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Excavation Protection, Access, and Egress on National Highways Toolbox Talk: Ensuring Safe Practices for Highways Excavation Work
The Excavation Protection, Access, and Egress on National Highways Toolbox Talk provides essential guidance for safely managing excavations in highways and traffic management environments. This document is developed in accordance with Raising the Bar 13 (RTB13) and aligns with UK safety regulations, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and HSE guidance on excavation safety. It supports employers in implementing practical, compliant procedures to protect workers, secure excavation sites, and ensure safe access and egress.
Excavations present significant risks in highways work, including ground collapse, falling objects, and hazardous atmospheres. This toolbox talk educates operatives on the critical safety principles for excavation activities, such as ground stability assessments, shoring systems, and barrier installations. It also emphasises the need for clear, designated access and egress points to prevent falls and facilitate emergency evacuations.
The document covers the key responsibilities of site management under UK law, including conducting pre-work risk assessments, implementing appropriate protective systems like benching, battering, or shoring, and regularly inspecting excavation sites for signs of instability. In line with Raising the Bar 13, the toolbox talk stresses the importance of worker training on safe excavation practices, as well as effective communication protocols when working near underground services.
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Useful Resources and Links
Traffic Signs Manual – Chapter 8: Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual
Safety at Street Works and Road Works (The Red Book):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-at-street-works-and-road-works
HSE Guidance on Excavation and Trenching Safety:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/excavations.htm
