NOOR II POWER PLANT

CLIENT: CONTRACTORS:

OUA2-EPCHS-PR-0018
EXCAVATION PROCEDURE.

FOR INFORMATION.....................................  FOR DESIGN............................................... 

FOR APPROVAL...........................................  FOR CONSTRUCTION..................................

REQUEST FOR OFFER - PURCHASE............. AS BUILT..................................................... 

SENER-SEPCO III Consortium

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Excavation Procedure

Signature Control

Written Checked Approved

A.ELMARHRAOUI RAFAEL PICO RAFAEL ALONSO

Rev Date Author Affected section Changes

01 20/12/2015 A. ELMARHRAOUI All

02 28/03/2017 Mr. Jamal GUERMAT Code Modification As per EPC Codification

Content
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Excavation Procedure

1. Purpose.............................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Scope................................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Reference...........................................................................................................................................4
4. Definition...........................................................................................................................................5
5. Responsibilities.............................................................................................................................. 5
6. Procedure.......................................................................................................................................... 7
6.1 Procedural requirement.......................................................................................... 7
6.2 Preparation phase................................................................................................... 7
6.3 Operation process................................................................................................... 8
6.4 Drainage................................................................................................................. 9
6.5 Slope and support................................................................................................. 10
6.6 Dust...................................................................................................................... 10
6.7 Manual excavation................................................................................................ 11
6.8 Mechanical excavation......................................................................................... 11
6.9 Warning and isolation........................................................................................... 12
6.10 TRAINING............................................................................................................ 13
6.11 PLACEMENT & REMOVAL OF SOIL.......................................................................14
6.12 EQUIPMENT / MATERIALS.................................................................................... 14
6.13 PROTECTION FROM CAVE-IN...............................................................................14
6.14 General Safety Precautions:............................................................................... 15
6.15 Equipment and traffic......................................................................................... 17
6.16 Inspection and Review........................................................................................ 17

7. Appendix.........................................................................................................................................18
7.1 Flow diagram of the excavation process...............................................................18
7.2 Excavation permit................................................................................................. 19

1. Purpose.
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Excavation Procedure

The purpose of this procedure is to confirm the management requirement

and HSE precautionary measures during excavation works.

2. Scope.

This system is applicable to all excavation works within the scope of

construction in the company.

3. Reference

3.1 NOOR II HSEMP

3.2 OSHA Standard/ https://www.osha.gov/

4. Definition

Excavation.

An excavation is defined as:

 Any removal of soil, whether by hand or mechanical means.

 Removal of more than 30 cm of topsoil.
 Driving of any peg or stake below grade.

Trench.

A narrow excavation below the surface of the ground with a width of

fifteen (15) feet or less at the lowest level below the ground.

Access.

In trenches 1 m or more in depth, ladders, steps, ramps, or other

safe means of access and egress shall be provided and located no more
than five m apart laterally. If ladders are used, the ladder will extend 1 m
above the original surface of the ground and must be secured.

Walkways, ramps, or bridges with standard guardrails will be provided at

all excavations and trenches where employees are required or permitted
to cross over. The crossing structure will be made of tightly secured and
uniformly sized planking or other material.

5. Responsibilities
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Excavation Procedure

Construction Manager:

Has the final responsibility to ensuring that all excavation works carried
out on the project shall meet the criteria mentioned herein this HSE
management system document.

HSE Manager

(1) Should ensure that the excavation works shall be performed by

the relevant procedure.
(2) Scheme and perform the HSE training for workers.
(3) Ensure that the inspection schedule and procedure is being
followed.

Section Managers.

 Project civil department is responsible for the compiling and

implementation of earthwork excavation programs with HSE
measures.
 HSE Department is responsible for the supervision and inspection of
excavation HSE management for each project.

Civil Work Superintendent

The Civil Work superintendent in charge of the work shall carry out the
following activities:

 Prior to any excavation being dug, carry out a prior survey of the
area to establish the presence of any underground utilities.
 Establish ground conditions, e.g. the type of ground involved, clay,
sand etc. and compaction qualities and water table.
 Identify the presence of any overhead lines, underground services
and other obstructions.
 Identify the need for any permits that are required in the area.
 Brief the Partner carrying out the work of any adjacent operations
that may impact on the work, the presence of overhead and
underground utilities.

Partners

Shall be responsible for the following:

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Excavation Procedure

 Briefing personnel doing the work on the safe working practices

required.
 Application of excavation and any other work permits e.g. confined
space that is provided.
 Provision of equipment that is capable of carrying out the work
safely has been maintained and is certified for use on the project.
 Provision of adequate barriers, flashing lights and signs for the work.
 Program the work to ensure that any trenches that go across roads
are done so in a manner that maintains access.
 Notify the Civil Work superintendent of any unmarked utilities found.

6. Procedure

1.1 Procedural requirement

Risk assessments to be developed for excavation & trenching prior to work

commencement. The work risk analysis form shall be completed. This has
to be communicated to each employee the task steps to be carried out,
the hazards and risks associated with the task, and the safe work methods
that are to be applied to complete the task safely.

It is the duty of the construction manager, with the support of the section
department managers to ensure that all safety provisions such as isolation
of power source if necessary, test reports, engineering specifications /
drawings is obtained. This may include proper PPE, tools and other items
deemed necessary to complete the task effectively, efficiently and most
importantly, safely.

1.2 Preparation phase.

Prior to commencement of excavation works, the Excavation Permit

shall be applied if required, refer to Work Permit Procedure.

Civil work superintendent should understand the existing conditions

pertaining to hydrological geology, underground pipes, electrical cables,
underground facilities, etc., and formulate construction plans with HSE
measures.

Pedestrian and material access shall not be blocked by excavation, and if

not possible, warning sings boards shall be put up.
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Excavation Procedure

Strict checks shall be made to ensure that no exposed electrical

wire/cables are in the excavation area except the construction cables.

Standby access should be in place.

All operation personnel shall receive training and are qualified with
relevant knowledge and skills.

Site engineers shall hold training for all workers.

Risk assessment shall be made for excavation works and effective

measures shall be taken basing on the assessment.

Adequate quality of safety protection equipment shall be provided for all

workers.

Construction scheme shall be reasonable, and there shall do attempt to

reduce the number of foundation pit workers, precautionary measures
shall be taken to isolate the exaction areas and unauthorized personal are
strictly restricted from these areas.

Before excavation works begin, ensure transportation machineries are in

good working conditions without unnecessary emission or oil leaks.

1.3 Operation process

During exaction, if unidentified material, underground installation or

antiques were found, it shall not be removed or dismantled, but the matter
shall be immediately reported to the supervisor before continuing with the
works.

When there are cables and underground pipes in the area, written
permission shall be obtained from the relevant management department
prior to excavation. Safety precautionary measures shall be adopted with
special designated workers, and it is strictly forbidden to use striking tools
and machineries.

Excavations shall be top-down and it is strictly prohibited to undercut the

soil or use the hollow feet method. Any float stones found shall be
immediately cleared and the stockpile height of the excavated material
shall be according to the relevant regulation.
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Excavation Procedure

Protective systems shall be adopted for works in deep shafts and pits.
There shall be adequate ventilation are testing and monitoring of toxic
gases regularly. If any abnormal situation is encountered, work shall cease
and immediately evacuate the work area and report to the supervisor.

Reinforcement measures shall be taken when excavating near power poles

or underground structures. Structural supports shall be installed to prevent
the collapse of soil and adjacent buildings.

Digging along the railway, designated monitor or fence along the rail
should be in place. Distance between fence and rail: for the wide gauge,
the distance is not less than 2.5m, for the light rail of 1m width, the
distance is not less than 2m, and for the narrow track that below 0.75m,
the distance is not less than 1.5m.

Fence and warning signs shall be placed when digging shafts or pits at live
traffic roads, squares and construction areas. Distance from shaft or pit
shall be not less than 0.8m. Red warning lights shall be installed during
night.

Walkways, ramps or bridges with standard guardrails shall be provided for

all excavations. It is strictly forbidden to climb up a supporting planks or
rest under or near a slope.

Sufficient lighting shall be provided for excavation works at night.

Keep your fingers on the switch during pneumatic drilling and switch off
the drill when replace the drill bit.

Ensure the rubber hose of the rock drill is not knotted or coiled. Prevent
the duct from bending and stopping the ventilation system.

Special attention shall be paid when digging foundations in raining

seasons. If necessary, cut down the slopes or install supports. Increase the
frequency of the inspections during construction and restrict the surface
water from entering the pit or shaft.

Earthwork is unfavorable in winter and if it’s necessary to be done, then

the construction method statement shall be approved by the Chief
Engineer of the project. All preparation shall be carried out and
continuous.
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Excavation Procedure

The excavated earth shall be regularly cleaned up to avoid accumulation

and generation of dust, especially during windy condition.

On the Appendix 1 the flow diagram of the excavation process.

1.4 Drainage

There shall be a proper drainage system in foundation excavation

where groundwater or surface water can flow in. Precautionary measures
shall be taken to prevent the collapse of soil and the formulation of
quicksand which is caused by pumping water. The drainage of large pits or
wells shall be designed and constructed according to the relevant
requirements.

Pumps shall be inspected prior to use and ensure the insulation and seals
are in good condition.

Do not move or check the submersible pumps when it’s in the water or in
wet conditions. The power supply shall be cut off during checking and
transferring the pumps.

The following procedures shall be adhered to during well point drainage.

 Well point drainage system shall be designed.

 The safety performance of all equipment shall be in good condition.
Pumps shall be connected firmly and the pressurized pipes shall not
face or directed towards any workers.
 The laying of the pipes shall be under the supervision of qualified
personal and the movement of the pipes shall be consistent. Where
possible, the pipes shall be securely fastened with ropes.
 Forbid anybody from standing under the beam when laying the pipe.
 Reinforce the well point where the vehicles and construction
machineries pass.

1.5 Slope and support

All permanent and temporary slope constructed and used for a long
time shall comply with the design. Structured supports shall be installed
for the slopes. The support shall be chosen designed and erected
according to the standard and practical construction.
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Excavation Procedure

Keep a safe distance from the slope edge when poling material on the
slope or moving equipment along the slope. The distance shall be more
than 0.8m and the height less than 1.2m.

Pay special attention to the slope during the excavation. If land slide
occurs (such as crack, sliding, sand flow etc.), the following actions shall
be taken.

Suspend construction and personal and equipment shall be transferred to

a safe area.

Monitor and keep records.

Civil division shall inform and put forward recovery measures to the design
team.

The removal of supports shall be from the bottom and upwards. Install
reinforcement supports, if there is a need to replace the existing support.
Consider the impact to the nearby building when removing the solid wall
support.

1.6 Dust.

Conditions caused by dust should be kept at a minimum level by the use

of water or other safe means.

1.7 Manual excavation

During manual excavation, the distance between two operators shall

be 2-3 meters from each other, and digging shall be from top to bottom
without undercutting the slope.

Set up steps while transfer soil from foundation pit. The width should be
more than 0.7m and the height of contiguous steps less than forbid
putting or transferring tools on the support.

Inspect the fastening of wire rope, pulley and bucket regularly. Don’t stand
under the bucket during inspection.

During manual excavation, keep the tools in good condition. Prevent the
tools from knocking into the face of the co-worker and wear protective
gloves.

Manual prying and digging after blasting:

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Excavation Procedure

It forbidden to stand in the direction of the slide and operation area.

Workers shall be kept away from these areas.

Forbid workers from passing below the prying and digging areas.
Designate special watchers.

Clean all float stones and ensure the slope is safe prior to digging.

Safety belt or harness shall be worn when working on step slopes.

Big rocks which can’t be loaded shall be cut into small ones. The distance
shall be more than 1m when cutting with iron wedge and not less than 4m
with hummer.

1.8 Mechanical excavation

A detail method statement of machine parking, area movement, soil

transferring and digging depth shall be formulated when excavation is
carried out using large machine and for more than 2m of depth.

Precautionary measures shall be taken to prevent the sinkage of large

equipment when it enters the foundation pit. Post signs and warn others
before working.

Movement and working of excavators:

Forbid all workers from passing or staying under the arm or the excavator
bucket.

Forbid all workers from climbing into the excavator bucket and
transferring material by it.

Forbid all auxiliary or leveling works within turning radius of the excavator.

The excavator bucket/grab shall be lowered down onto the ground when
not in use.

Loading rocks with equipment.

Designate the lay down and loading yard as hazardous areas and no
unauthorized entry into these area.

Load stones when the vehicle has come to a complete stop. It is forbidden
for the excavator bucket/grab to be swing over the driver’s cab.
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Excavation Procedure

Ensure the load lifted is within the load limit.

The wire rope shall only be loosen once the rock is in a stable position and
no dragging or transferring of the direction is allowed.

Clean up of the soil and rocks shall only be done once the excavator has
stopped operation and obtain the permission if the excavator operator.

1.9 Warning and isolation

Adequate fall protection measures shall be taken to prevent falling

and suitable sign boards shall be erected to warn all workers.

Warning signs boards and lights shall be installed in the excavation areas.

Excavations without barricades and warning lights shall not be left

overnight.

。 Adequate lighting facilities shall be set up at the construction area to

prevent personal and machineries from falling down and toppling over
during night.

Barricades shall be progressively erected as the excavation proceeds.

Hard barricades are mandatory for excavation more than 2m.

BARRICADING / EDGE PROTECTION

All excavations deeper than 1.2 meters shall be shored benched or the
walls cut back to a safe slope and have a barrier constructed one meter
from the edge of the excavation so as to indicate the presence of a
hazard. In areas of heavy vehicular or pedestrian traffic, rigid guardrails
fitted with high visibility tape, which shall be not less than 900mm in
height from the ground, shall be erected around the excavation. "DANGER
- EXCAVATION" signs must be placed to give warning.

Excavations deeper than 300mm but less than 2 meters in depth shall
have a flagging tape barrier around the excavation if a dangerous
condition is likely to arise to a workman because of the excavation work.
Any excavation deeper than 2 meters should have rigid barrication (by
scaffolding pipe) all around.
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Excavation Procedure

Starter bars and rebar up-stands shall be covered with a suitable cover
approved by MD in order to protect workers who may fall against or on
them.

Excavations left open for longer than one day shift will be clearly
identified by flashing lights at night where the excavation is located near
vehicle or pedestrian access ways or is in a position which could cause
danger to personnel working after dark.

Barricades with warning devices and flashing lights as needs shall be

installed alongside of excavations wherever people or vehicles are
exposed. Stop logs shall be used in areas where mobile equipment is
being manoeuvred.

1.10 TRAINING

All employees who are to be engaged in excavation works which consists

of excavations that are to be greater than 1.2 meters deep shall be
instructed by an excavation competent person on safe methods of
working.

Instructions will cover as a minimum the following subjects:

 Requirements for excavation permit.

 Shoring, benching, sloping or shielding.
 Removal of spoil.
 Exclusion zones for machines & equipment alongside excavations.
 Unstable soil.
 Leaching of water through excavation walls.
 Access and egress
 Placement of material into excavation by cranes or other machinery.

1.11 PLACEMENT & REMOVAL OF SOIL

Soil removed from any excavation will not be left in close proximity to the
excavated area; a minimum distance of 1 meter will be kept as an
exclusion zone for the placement or excavation spoil.

Rocks, stones or other debris will not be left any closer than 1.5 meters to
the edge of the excavation.

Where possible, spoil will be removed from the excavation area on a daily
basis.
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Excavation Procedure

All excavations must be inspected after rains, floods, or other inside water
accumulation.

1.12 EQUIPMENT / MATERIALS

All heavy equlipments (e.g. compressor units, generators, etc.) shall be

kept a minimum of 2 meters away from the edge of an excavation. Wheel
locks are to be placed on any wheeled vehicle, which is parked, in close
proximity to an excavation.

Heavy vehicular traffic shall not be permitted near un-shored sides. The
location of underground utilities shall be identified prior to being any
excavation with necessary precautions taken.

1.13 PROTECTION FROM CAVE-IN

Employees working in any excavation, including trenches, that is 1.2

meter or more in depth must be protected by shoring, shielding, or sloping
in accordance with the standards.

Sloping and Benching

The design of protection systems, including sloping, benching, shoring and

shielding, will depend primarily on two factors:

The types of soil encountered, and in the depth of the excavations

Persons working in excavations can be protected by sloping and benching

the sides of the excavation in accordance with the industrial safety and
Health Law as below.

Type Slope maximum

degree

Soil Wet soil 1 : 1 ~ 1 : 1.5 45° ~ 34°

Dry soil 1 : 0.5 ~ 1 : 1 63° ~ 45°

Rock Weathered rock 1 : 0.8 51°

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Excavation Procedure

Loose rock 1 : 0.5 63°

Stable rock 1 : 0.3 73°

Shoring and Shielding system

Where sloping or benching of excavation sides is not done,

employees must be protected by shielding or shoring in excavations over
1.2 meters or deep. Shield is a structure that is able to withstand the
forces imposed on it and thereby protect employees within the structure.
Shields can be permanent structures or can be designed to be portable
and moved along as work progresses.

Additionally, shield can be either pre-manufactured or job-built in

accordance with the relevant law; shields used in trenches are usually
referred to as “trench boxes” or “trench shields”

Shoring is a structure such as a metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber

sharing system that supports the sides of an excavation and which is
designed to prevent cave-ins.

1.14 General Safety Precautions:

Personnel working in the area of the excavation must wear personal

protective Clothing/Equipment .

Warning Notices and barriers must be erected, sufficient to avoid

accidental entry, exclude unauthorized personnel and keep traffic and
heavy equipment at a safe distance.

Excavation equipment must only be used by persons trained in its correct

use.

Powered equipment must not be left running unattended.

When excavating a trench in the vicinity of electric cables, only beaded or

blunt edged tools may be used to excavate down to the cable cover or
tiles. Work must cease immediately if a cable tile or cover is encountered
unexpectedly. Cable tiles or covers should be removed only on the
authority and in the presence of an authorized person.
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Excavation Procedure

Earth supports must be designed and constructed to the standards. They

may be erected, modified and dismantled only under the direct
supervision of fully experienced and competent personnel.

The minimum distance between the toe of an earth pile and the edge of a
trench must be at least 1.5 times the depth of the trench.

Temporary crossing over excavations must be constructed at least 0.7

meters wide and sufficiently strong for the span. There must be a railing
on one side if there could be a fall of more than one meter or the trench is
more than 0.7 meters wide.

Access ladders must be properly fixed.

Excavation. Hole to be barricaded off. Concrete area to be saturated with

water to prevent sparks. If any gaseous or liquid materials or any pipe or
cable is encountered while digging, work to cease immediately and
competent persons to inspect before work recommences.

Excavation in vicinity of live cables

 Cables in trenches with concrete cover.

 Sharp pointed steel tools may be used, with great care, to break the
surface to a depth of 75mm, after which no picks or sharp pointed
tools may be used; only hand digging is allowed.
 Cables in soft earth.
 No picks or sharp pointed tools may be used; only hand digging is
allowed. PVC shovel to be used close to the live cables.
 Notification to Electrical Department.
 Work must stop when cables, cable warning tiles or ducts are
exposed. The electrical department must be notified in order that
the work may be inspected and supervised.
 In case of doubt, a cable scan must be carried out and drawing
checked prior to work commencing, and permit signed by a Fully
Authorized Electrical Person.

1.15 Equipment and traffic

When mobile equipment of any type is utilized or permitted to operate

adjacent to excavations or trenches, barricades or "stop" logs will be
provided. All wells, pits, shafts, trenches, or other similar ground fall
hazards will be barricaded or covered.
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Excavation Procedure

No one will be allowed access under loads handled by mobile

equipment (i.e., shovels, derricks, or hoists) or near vehicles being
loaded by mobile equipment. Employees exposed to vehicular traffic
operating in the area of excavations or trenches will be provided with
and instructed to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) marked
with or made of reflective or highly visible material.
Routes should be organised to minimise the need for reversing of
machine.In locations where reversing cannot be avoided:
 'Reversing areas' should be planned out and clearly marked.
 People who do not need to be in reversing areas should be kept well
clear.
 Ensurea trained signaller (a banksman), to keep the reversing
area free of pedestrians and to guide drivers.

1.16 Inspection and Review

Project HSE Department shall inspect the excavation works periodically.

7. Appendix

1.17 Flow diagram of the excavation process.

STOP Need for

THE excavation work
WORK identified

N
Appoint
competent person

N
Underground
obstructs
identified

N
Identify hazards Identify controls
and undertake using hierarchy of
risk assessment risk control
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Excavation Procedure

1.18 Excavation permit

Excavation Permit
Permit N°
Permit Issued to Department / Subcontractor:

A
Description of work

Exact Location of work

B Note: Refer to underground facility drawing prior to signing permit
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Excavation Procedure

Subcontractor SEPCOIII Authorized Department

Company Department
Name of Requestor Position
Telephone
Telephone Number
Number
Signature Signature:
Drawing Numbers:

Items yes No Remarks

Drawings checked
Excavation by means of hand tools

Excavation by means of mechanical equipment

Underground obstructs identified (Power Cable, piping, etc.)

Marking exact excavation location
Shoring / support, or sloping provided
Adequate ingress/egress provided For deeper than 1 m
Signs & robust barricade provided Along/Around
C excavation
Drainage system provided
Workers received safety training
Excavated soil properly disposed of At least 1 meter
wide
Access along the excavation maintained
Other necessary precautions

Special Notes:

SEPCOIII Comments & Signature

Telephone
Comments Signature/Date
Number
Civil Department
D
Mechanical Department
Electrical Department
HSE Department
Permit Approved by: construction manager

F
Name & Signature:_______________________ Date:____________________
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Excavation Procedure

Closing of Permit: The permit receiver shall surrender the permit to HSE Department after the completion of
works or upon expiration and shall log at the Work Permit Log Book for proper sign out.

Original- Work Location Copy- Construction Manager Copy- HSE Department