons Exposed Employees X Other Workers X Public/Visitors X Vulnerable Persons X Total at 4 5 5 10 15 20 25 4 4 8 12 16 20 3 3 6 9 12 15 2 2 4 6 8 10 1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Likelihood Rating 1 = Very unlikely Rating 2 = Unlikely Rating 3 = Likely Rating 4 = Very likely Rating 5 = Almost certain Severity Rating 1 = No injury Rating 2 = Minor injury or illness Rating 3 = 3 day injury or illness Rating 4 = Major injury or illness Rating 5 = Fatality, disabling injury, etc Likelihood = Likelihood x Severity Acceptable Further review Unacceptable Unsafe operation of the Vac excavator leading to injury to the operator or others 5 5 25 Operatives to be given familiarisation training on the machine being operated by the supplier; Operations manual to be held with the vehicle as a reference document for the operator; Operator to have attended approved training e.g. TTUK, CPCS, EUSR, and NPORS. Site Specific risk assessment to be completed by the Engineering Team Leader/ Vac ex operator prior to work starting; An exclusion zone is to be established to ensure that individuals not involved in the operation are kept clear. Use suitable chapter 8 barriers around the works area/vacuum excavator to ensure no unauthorised persons (ie: members of the public) can enter the work area. A second man is to be provided to support the Vac excavator operator; the second man must be briefed on the Vacuum Excavator risk assessment and Vacuum Excavator procedure. Operators must be trained on the L x S 1 5 5 Site Manager/ Team Leader Frequency Training certificates to be checked by Team Leader and recorded in project training matrix. Site Manager to check inspection records and risk assessment when undertaking site visits/ site inspections. triio No 21 Vacuum Excavator V10 April 2018 Page 1 of 7
emergency controls (as per manufacturer s instructions). Head Protection, Hearing Protection High Visibility Clothing, Steel Toe Capped Boots, FR Clothing/Overalls, Hand Protection & safety glasses/full Face Visor To Be Worn At All Times. L x S Frequency Pre use checks to be completed by the operator prior to use and a formal recorded inspection to be completed every seven days. No-one shall be permitted to enter the excavation unless the vacuum excavator has been shut down and associated remote controls and accessories have been safely isolated. All operatives using Vac-Ex equipment must have a understanding of EHS 010-P03, Safe use of Vacuum Excavators and the vacuum excavator risk assessment and appropriate rescue plans Suction hose & hydraulic arm not stowed in housing The vehicle arm may cause injury to MOP/operative once the vehicle is moving on the highway; Damage to property and vehicles in the vicinity Overturning of suction excavator when discharging material Serious injury to operative from trapping/crushing injury; Damage to vehicle from overturning; Damage to property, 3 4 12 The suction hose is to be retracted and secured in the housing provided when travelling on the highway; The suction hose shall be retracted and secured in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions when travelling on site; Ensuring that the steel wire rope restraint secures the suction hose in place and prevents the hose from becoming detached. All incidents involving any Vac-Ex equipment must be reported to the triio incident line: 0330 123 1092. 3 5 15 Operator to ensure stabilisers have been extended before the container lid is raised; and load displacement pads on soft ground to ensure that vehicle is stable; Operative to ensure that they and all other personnel are 3m from the container before tipping commences. control control triio No 21 Vacuum Excavator V10 April 2018 Page 2 of 7
objects & other vehicles in the vicinity. L x S Frequency Tipping of extracted material and cleaning rear skip Waste material being placed on ground and entering water ways Waste materials falling from rear skip during cleaning/tipping Slip, trips and falls due to uneven ground conditions Ill-fitting PPE Use of air lance to clean skip (flying debris) Contact with Overhead Power Lines (OHPL)/ communication cables/ obstructions Which could result in electrocution, damaged assets, damaged plant. 3 3 9 Site Manager/Team Leader to carryout site specific RA and designate area for spoil from Vac-Ex to be tipped. Area to be recorded on SSRA and Vac-Ex operator to be informed. Vac-Ex operator to sign onto daily RA. Tip off area to be away from overhead hazards and potential water course contamination (gullies/gutters etc to be covered and protected) and other vulnerable areas (near schools etc ). Care to be taken when walking round tipped material as ground conditions can be uneven. Do not climb onto tipped material to clean/empty rear skip of vac-ex. Ensure all PPE is fitted correctly. Hard Hat to be adjusted so it fits snuggly on operatives head. Check condition of visor/safety glasses and replace as required. Material can stick to inside of Vac Ex skip. Stand to one side of material and NOT directly below materials to be removed. If required move Vac-Ex away from tipped material. Attempt to dislodge material using air lance (if safe to do so following SSRA) use long handled shovel to dislodge material if air lance is not effective. Wear full PPE and establish exclusion zones to control debris. 3 5 15 Suction excavator operatives are to ensure that all OHPL s/ communication cables, and obstructions are identified prior to work starting and exclusion zones established. As far as reasonably practicable Operator shall avoid operating underneath OHPL s/communications cables / obstructions and to ensure the skip is not emptied in the vicinity of overhead equipment. If work under overhead lines is required then the site manager must produce a specific risk assessment for the activity once safe clearance distances have been provided by the asset owner. All works must comply with HSE guidance document GS6 Avoiding danger from overhead power lines for further advice. Team Leader to ensure emergency response plan have been developed and agreed prior to vacuum excavation 1 3 3 Operator Team leader to control control triio No 21 Vacuum Excavator V10 April 2018 Page 3 of 7
working L x S Frequency Utility Damage Serious injury from utility damage; Disruption to members of public caused by loss of services. Traffic Interface Operatives struck by moving traffic resulting in death or serious injury Working at height on vehicles Falls from height causing death to operative, serious injury, and/or fractures. 3 4 12 The suction excavator is only to be used for removing loose areas of ground and not to be used as a breaker; The suction hose shall be fitted with a plastic protection ring; Inverted crowns fitted to the suction hose are prohibited; please refer to EHS 010-P03, section 10 of the triio Vacuum excavator procedure. An insulated pneumatic air lance is provided to loosen large areas of ground in preparation for the suction excavator intake; Any ground around service is to be loosened with Air Lance and removed with suction excavator intake. Every excavation is to be re-scanned every 300mm depth using ECat4+ and Genny, and sidewalls marked accordingly. All incidents involving any Vac-Ex equipment must be reported to the triio incident line: 0330 123 1092. 3 4 12 Team leader Shall ensure that NRSWA requirements are fulfilled before allowing Vacuum operations to commence; Operator to ensure that the vehicle is always positioned so the suction unit is parked in a safe place and exclusion zones maintained. 3 4 12 Operator to ensure that working at height is avoided where possible and control are in place to prevent falls; Ensure access and egress of the vehicle body is only by a specifically designed ladder or steps. Refer to triio Vacuum excavator procedure; Appendix 2 for further guidance. Operatives who need to access the top of the Vac-Ex must have received harness training and be physically fit to carry out the task. Harness must be inspected prior to use and in date inspection label attached. Harness to be attached and worn when accessing vehicle ladder or body. control control control triio No 21 Vacuum Excavator V10 April 2018 Page 4 of 7
Always ensure footwear is free from mud and other oily substances that could cause a slipping hazard; L x S Frequency Ensure good housekeeping is maintained and material storage is managed; If oil spillages have occurred in the access and egress area (ladder at rear of vehicle), ensure that they are cleaned up before access is permitted; When exiting the vehicle always use the designated egress point, never jump. A suitable rescue plan must be written and briefed to the operatives using the Vac-Ex equipment (consider the use of high level access equipment ie: MEWPS). Driving near low bridges The suction excavator is 3.7m high (this can differ depending on model type), this would collide with low bridges if correct observations are not made; this may cause: Injury to operative; Damage to public property; Damage to vehicle(s) Manual handling lifting of materials & equipment Varying severity of injury Damage to materials and equipment 2 5 10 Driver to be aware and have checked the vehicle height; Visible information to be in drivers cab with height and width of vehicle. 3 4 12 All operatives must be medically fit to operate the Vac-Ex equipment and have completed a safety critical worker health assessment. Avoid manual lifting, use lifting aids or get assistance; Ensure you carry out a manual handling assessment; Ensure compaction tools are stored in the designated storage areas on the vehicle. control control Lighting Lighting of workplace 2 4 8 Ensure working spot lights are used in conditions where natural light is diminished; triio No 21 Vacuum Excavator V10 April 2018 Page 5 of 7
Restrict the visibility of the operation and may result in injury to operative, MOP or utility strike. Working with suction air lance Environmental hazards The lift arm of the suction excavator is controlled hydraulically therefore there is a risk of the lift arm releasing hydraulic oil; Fuel and oil leak from engine and main tank; Air pollution from exhaust emissions; Noise pollution from mechanized plant. Operator to ensure that sufficient lighting is available before each job is started. 3 3 9 Implement control as set out in RA 19 Air Lances All plant defects must be recorded on plant defect documentation and reported to triio line manager. 2 3 6 Supplier to ensure that biodegradable hydraulic oil is used; Supplier to ensure 2 spill kits carried on the vehicle and the operator is trained on their use; Ensure you are trained and competent to use a spill kit; Always refuel and top up oil using funnels drip trays and ensure it s carried out away from any water courses; Operator to conduct pre use formal recorded weekly inspections and to ensure all faults are reported to the supplier and the machine is not used if the fault creates a safety or environmental risk. Consider site requirements as to noise pollution timings. Where possible vehicle should be situated so as to prevent the travel of noise. L x S Frequency control 1 3 3 Operator Team leader to control 1 3 3 Supplier Site Manager to monitor compliance during site visits and audits. Lone Working 2 3 6 Operator shall not undertake any lone working. 1 3 3 Isolation/lack of contact in the event of an emergency. Proximity of sensitive buildings schools, hospitals, stations, electricity substations etc. Blocking emergency transport routes. Working around Gas network 2 2 4 Always position vacuum excavator to ensure access is clear and safe for all vehicles to pass safely, considerations should be made to any hospitals, schools etc that are in close proximity. 2 3 6 Operative to attend triio induction, hold SHEA Gas passport 1 2 2 Operator Team leader to control 1 3 3 Site Manager triio No 21 Vacuum Excavator V10 April 2018 Page 6 of 7
Overturning of Vacuum Excavator due to being operated on unsuitable ground, over chambers etc. Vehicle movements on Site 2 5 10 Operator to undertake a site inspection and ensure that the vehicle is not driven over unsuitable ground/ or chamber covers. Vac-Ex equipment to be placed at a safe distance from excavations (see EHS 010-P03, section 8 of the Safe use of Vac-Ex procedure for guidance). All vacuum excavator drivers are to have HGV licence and are required under triio procedures to complete a drivers assessment. 5 5 25 When movements of the vac ex on site, the speed shall be kept to a minimum and comply with the site traffic management plan; The vehicle shall be parked so that it does not create an obstruction to others or to ensure it won t injury someone or damage infrastructure if the wrong gear is selected; If the reversing of the vac ex can- not be avoided the reversing activity shall be controlled by a competent and suitably trained Vehicle Marshall. L x S Frequency control control Hierarchy of Reduction a) Elimination b) Substitution c) Engineering s d) Signage / Warnings and / or Administrative s e) PPE triio No 21 Vacuum Excavator V10 April 2018 Page 7 of 7