qgc hsse excavation procedure - shell

QGC HSSE Excavation Procedure Issue date: Nov 2018

QCQGC-BX00-HSS-PCE-000062 Review due: Nov 2021

Responsible: Field Manager

Accountable: Operations Manager UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Revision: 0

Endorsed: Asset Manager © QGC 2017 of 39

HSSE PROCEDURE

EXCAVATION

Scope and application This procedure provides the minimum requirements for undertaking safe excavation work in Shell’s QGC project (QGC). It applies to all QGC assets, employees and contractors, including visitors working under the QGC HSSEMS and Permit to Work systems.

This procedure does not apply to Well Engineering rig activity and contracting companies working under their approved HSSEMS (e.g. Upstream Greenfield Projects).

This procedure has been developed to comply with the Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework.

It is to be used in conjunction with the Excavation Code of Practice Qld, other Code of Practice, and all applicable legislation and Australian Standards.

Contents

1.0 Foreword ......................................................................................................................................... 2

2.0 Planning excavation work ............................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Risk management ........................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Design/ground support ................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 Permit to work for excavation (including backfilling) ..................................................................... 7

2.4 Identification of Assets ................................................................................................................. 10

2.5 Excavation around legacy wellheads ............................................................................................ 11

2.6 Planning for backfilling .................................................................................................................. 12

3.0 Work environment ........................................................................................................................ 12

3.1 Adjacent work activities ................................................................................................................ 12

3.2 Barriers, barricades, signage and lighting ..................................................................................... 14

3.3 Access and egress ......................................................................................................................... 15

3.4 Work separation for personnel ..................................................................................................... 16

3.5 Vibrating equipment ..................................................................................................................... 16

3.6 Site contamination/airborne contaminants ................................................................................. 17

4.0 Selection and transport of excavation plant and equipment ....................................................... 17

4.1 Selection........................................................................................................................................ 17

4.2 Transport ....................................................................................................................................... 18

5.0 Training and competence ............................................................................................................. 18

6.0 Safe work practices ....................................................................................................................... 19

6.1 Supervision for excavation in brownfield areas ............................................................................ 19

6.2 Installed/live Assets ...................................................................................................................... 20






6.3 Ground support............................................................................................................................. 26

6.4 Excavated material ........................................................................................................................ 26

6.5 Excavation inspections .................................................................................................................. 27

7.0 Environmental and community issues .......................................................................................... 28

7.1 Environmental management ........................................................................................................ 28

7.2 Cultural, environmental and archaeological considerations ........................................................ 28

8.0 Completion of excavation works .................................................................................................. 28

9.0 Audit and management review .................................................................................................... 28

Definitions .............................................................................................................................................. 29

Abbreviations ......................................................................................................................................... 32

Revision history for QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000007 ............................................................................... 32

Revision history for QCQGC-BX00-HSS-PCE-000062 .............................................................................. 33

Appendix A QGC Upstream process for excavating live assets ........................................................................ 34

Appendix B Roles, responsibilities and competency requirements ................................................................. 36

List of tables Table 1: Excavation categories ............................................................................................................................ 3

Table 2: Ground condition categories ................................................................................................................. 6

Table 3: Excavation stage confined space risk assessment requirements for all assets / all areas ..................... 9

Table 4: Supervision requirements .................................................................................................................... 19

Table 5: HDPE survey data confidence level table ............................................................................................. 20

Table 6: HDPE survey data confidence levels, ground disturbance activities and required controls................ 21

Table 7: Asset colours ........................................................................................................................................ 24

Table 8: Potholing minimum approach distance and maximum allowable pressure ........................................ 24

Table 9: Conditions requiring additional inspection .......................................................................................... 27

1.0 Foreword The purpose of this document is to:

▪ provide the operational controls required for performing excavations in accordance with safe working practices under the QGC PTW processes (Refer to the Permit to Work procedure QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000002 for Upstream and LNGOP-QL00-PRD-PCE-000001 for Midstream)

▪ define the responsibilities of persons nominated for excavation roles

▪ define approvals required for excavation work.

This procedure applies to all excavation work conducted under the QGC PTW processes, including:

▪ ground disturbance

▪ ground penetrations

▪ open excavations

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▪ trenching and shoring activities.

This procedure provides for the following types of excavation in line with the Shell control framework which sets a 500mm mechanical excavation exclusion zone around all live underground assets.

Table 1: Excavation categories

Category Work Examples

Moving material above surface level

Moving material above surface level is not classed as excavation. Consideration must be given to controls for crossing/travelling across QGC assets outlined in this procedure.

Example:

▪ Removal of stockpile material with no ground disturbance.

Mechanical excavation ≤250mm

Due to variations in depth of cover across QGC assets, and for consistency in application of work controls, the maximum allowable excavation depth for ground disturbance activities in Upstream Operations controlled brownfield areas and Midstream is *250mm.

*Exemption: installation/replacement of Right of Way (ROW) signage where the offset from asset alignment is ≥1m: maximum allowable ground penetration depth is 300mm.

Examples include:

▪ Subsidence/erosion repairs

▪ Construction/maintenance/rectification works

▪ Installation/cleaning of tail out drains from gravel roads across ROW.

Note: This excavation category may be considered for approval as a permit template/approved task.

Mechanical excavation >250 mm

Examples include:

▪ Construction works e.g. new pipeline

▪ Bell hole excavations for asset repairs or tie-in

▪ Auger boring/fence posts

▪ Star pickets/fence posts

▪ Repair of underground services

Non-destructive digging

Vacuum/hydro excavation and hand digging without use of picks or crow bars.

Examples include:

▪ Underground asset positive identification.

▪ Confirmation of asset depth

▪ Exposure of asset and removal of material within the 500mm asset exclusion zone

Note: Vacuum/hydro excavation is not considered mechanical excavation.

This procedure has been developed to comply with the requirements of the Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework. It complies and should be used in conjunction with all applicable legislation, Codes of Practice, and Australian Standards.

2.0 Planning excavation work

2.1 Risk management All excavations must be risk assessed as per the permit to work process. In addition, for excavations > 1.2 metres in depth, controls for excavation activities must be selected in accordance with the following hierarchy of controls and the ALARP principles.

▪ First: Eliminate the need for excavation by applying trenchless technology.






▪ Second: Apply maximum allowable slopes or benching where personnel entry is required.

▪ Third: Use shoring or trench shields where personnel entry is required.

Based on the outcome of the risk assessment, all necessary safety systems and equipment, including PPE, must be provided and task rescue plan must be prepared, commensurate with the risk.

2.1.1 Risk assessment Before any excavation activity occurs, a Competent Person must perform a risk assessment as part of the PTW planning process. The risk assessment must:

▪ consider all reasonably foreseeable hazards

▪ determine the required control measures for these hazards.

When undertaking the risk assessment, consider the reason for the excavation in association with the following:

▪ local site conditions, including: all underground and overhead assets, and minimum approach distances; access; ground slope; adjacent buildings/structures; water courses; and trees

▪ requirement for isolation

▪ cultural and archaeological considerations

▪ environmental considerations such as disturbance footprint, fauna, topsoil segregation, waterway impacts, erosion and sediment controls and weed hygiene

▪ type and depth of the excavation

▪ ground conditions/soil properties, including:

▪ variable soil types: stability; shear strength; cohesion; acid sulphate soils; soil chemistry including dispersion; and

▪ fractures or faults in rock, including joints, bedding planes, dip and strike directions and angles, and clay seams

▪ ground suitability and load bearing approval for crossing/working over buried assets

▪ potential for sewerage seepage or hydrocarbon gas/vapour migration

▪ the position of the water table in relation to the bottom of the excavation

▪ the requirement for de-watering, and whether it will affect the stability of the trench

▪ the effect of exposure to the elements

▪ contaminated soil/buried munitions

▪ the length of time the excavation or trench will remain open

▪ the length of time the asset will remain exposed to the elements

▪ effects on stability, including:

▪ vibration

▪ inappropriate placement of excavated materials, plant or other load bearing items

▪ the instability of any adjoining structure caused by the excavation

▪ the instability of the excavation due to persons or plant working adjacent to the excavation

▪ any specialised plant or work methods required (for example ground support, removal of material below a live asset)

▪ the method(s) of transport, haul routes and disposal of spoil.






▪ the number of people involved and associated personal safety hazards including:

▪ the need to enter/work in the excavation

▪ potential confined space hazards

▪ the presence of or possible in-rush of water or other liquid

▪ the risk of personnel falling

▪ the risk of falling objects

▪ the proximity of heavy equipment to persons in or around the trench

▪ local weather conditions

▪ a hazardous atmosphere in the excavation or trench due to:

▪ gas or flammable liquids from above-ground leaks or spills

▪ vehicle/machinery exhaust fumes

▪ poor ventilation

▪ oxygen depleting soils

▪ exposures that may occur, such as noise or UV rays

▪ lifting and handling hazards (e.g. from scaffolding being lowered into the excavation)

▪ health and ergonomic risks associated with manual excavation techniques

▪ welfare and sanitation risks associated with remote/temporary worksites

▪ accessibility to the public/unauthorised access to the work area

▪ road traffic obstruction caused by the excavation or trench requiring traffic management plan/approval by the Local Road Authority.

Note: The above list should not be considered exhaustive and any other job-specific factors/hazards must also be identified and controlled.

2.2 Design/ground support Excavations must be sited to minimise risks to people, plant and the environment, including the possibility of damaging other assets in the vicinity.

Benching and battering may be used:

▪ where space and conditions permit

▪ where the design has been approved by a Competent Person.

Bench height must be no greater than the bench width. Bench height must not exceed 1.2 metres.

When battering, consideration must be given to safe slope criteria, and must be no less than a 1:1 ratio (i.e. does not exceed 45 degrees from the horizontal).

Where the conditions above cannot be met, written Competent Engineering sign-off must occur.

Excavation work which is likely to impact on the stability and security (including stress cracks) on any part of a structure must not commence until adequate protection measures approved in writing by a Competent Engineer have been implemented to maintain and monitor the existing structural integrity of the asset.

Considerations:

▪ structural integrity of footings






▪ vibration

▪ water egress

▪ structures containing equipment sensitive to shock and vibration

▪ regular inspections.

Excavations and any supports must be designed in accordance with acceptable engineering principals and standards. All ground supports must be specifically designed and approved by a Competent Engineer in accordance with acceptable engineering principles and installed by a Competent Person. To prevent erosion and sediment discharge from adverse weather, excavations must be planned to:

▪ minimise the erosive effects of concentrated water run off

▪ prevent sediment discharge into watercourses or off approved footprint

▪ reduce total soil disturbance

▪ reduce total slope length and gradient

▪ provide stabilising ground cover protection from the effects of raindrop impact.

2.2.1 Ground conditions Prior to excavation work commencing and during the risk assessment stage, the natural or existing ground conditions shall be assessed and classified from whatever knowledge can be gathered from previous or current work in the area, e.g. from boreholes, trial pits or other trenches that have been excavated.

Where ground conditions are not known through previous or current work activities in the area, the soil can be inspected by the Competent Person when excavation starts by using the initial excavation as a trial pit to categorise the soil into one of the four main types stated in Table 2.

Referral to a Competent Engineer is required where there is any doubt about the properties of the soil and in cases where the ground conditions cannot be categorised or if unforeseen conditions are encountered, e.g. ground water, contamination or chance finds. In such cases, the Competent Engineer shall specify the means and conditions for soil testing and classification to be applied.

No soil sampling or testing is required where engineering approval is not required in soil types 1,2 and 3 under the conditions stated below (benched or battered, <6m deep), and where ground conditions are known through previous or current work activities in the area.

Commentary: The intent of this requirements is for the Competent Person to be knowledgeable and experienced in

visually assessing ground conditions to determine soil type when persons will be required to access the zone of

influence or enter an excavation. This requirement includes being able to determine whether further sampling and

testing is needed if unable to classify the soil type.

Table 2: Ground condition categories

1. Stable rock

2. Hard, compact soil

3. Soil liable to crack or crumble

4. Loose or running material

As a minimum, ground conditions must be monitored during excavation and recorded daily as a minimum to ensure appropriate risk mitigation.






Engineering approval is not required for soil types 1, 2, and 3, when the total depth of the excavation is ≤6m, providing the below criteria are met:

▪ benching height is not greater than the bench width and is ≤1.2m in height

▪ battering has a maximum of 1:1 slope.

Excavation requires written approval from a Competent Engineer for the following:

▪ for soil type 4 (including where configured as layers within soil types 1, 2 and 3)

▪ when the excavation is >6m in depth; and

▪ when bench height is greater than the bench width; and/or

▪ when each bench is >1.2m in height; and/or

▪ when battering where a maximum of 1:1 slope is not achievable for soil types 1, 2, and 3; and/or

▪ any change in conditions prescribed in section 6.5.

When engineering approval is required, ground conditions must be suitably assessed via boreholes and trial pits. Written engineer approval must include the following and be kept with the PTW:

▪ the type(s) of ground encountered

▪ the calculations used in deciding the method of protection required, if relevant

▪ any other specific issues that need to be addressed.

Note: Engineering approval for benching and battering specifications should be by exception only.

Waterlogged ground / high ground water levels

Where waterlogged ground conditions or high ground water levels are expected and water-removal equipment is required, it is usually satisfactory to pump from sumps within the excavation. Engineering approval requirements should be determined at the planning risk assessment stage, based on location and the ground conditions described in Table 2: Ground condition categories.

Where pumps are used for prolonged periods, it may be necessary to install suitable filters behind sump linings. Trench sumps must not be excavated to such a depth that they present a hazard.

Alternative water removing methods must be considered in any of the following circumstances, where:

▪ it is proposed to excavate through running sand or water-bearing peat

▪ pumping from trench sumps is inadequate to keep trenches free from water

▪ deep excavations have to be made in waterlogged ground

▪ excavations are to remain open for a considerable period of time in waterlogged ground.

Alternative measures include sumps external to the excavation, well points. These alternative measures must have written approval from a Competent Engineer.

2.3 Permit to work for excavation (including backfilling) The PTW process must be followed for all excavation types. (Refer to the Permit to Work procedure QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000002 for Upstream and LNGOP-QL00-PRD-PCE-000001 for Midstream.)

The PTW pack must:

▪ identify the work scope and location and hazards

▪ list the controls required to safely manage:

▪ the excavation



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▪ movement of plant around the excavation

▪ personnel access and egress where applicable

▪ require the permit holder to identify the nominated competent Safety Observer/Spotter.

▪ emergency response commensurate to risk and include the nearest isolation points when excavating around live assets.

For Upstream excavations, if excavation will occur within the 15-metre QGC Asset exclusion zone, the relevant Field Manager or delegate must be consulted and the Guidelines for work near QGC Assets QCOPS-OPS-HSS-GDL-000001 must accompany the PTW application.

An approved Excavation Certificate QCQGC-BX00-HSS-CER-000008 must be attached to the PTW, when the excavation is greater than 250mm in depth. The excavation certificate is valid for the duration of the permit. For Upstream excavations, where appropriate, at Permit Issuer discretion, a copy of this certificate may be used as evidence for location and positive identification of installed assets for other PTW excavation activities.

For all Upstream Brownfield and Midstream excavations ≥1.2m deep, a QGC appointed Excavation Endorsing Authority (EEA) must review and approve/endorse the PTW application and supporting documentation.

An EEA is not required for vacuum/hydro excavation - activities relating to location and identification of assets, driving stakes, auguring/boring for fence post/signage installation, if there is no risk of a person entering the excavation.

Third-party asset owners must be consulted to obtain approval and determine additional controls required, when working in the vicinity of their assets.

Note:

▪ The QGC PPE requirements apply. Refer to the QGC Personal Protective Equipment Procedure QCQGC-BX00-HSS-PCE-000058.

▪ Where a risk of falling is identified during excavation work refer to and follow the QGC Fall prevention procedure QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000004 for Upstream and LNGOP-QL00-PRD-PCE-000009 QCLNG Working at Heights for Midstream.

▪ Where relevant, appropriate controls must be implemented to prevent accidental ignition of flammable vapour or gas. If the risk is identified, the work area must be monitored by a Competent Person using an approved and correctly calibrated gas detector(s) before and during the work activity, as identified on the PTW and, where applicable to Upstream excavations, in accordance with AS 2885.3:2001 Pipelines - Gas and liquid petroleum - Operation and maintenance.

2.3.1 Personnel entry into excavations and confined space identification Excavations are not considered confined spaces based on the risk of structural collapse alone, but will be confined spaces if they potentially contain concentrations of airborne contaminants that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation.

Prior to personnel entering, excavations must be risk assessed for potential confined spaces as per the criteria in Table 3.

Where an excavation confined space assessment confirms a confined space, entry to the excavation must not proceed. If the confined space cannot be designed out, a separate PTW is required for Confined Space Entry. Refer to the Confined Space Entry Procedures QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000003 for Upstream and LNGOP-QL00-PRD-PCE-000003 for Midstream.







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Table 3: Excavation stage confined space risk assessment requirements for all assets / all areas

Excavation stage Authority to sign CSI RA and safe to enter on the Excavation certificate

Narrow trenches, ditches, and small holes where a person is required to place their head below natural ground level.

EEA (or HSSE for Upstream) written sign off on location

Note: bellhole construction does not fall into this category

During Excavation Construction

When work party members (e.g. a Spotter) are required to enter the excavation during construction of a benched/battered excavation, a confined space risk assessment must be completed:

▪ at 1.2m in depth vertically

▪ at the completion of each bench ≤ 1.2m in depth

▪ during battering in depth increments ≤ 1.2m vertically from the surface

▪ as stipulated by the approved engineer design

A Competent Person must be present to observe construction method compliance at each stage to ensure confined space is designed out.

Hold points: CSIRA section of the excavation certificate must be signed at each stage of construction as identified on the certificate, confirming the excavation is not a confined space and it is safe for the Spotter and other limited work party members to enter the excavation during the construction phase.

Post excavation completion

Post excavation completion and prior to personnel entering to commence work (e.g. tie-in).

*EEA written sign off on the excavation certificate is required on location to confirm construction completed with safe design, the excavation is not a confined space and the excavation is safe to enter.

Other

It is the responsibility of the Permit Holder to notify the EEA (or HSSE for Upstream) if other hazards arise or when introducing any potential hazards not previously identified on the risk assessment for example:

▪ ground water/water ingress

▪ prior to introducing powered plant into part of the work area that could have the potential to introduce CO2 or other exhaust fumes within the excavation

▪ when materials with toxic fumes are required for the intended activity i.e. Two Pack coating material, solvents or electric arc welding, etc.

▪ there is potential for gas or other airborne contaminants to be present e.g. tools with fuel gas lines.

Following rectification of the hazard. EEA (or HSSE for Upstream) written sign off on location stating safe to enter.

Note: Dependent on the hazard identified, the PTW may require closing and a new PTW issued.

*Exemption: By exception, the Field Manager may approve use of a QGC Competent Excavation Person on location to report back to the EEA (with use of photos/video and discussion). Formal written confirmation from the EEA is a requirement. In these circumstances, the Competent Person will sign the Excavation Certificate on behalf of the EEA. Evidence of EEA approval must be maintained.

Note: In addition to the above, the permit holder must conduct an inspection of the excavation before work commences each day. Refer to section 6.5.






Task Rescue Plans

A specific Task Rescue Plan must be developed for any excavation activity that is identified as being a confined space. This plan must be commensurate with the risks identified for the activity and clearly understood by the work party. Refer to Task Rescue Plan QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PLN-000001 for Upstream and the “Midstream Rescue Plan Template” used in Midstream.

Excavations that are not a confined space require an emergency response plan as described elsewhere in this document.

2.4 Identification of Assets

2.4.1 Site survey of area to be excavated Before any ground disturbance begins, the Permit Holder (or person applying for the permit) must initiate a thorough site or route survey to identify:

▪ any overhead or underground assets that may be affected

▪ the location, depth, size and capacity/rating of any underground pipes, cable or plant associated with the assets

▪ any restriction on trenching or excavation activities imposed by the owner of an underground asset.

▪ identification of non QGC assets using cable locating equipment must be undertaken in accordance with the relevant asset owner’s specific requirements.

As a minimum, the survey must include:

▪ contacting the asset owner to inform them that an excavation is being planned

▪ For Upstream excavations, a Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) search completed with sufficient time to allow for any changes in the work program caused by the identified assets (Submit DBYD requests at http://1100.com.au or phone 1100)

▪ a review of existing and proposed infrastructure in the QGC Geographical Information System (GIS) using MapMagic (http://mapmagic) for Upstream, or underground services plot plan diagram for Midstream. The Midstream underground services plot plan diagram must be endorsed by a site Responsible Electrical Person.

▪ with permission from the asset owner, visually inspect the work area for indication of buried services and perform line locating if any indication of a buried asset is found

▪ for excavation work inside field facility fence lines, carefully sweep the work area with line location equipment to determine the location of all buried pipelines, cables and conduits.

Refer to section 6.2 Installed/live Assets for specific requirements.

2.4.2 Crossing QGC infrastructure QGC has procedures for anyone proposing to construct infrastructure that would cross or encroach within 15m of any QGC infrastructure. These procedures primarily apply to Upstream assets and are not required for Midstream assets inside the Curtis Island facility fence line.

QGC construction contractors must obtain a QGC Crossing ID and Crossing Map before they submit the PTW request. A crossings application is not required. If the ID and Crossing Map were not already provided as part of the design scope, contact the Asset Planning Team via email.

Third-party stakeholders wanting to cross QGC infrastructure must submit a crossings application and obtain an executed Crossing Approval before submitting a PTW request. This can be obtained by contacting Land access advisor, or the Assets Planning team.

To contact the QGC Asset Planning team email: [email protected]


http://1100.com.au/

http://mapmagic/

mailto:[email protected]






2.4.3 Limits of approach A limit of approach specifies the minimum distance required between underground, aboveground or overhead assets and the work activity.

The limits of approach for identified assets must be confirmed by consulting the asset owner, local legislation or guidance material, and must be reflected in the excavation PTW conditions.

The limits of approach for QGC underground assets are detailed throughout the procedure and built into the Excavation Certificate QCQGC-BX00-HSS-CER-000008.

Ensure overhead infrastructure is marked with coloured streamers or protected with temporary structures, such as scaffolding, as appropriate.

Electrical

The safe limit of approach when working near overhead lines is defined as outside of the exclusion zone.

Consultation and approval from the asset owner is required to determine the exact exclusion zone that applies to overhead lines. The specific control measures selected for the job are to be recorded in Step B of the Excavation Certificate.

For underground electric lines, no specific exclusion zones apply. The control measures outlined in this procedure are sufficient for work near underground electric lines.

The Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working near overhead and underground electric lines applies as a minimum standard.

Other aboveground assets

Aboveground assets are defined as live services within facilities such as wellsites, pipeline riser stations, field compression stations, central processing plants, substations, water treatment plants, pump stations and the LNG plant.

The safe limit of approach when working near aboveground assets is defined as outside of the exclusion zone.

No powered excavation equipment is permitted to operate within a 500 mm exclusion zone measured from the outer edge of a live asset in all directions. When working within 3 m of aboveground live assets, the risk assessment shall identify any location / site specific control measures for the job. The selected control measures are to be recorded in Step B of the Excavation Certificate.

2.5 Excavation around legacy wellheads For all excavation and backfilling activities around legacy wellheads, as shown in Figure 1, the following specific controls shall be implemented (reference: QCLNG-BA00-HSS-RPT-000110~WAF 17061 Wellhead External Casing Corrosion – Excavation Risk Assessment Report):

▪ QGC to ensure the well is isolated or dynamically killed prior to excavation work commencing and until completion of all related activities

▪ All threaded outlet connections shall be supported at all times. If pipe supports are removed, then temporary supports must be installed prior to excavation work commencing and until completion of all related activities

▪ For QGC supervisory requirements see section 6.1 of this procedure

▪ For safe limits of approach see section 2.4.3 of this procedure








Figure 1: Example of a legacy wellhead with threaded connections

2.6 Planning for backfilling Backfilling operations must be considered during the planning process to ensure that the operation is planned and conducted safely and efficiently while achieving the planned standards of compaction.

As a minimum, the following must be considered:

▪ placement of material while personnel are in the excavation

▪ movement of machines above and around the excavation

▪ removal of shoring to ensure personnel are not exposed to unsupported trench walls

▪ how the required compaction levels will be obtained

▪ vibration effects from compaction equipment

▪ exhaust gases from compaction equipment

▪ manual lifting of compaction equipment in and out of the excavation

▪ marking of assets with underground marking tapes and surface markings as per local legislative requirements.

3.0 Work environment

3.1 Adjacent work activities

3.1.1 Zone of influence A zone of influence must be determined (i.e. horizontal clearance equal to excavation depth).

Heavy loads, including plant, vehicles, spoil piles and stored materials must not be operated or located in the Zone of Influence. Additional controls and written Competent Engineer and Field Manager approvals are required if this condition cannot be met. Refer to Excavation work COP QLD.






Non-static pipeline trenches for routine gathering activities only

For works outside the excavation but in the zone of influence of non-static pipeline trenches where there is no

intention for personnel to enter the excavation, the following minimum requirements shall be met. Note that

these requirements do not apply to non-routine trench or excavation work for activities associated with live

asset dig-ups (emergency repairs), wellsites and inside field facility fence lines:

▪ the risk assessment shall determine whether traditional pipeline excavation methods apply (see Figure 2) and shall specify safe distances from the edge of excavation for placement of soil based on ground conditions assessed in accordance with section 2.2.1 by a Competent Person for both pre-disturbed and undisturbed work areas

▪ the risks of falls from personnel conducting work related tasks outside excavations as a result of trench collapse shall be considered in the risk assessment with safe work practices and control measures put in place to protect workers near the edge of an excavation or trench – for example, persons conducting pipe stringing/welding, fauna spotting and/or survey activities

▪ no personnel shall be situated at the trench edge or within the zone of influence during excavation, pipe placement (lowering in) or backfilling unless authorised under an additional task-specific risk assessment

▪ should personnel be required to enter the trench, for whatever reason, stop work; no plant, vehicles, spoil piles and stored materials shall be operated or located in the zone of influence, and all other requirements in the Excavation Certificate shall be re-evaluated and documented in a new certificate

▪ no pedestrians, road traffic or other unrelated work activities shall be permitted in the zone of influence and control measures shall be put in place to keep these away from the edge of an excavation or trench

▪ regular assessments of the trench edge shall take place while the excavation is open to monitor soil conditions (for excavation inspections see section 6.5 of this procedure)

▪ where water ingress occurs through weather events, change in soil conditions or uncontrolled release, the risks shall be reassessed and additional excavation inspections shall take place in accordance with section 6.5 of this procedure prior to any work activities recommencing






Figure 2: Examples of traditional pipeline excavation methods

3.2 Barriers, barricades, signage and lighting The perimeter of all excavations or trenches must be secured:

▪ where there is a potential for a person to fall

▪ to prevent unauthorised access of personnel into the work area.

Barriers must be:

▪ constructed of materials commensurate to the risk

▪ at least 900mm high

▪ installed 1m outside of the zone of influence i.e. horizontal clearance equal to trench, unless approved by an EEA.

Considerations:

▪ Trenches must be back-filled as soon as practicable, or, as a minimum, covered with a substantial cover or barricaded.

▪ Spoil may need to be stockpiled in a different area.

▪ Barriers or stop blocks must be installed where there is an identified risk of plant (e.g. cranes, dumpers, tip trucks, etc.) manoeuvring too close to the edge of the excavation and either affecting the stability of the edge or falling in.

▪ Livestock/fauna control

▪ If barricades or handrails are removed to allow access for plant or materials, they must be re-installed as soon as the access is no longer required.

▪ Asset protection measures must be put in place where an excavation is to remain open for a prolonged period to protect any exposed asset from potential harm e.g. vehicles, environment.






▪ For Upstream, water-filled barriers must be used as designed when separating plant and pedestrians. Webbing fences and hard warning tape are not acceptable for use as a traffic barrier within Upstream. Physical barriers and their effectiveness for Midstream excavations are determined by risk assessment.

▪ When works are in a public area, temporary fencing is the preferred barrier.

▪ Local legislation or guidance information may prescribe clearances and approvals required before working in the vicinity of roads or footpaths. Local council approvals or permits must be attached as supporting documentation to the QGC PTW.

▪ Barrier and signage requirements contained in the Queensland Manual of uniform traffic control devices Part 3: Works on roads must be met when working on/near public thoroughfares.

In addition to the above, when an excavation is to be left open and unattended:

▪ Clear and sufficient signage must be posted at the entrances to the excavation, to highlight the excavation hazards and any particular hazards encountered within the excavation (e.g. confined spaces).

▪ For excavations in the public domain or within third-party property or land, the protective system must display the Principal Contractor’s contact details for reporting defective barriers or other hazards.

▪ Make hazards visible (ensure public thoroughfares, access ways and working areas are free of glare and deep shadow).

▪ Lighting must be guarded and installed to prevent damage and power leads must be protected from water ingress and mechanical damage.

▪ The area must be regularly inspected.

All electrical items must comply with the Electrical Safety Rules – Low Voltage QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000011 and the Electrical Safety Rules – High Voltage QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000001. Further information can be found in AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (Section 2.7 Lighting and luminaries).

3.3 Access and egress Safe and sufficient means of access and egress must be provided at all times when personnel are working in an excavation:

▪ Access/egress points may consist of stairs, ramps, or ladders.

▪ Ladders may be used as a secondary egress.

▪ When used, ladders must extend at least 1m above the top of the excavation and be tied off.

▪ Where possible, a minimum of two access/egress points must be in place for every 9m length of excavation.

▪ For excavations shorter than 9m, an emergency means of access must be provided. This can take the form of a second ladder placed near the excavation that can be installed quickly; or an ingress/egress ramp or stairs at either end of the excavation.

▪ Where possible, access/egress points must be placed at or near junctions or corners of an excavation.

▪ Where personnel are required to access different levels of the excavation, ensure safe access/egress to these areas.

▪ Walkways across trenches must meet the requirements of AS1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders — Design, construction and installation.

3.3.1 Temporary bridging When steel plates are used for temporary bridging:

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Technical-standards-publications/Manual-of-uniform-traffic-control-devices.aspx

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Technical-standards-publications/Manual-of-uniform-traffic-control-devices.aspx








▪ The trench sides must be stable or adequately supported. This must be inspected and approved by a Competent Engineer.

▪ No person must work or pass under a steel plate, unless traffic is halted.

▪ Ramps must be formed of a suitable material where the steel plate is proud of the ground surface.

▪ Consideration should be given to securing the steel plates by pinning or sinking into the ground when the site is not attended or when subject to frequent use by heavy vehicles.

▪ Appropriate ramp warning signs must be displayed.

▪ They must be regularly inspected if the site is unmanned.

▪ Appropriate lifting and handling precautions must be taken to ensure that the steel plates are transported, installed and removed safely. Refer to the Lifting and Hoisting Procedure QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000010 for Upstream and LNGOP-QL00-MAI-MAN-000001 for Midstream.

▪ Fabricated bridges must have engineering certification for load-bearing capacity.

3.4 Work separation for personnel Workers and work tasks must be sufficiently separated to avoid injury.

In all cases, the Shell Life Saving Rule applies: “Do Not Walk Under a Suspended Load”.

Workers must also be separated from active digging faces and active dumps to avoid being struck by:

▪ falling objects/hazards

▪ consider the requirement for overhead protective structures, including toe boards to prevent falling objects into deep excavations

▪ mobile plant and equipment including the excavator swing radius.

By exception, the Spotter may be positioned within the plant swing radius (e.g. excavator, backhoe) under the following conditions:

▪ The Spotter must not place themselves between the bucket and the active digging face.

▪ The Spotter may stand behind the bucket within the swing radius however, they must never place themselves behind or alongside the bucket where there is a potential to be crushed (e.g. in a corner).

▪ The bucket must never pass over the Spotter’s head.

▪ The Spotter and Operator must communicate using a UHF radio on a preselected channel that has low volume usage for minimal interference

▪ The Spotter and Operator must always have a clear line of sight between each other.

▪ When the Spotter is required to access the active digging face, the following must occur:

▪ The Spotter must ensure the excavator Operator is aware of this intention.

▪ Before the Spotter moves into the active digging face, the excavator bucket must be outside the excavation area and resting on the ground with the controls deactivated using the in-cab safety lever.

▪ The Operator must not re-activate the cabin controls to recommence excavation until the Spotter has completed the intended activity, returned to the safe area and communicated with the Operator.

3.5 Vibrating equipment Approved handheld vibration equipment can be used by personnel in the excavation.



http://bbmwpmcl04:8180/workbook/search/download-doc/BBMWPMCL04!pdtmbb1-documentum!pdtmbb1!0909518d8031a2ab?floatToCurrent=true






Vibrating or impact equipment (larger than handheld) must not be operated within the zone of influence when personnel are in the excavation.

HDPE vibration equipment limits: refer to Use of Vibration Compactors in the vicinity of PE Pipelines QCLNG-BB00-PLE-TEN-300004.

Steel pipelines vibration equipment limits: Consultation with the Transmission Engineer (for Upstream excavations) and the Competent Engineer (for Midstream excavations) is required to determine and approve compaction limits and equipment prior to permit request.

3.6 Site contamination/airborne contaminants Contaminated sites or sites with a potential for airborne contamination require special management during excavation. Personnel may be exposed to contamination in the soil through inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. These substances may include heavy metals, hydrocarbons, insecticides, asbestos, silica dust, combustible material, hydrogen sulphide or biologically harmful material from buried wastes. If it is determined that these substances may be present or if they are encountered during the excavation process:

▪ cease work immediately

▪ investigate or implement a system to eliminate or control these

▪ develop a strategy for the storage and eventual treatment or disposal of these materials.

The permit conditions must ensure that any material imported as fill, or exported as waste material, has been evaluated for contamination, approved in writing, and is compliant with LAAR conditions.

If contamination is identified, stop work immediately and notify the Permit Issuer.

Note: Transport of contaminated material from a site requires Local and/or State Government approval.

3.6.1 Acid sulphate soils Acid sulphate soils mainly occur in low-lying coastal areas or low-lying inland lakes. This soil type represents a significant environmental threat when unearthed.

Where acid sulphate soil is identified as a risk, refer to the environmental team for guidance.

4.0 Selection and transport of excavation plant and equipment

4.1 Selection Plant and equipment used for excavation must meet QGC requirements and be:

▪ suitable for the work to be done

▪ suitable for the location of the work site

▪ maintained as per the manufacturer’s instructions (Previous 12-month maintenance history must be available upon request.)

▪ inspected by a Competent Person daily, prior to use.

4.1.1 Plant specifications for earth moving equipment As a minimum, all excavation plant on site must:

▪ have certified roll-over protection system (ROPS) fitted

▪ have fall protection in accordance with AS 3868-1991 Earthmoving machinery design guide for access systems and AS 1657-2013 Fixed Platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders-design construction and installation








▪ meet the Hydraulic Quick hitch requirements in accordance with AS 4772-2008 Earth Moving Machinery/Quick hitches for excavators and back hoe loaders.

▪ be equipped with seatbelts

▪ be equipped with E Stops and lockable isolation points.

▪ have tagged-in-date fire extinguishers of suitable size for intended use

▪ motion alarms

▪ be equipped with rear-view mirrors

▪ have an amber beacon fitted

▪ have a UHF radio

▪ have a first aid kit.

In addition to the above:

▪ Equipment/mobile plant intended for lifting must meet AS 1418.8-2008 Cranes hoists and winches- special purpose appliances for Upstream excavation activities.

▪ Excavation equipment is not to be utilised for lifting for Midstream excavation activities.

▪ A risk assessment must be undertaken to determine if Falling Object Protection System (FOPS) is required. Examples where plant must have certified FOPS fitted: Deep excavation where plant is below surface level; and timber clearing.

▪ Mobile plant must be parked in an area that does not impact the Traffic Management Plan and rendered inoperable outside of working hours in Accordance with Managing Risks of plant in the workplace Code of Practice 2013.

▪ Refer to Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace COP QLD.

4.2 Transport All excavation plant and equipment must be:

▪ transported to the work site on an appropriate trailer, truck or carrier

▪ inspected before it enters the worksite to ensure it is free of soil and weeds and in compliance with LAARS

▪ restrained in accordance with the current Australian Load Restraint Guidelines. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Over size/Over mass Permit content must be followed regardless of QGC preferred road use.

5.0 Training and competence In addition to the standard roles associated with the Permit to Work (PTW) system and emergency response, excavation activities require competent people to ensure activities are planned, risk assessed, and carried out safely. Refer to Appendix B: Roles, responsibilities and competency requirements.

Proof of competency for roles held by contractors’ personnel shall be assessed using the QGC Contractor Competency Validation form (QCOPS-BX00-HSS-FRM-000058). These forms shall be held in the Excavation Competency register on the QGC Work Permits (Control of Work) SharePoint site.

The list of authorised QGC EEAs is also held on the QGC Work Permits (Control of Work) SharePoint site.







6.0 Safe work practices

6.1 Supervision for excavation in brownfield areas The supervision requirements are shown in Table 4. For all work requiring an EEA (or where applicable, a competent QGC Excavation Person) to be present, the representative must identify and communicate any live plant in the work area at each on-the-job prestart or toolbox meeting. Table 4: Supervision requirements

Condition Supervision requirements

Excavation work activity no deeper than 250mm from natural ground level and not within 500mm from top of asset

The Permit Holder is responsible for supervising excavation work activity no deeper than *250mm from natural ground level (not encroaching the 500mm asset exclusion zone).

*300mm for installation of ROW signage

Permit Holder competency as identified in Appendix B

Non-intrusive location and exposure of underground assets

The Permit Holder holds authorisation and responsibility for the permit and will act as the responsible person on site for the set up and potholing activity for underground asset(s) location and exposure.

Permit Holder competency as identified in Appendix B.

An EEA/QGC Competent Excavation Person must attend the site to:

▪ Authenticate the asset; and where required

▪ authorise the installation of temporary identification conduit.

Mechanical excavation deeper than 250mm from natural ground level

A competent contractor representative (typically the Permit Holder) must be present for:

▪ the identification, exposure and excavation of all known assets, regardless of identified risk

▪ any mechanical excavation within 15m of a live asset.

Permit Holder competency as identified in Appendix B.

An EEA (or where applicable, a competent QGC Excavation Person) must be present whenever excavation and *backfilling activities get within 3m of any underground live asset, regardless of voltage, pressure, or depth >250mm.

*For backfilling of below ground live asset only, an EEA must be present up to the point of completing a compacted 500mm protection layer around the live asset and with no further penetration of this layer to take place (incl. compaction testing).

Mechanical excavation and backfilling, regardless of depth, within 15m of all aboveground assets or inside facility fence lines

A competent contractor representative (typically the Permit Holder) must be present for any mechanical excavation within 15m of an aboveground live asset or inside facility fence lines.

An EEA (or where applicable, a competent QGC Excavation Person) must be present whenever excavation and backfilling activities get within 3m of any aboveground live asset, regardless of voltage or pressure.

Note: Vacuum excavation trucks may be considered as a permitted exclusion under this section provided the job-specific hazards have been risk assessed and endorsed by the relevant FM - controls may require QGC supervision but not necessarily a full-time EEA.






6.2 Installed/live Assets This information is in addition to the criteria listed in section 2.4 Identification of Assets.

6.2.1 Mechanical excavation over existing assets and up to a depth of 250mm from natural ground surface

Due to variations in depth of cover across assets, and for consistency in application of work controls, the maximum allowable excavation depth for excavation activities in Upstream brownfield and Midstream areas is *250mm from natural ground surface, e.g. rehabilitation, ROW maintenance, and road maintenance.

*Exemption for installation/replacement of ROW signage: when signage offset from asset alignment is ≥1m, the maximum allowable ground penetration depth is 300mm.

In addition to the above criteria:

Steel/trunk line assets

▪ As-built data must be referenced to provide a guide to the depth of cover and included in the PTW.

▪ The asset location and depth of cover must be checked using an approved in-field asset locating device. Potholing is only required where depth of cover and as-built data do not align.

▪ All equipment must have written approval from the relevant Transmission Engineer (for Upstream excavations) or Competent Engineer (for Midstream excavations) prior to permit issue.

▪ Refer to Guidelines for Work Near QGC Assets QCOPS-OPS-HSS-GDL-000001 for Upstream assets.

Electrical and telecommunications assets

▪ As-built data must be referenced to provide a guide to the depth of cover and included in the PTW.

▪ Conduct a visual inspection of the area to confirm soil condition and/or reduced depth of cover.

▪ For vehicle acceptance, apply the same conditions as HDPE Load table.

▪ Where ground disturbance takes place, watch out for marker tape.

▪ Where depth of cover is not identified on the as-built, positive identification of the asset is required. Refer to section 6.2.2.

Upstream High density polyethylene (HDPE) assets

As-built data must be referenced to provide a guide to the depth of cover and included in the PTW.

QGC MapMagic data provides colour coded depth of cover confidence ratings on QGC Upstream HDPE assets. Table 5 details the confidence level for a pipeline, determined by the lowest value from one or each of the HDPE characteristic categories.

Table 5: HDPE survey data confidence level table

HDPE Survey Data Confidence Level Definition (as per GIS Layer)

Survey Confidence Level Installation Date Construction Contractor

Installation Method

Survey Method

Low Confidence < 2012 or Unknown

Other or Unknown Unknown Digitised or Other

Medium Confidence > 2012 WDS or MPC Spider Plough or HDD

DGPS

High Confidence > 2012 MPC Direct Lay RTK

Equipment travelling over and/or excavation ≤250mm from natural ground surface is permitted on existing QGC Upstream HDPE gathering network under the conditions detailed in Table 6.







Table 6: HDPE survey data confidence levels, ground disturbance activities and required controls

Survey data confidence, ground disturbance activities and required controls

Activity Descriptions Survey Confidence Control Rehabilitation of the ROWs over installed HDPE pipe

Equipment: Mechanical Plant (various) Works: Strip Top Soil, Reinstate material

Low confidence 1. Use As-Built GIS Data to identify alignment.

2. Visual inspection of the work area.

3. Trace Wire – locate with asset locating equipment (if ≤ 500mm DOC, do not proceed: defer to the EEA).

4. Refer to HDPE load table for approved vehicles acceptance.

5. Ground disturbance must not exceed 250mm in depth from natural surface level.

6. Watch out for marker tape whilst undertaking activities (if marker tape is identified, do not proceed: defer to the EEA).

7. If ground conditions are unfavourable defer to EEA (e.g. wet or soft ground).

Medium confidence 1. Use As-Built GIS Data to identify alignment.






High confidence 1. Use As-Built GIS Data to identify alignment.






Repair of existing formed internal access track or internal road

Low confidence 1. Use As-Built GIS Data to identify alignment.


3. Trace Wire* - locate with asset locating device when ground disturbance is within 5m of the asset







Activity Descriptions Survey Confidence Control Equipment: Mechanical Plant (various) Works: ripping/scarifying down to 250mm, grading, resheeting, compaction (no encroachment on ROW)

(Spot checks) (if ≤500mm DOC, do not proceed: defer to the EEA).

4. No encroachment on ROW permitted.




* For assets located outside of the track or road formation, i.e. in natural ground, additional controls can be considered in lieu of using asset locating devices under an additional risk assessment approved by the EEA & SME. This requirement does not apply to assets crossing the formation.

Medium confidence 1. Use As-Built GIS Data to identify alignment.



4. Ground disturbance must not to exceed 250mm in depth from natural surface level.



High confidence

1. Use As-Built GIS Data to identify alignment.





Installation/replacement of ROW Signage Equipment: Mechanical Plant (various) Works: ROW signage installation

Low, medium, and high confidence

1. Use As-Built GIS Data to identify alignment.



4. Use survey or locate with asset locating equipment.







Activity Descriptions Survey Confidence Control 5. Signage must be offset from the asset alignment as per design (defer to the Upstream Supervisor/EEA if the offset is < 1 m).

6. Ground penetration must not exceed 300mm in depth from natural surface level.

▪ A witness mark must be scribed on post prior to installation.


Notes:

▪ Where as-built data does not provide depth of cover confidence rating, use asset locating equipment. Dependant on results, positive identification of the asset may be required – for example, disparity between as-built data and asset locating results could occur where the tracer wire is located in the base of the trench (pre-2015). In these circumstances, defer to the EEA for guidance.

▪ Mechanical excavation must occur in the direction of (parallel to) the buried asset. When this is not practical the disturbance direction must be agreed with the EEA and documented in the PTW work request prior to Permit Issue.

▪ If unable to meet the criteria above stop work and consult with the Permit Issuer.

▪ Any excavation activities outside the depth measurements detailed within this section shall not be approved as a permit template/approved task.

▪ All asset alignment coordinates positively confirmed during asset identification activities should be fed back to GIS in accordance with Spatial Data Model and Data Capture Dictionary QCLNG-BX00-GEN-PCE-000006.

6.2.2 Visual identification of assets via hand digging or vacuum excavation Visual identification of all assets must occur for any excavation within 10m of a QGC asset when an excavation is deeper than 250mm from natural ground or when identified by risk assessment.

When potholing:

▪ Hand digging or vacuum excavation must be used.

▪ Picks and crowbars must not be used.

▪ A contractor supervisor must be present.

▪ An EEA/QGC Competent Excavation Person must confirm the identification and location of the asset, including any known off-takes, before any further excavation activity begins.

Potholing distances

▪ Crossings and Single Point Excavation: Pothole must be ≤1m of the excavation point (e.g. ≤1m from the tie-in point), with additional potholing points ≤4m either side of this excavation point along the asset.

▪ In Line or Parallel Live Excavation 50m intervals (increased or reduced distance as stipulated by the EEA due to existing asset type and design).








Asset identification reference markers - If the asset will not be fully exposed at the time of identification, identification conduit must be used as a reference marker. Each identification conduit must be uniquely labelled or numbered and include the following details: asset type, asset name, and depth of cover.

Table 7 below details colour coding associated with different asset as per AS/NZS 4130 – APGA Code of Practice Upstream Polyethylene Gathering Networks - CSG Industry.

Table 7: Asset colours

Application Colour (AS/NZS 4130 – APGA Code of Practice Upstream Polyethylene Gathering Networks - CSG Industry)

Upstream Drinking Water (Potable Water) Blue

White

Midstream Drinking Water (Potable Water) Green

Blue

Recycled Water / Produced Formation Water Purple

Permeate Water Green

Pressure Sewer Cream

Gravity Sewer (utility) & Sanitary Drainage (private)

Grey

Storm Water N/A

Electrical Orange

Gas Yellow

Communications White

Midstream firewater Red

Vacuum excavation equipment

Where potholing using water lance for vacuum excavation, the maximum permissible pressure is as per the below table. Double eye protection must be worn during vacuum excavation, and any additional PPE as per risk assessment. All lance nozzles must be rotating type. Fixed head tips are not permitted under any circumstances.

Table 8: Potholing minimum approach distance and maximum allowable pressure

Underground asset type Minimum approach distance (from tip of nozzle to asset)

Maximum allowable pressure

Steel pipelines with standard coating (e.g. yellow jacket)

N/A 2000 psi

HV electrical up to and including 66KV

Refer to Clearance Distances for Excavation near Underground High Voltage Cables Standard

Refer to the Queensland Electrical safety code of practice 2010 - Working near overhead and underground electric lines

LV electrical conductors 500mm 1500 psi

HDPE pipelines N/A 2800 psi

Fibre optic/telecommunication cables

500mm 1500 psi

Water, drainage and sewerage pipelines

500mm 1500 psi






Deviations from the maximum pressures indicated above require an additional risk assessment and relevant Field Manager approval.

6.2.3 Mechanical excavation >250mm in depth near live assets After positive identification of all assets, the following conditions apply for mechanical excavation near live assets:

▪ Where applicable confirm isolation integrity before commencing mechanical excavation (as determined by the risk assessment).

▪ Excavation > 500mm away from a QGC underground asset is permitted using a flat blade steel bucket or poly bucket. *Mechanical excavation, regardless of bucket type, must not occur within the 500mm exclusion zone measured from the outer edge of the asset.

▪ All mechanical excavation must be parallel to the buried asset.

▪ On the written approval from the EEA and relevant Field Manager, bucket teeth may be used #3m or greater away from the live asset after positive ID of all assets in the area.

▪ Teeth are not permitted above the asset regardless of depth.

▪ No auguring or boring within 1m of an asset in any direction.

▪ For static excavation activities, a dedicated Spotter must always be present when excavation equipment is working within 15 metres of known live underground assets. Spotter requirements for non-static excavation activities is determined by risk assessment prior to permit issue.

▪ Other activities conducted in the excavation that are not covered by the scope of this procedure shall be risk assessed based on the specific hazards of that activity in accordance with the appropriate operations procedure, and Safety Observers nominated where the residual risk determines this control appropriate. An emergency response plan must be in place commensurate to the risks for subsequent activities in the excavation.

▪ Working alone in an excavation without a person assigned as a Safety Observer is not permitted. If the Spotter is in the excavation, there must also be a Safety Observer on watch outside of the excavation – for example, an excavator operator may act as the Safety Observer if the Spotter is required to enter the excavation to complete a task.

▪ Third-party asset owner criteria may differ. Refer to the relevant 3rd party approval criteria.

▪ For Upstream excavations, follow Appendix A QGC Upstream process for excavating live assets or an alternative contractor process that has been reviewed by the SME excavation (or delegate) and approved by the Field Manager.

With the exception of * & #, any deviations from the above must be approved by an EEA and the relevant Field Manager following an additional risk assessment.

*Deviation is only permitted for ground condition type 1- stable rock. The SME and Field Manager/Transmission Superintendent or above must approve an additional risk assessment.

#Use of attachments other than flat blade buckets between 3m and the 500mm exclusion zone must be evaluated under an additional risk assessment and approved by a Competent Engineer and Field Manager/Transmission Superintendent or above.

6.2.4 Overhead and underground electric lines Whilst undertaking any excavation work, no person, plant or item shall come within an unsafe distance of an overhead or underground electric line. Excavation of underground electric lines is permitted using the controls outlined in section 6.2.1. Also, refer to section 2.4 for more information.






6.2.5 Temporary assets Where assets are laid in trenches for temporary service supply, they must be protected (with conduits, slabs, etc.) and marked in accordance with the relevant legislative and Australian Standards requirements.

6.3 Ground support

6.3.1 Shoring Shoring or ground support (in the form of rock bolts, shotcrete etc.) must:

▪ be installed as per the engineered design requirements by a competent person

▪ be installed without delay as the excavation progresses

▪ extend at least 300mm above the edge of the excavation, or a fender board of the same height must be provided.

Any installation changes from design must be referred to a Competent Engineer for written approval.

Shoring must be inspected:

▪ daily, before any work commences

▪ after any slump or fall of the sides or working face

▪ after water ingress.

6.3.2 Benching and battering Benching and battering must be undertaken as per section 2.2.

It is recommended practice to complete a check sheet to confirm field installation has been completed as per the design.

6.3.3 Narrow trenches, ditches, and small holes Shoring, is generally not required if it is impossible for a person to fully enter the trench, ditch, or ground penetration, irrespective of the depth of the excavation. Due consideration must be given to implementing effective controls for hazards e.g. as confined space permit, signage, covering, barricading, etc.

6.4 Excavated material Consideration must be given to stockpile angle of repose. In addition, care must be taken to prevent the weight of excavated material (spoil) contributing to excess loading and collapse of the excavation edge.

To prevent debris falling into the excavation:

▪ All spoil must be placed 1m outside the zone of influence.

▪ When the above cannot be met, an additional risk assessment must be undertaken and approved in writing by a Competent Engineer and Field Manager.

▪ In all cases, excavated materials must be placed to present no risk to personnel, pedestrians, road traffic or other work activities.

▪ When the above cannot be met, an additional risk assessment must be undertaken and approved in writing by the Field Manager.

Notes:

▪ This enables safe movement of personnel between stockpile and without encroaching the zone of influence.

▪ Consider stockpiling in an alternate location e.g. re-locating by means of tip truck.






▪ For excavations in live traffic areas, where possible, place excavated soil to form an additional barrier against traffic.

▪ For non-static pipeline trenches refer to section 3.1.1 of this procedure.

Where spoil is to be re-used, the surface materials must be kept separate from the subsoil to allow soil layers to be replaced in the correct order i.e. topsoil and subsoil must be stockpiled separately.

6.5 Excavation inspections The Field Manager must ensure that a documented system of regular inspections is in place for excavations.

Daily (when work area occupied)

The permit holder must conduct an inspection as a minimum daily, prior to any personnel entering the excavation using the Excavation Daily Inspection Checklist QCOPS-BX00-HSS-FRM-000043 or an approved equivalent.

As a minimum, the checklist must cover:

▪ potential instability in the work area, including excessive edge loading

▪ the adequacy of the working space, including the need for a confined space risk assessment to be undertaken, and access and egress for personnel in the excavation

▪ the adequacy of supports and barriers

▪ risks posed to adjacent work areas/workers.

Any issues identified during the inspection must be reported to the EEA as soon as practicable, and before any other work takes place within the excavation area.

Daily inspection checklist results must be held with the PTW documentation.

Note: Daily inspections as detailed above are not required for excavations ≤ 250mm.

Additional excavation inspections

The table below outlines the conditions requiring additional inspection and the responsible person. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to request the additional relevant inspections. Records of these site inspections must be documented on the excavation certificate.

Table 9: Conditions requiring additional inspection

Condition Person responsible for inspection

Prior to personnel entering/working in the excavation/confined space, unsafe to enter under excavation permit

As per

Table 3: Excavation stage confined space risk assessment requirements

All excavation within the 500mm exclusion zone

All trenches >1.2m deep

All excavation below the 500mm exclusion zone

EEA – If required, following initial assessment the EEA will defer to a Competent Engineer and/or SME for guidance.

Completed excavation ≥ 1.2m

After any ground slip or collapse of excavation wall

After any rain event/encountering waterlogged ground

After any change in or unforeseen ground conditions

After any change in site conditions (e.g. other construction activities taking place in the vicinity)







Condition Person responsible for inspection

After any leak, hazardous substance is encountered

7.0 Environmental and community issues

7.1 Environmental management Refer to the QGC environmental team for guidance on identified environmental risks.

Dewatering activities must be notified to QGC environment team. Any dewatering must be in accordance with QGC Environmental Authority and avoid discharging to waterways.

Controls must be in place to manage water entering the excavation and draining from the works. Sources of water ingress include seepage, flooding from other existing watercourses, flooding from storm events and flooding from burst water mains and sewers in the excavation as well as ingress of water from gathering systems where isolation methods and management has failed. Tidal or stream effects may also impact excavations in coastal or fluvial environments.

7.2 Cultural, environmental and archaeological considerations Excavation operations may unearth or damage the cultural or ecological value of a site (e.g. remnant vegetation or aboriginal artefacts). Before beginning work in an area where this may be an issue, the Field Manager must ensure that the cultural, ecological, and archaeological values of the site have been assessed, and appropriate measures are in place to maintain the values identified.

8.0 Completion of excavation works At the completion of the work, the work site must be cleared of all rocks, soil, and other debris, and returned, as far as is practicable, to its original condition or finished to an agreed plan.

The backfilling works must comply with the QGC backfilling requirements and engineering specifications.

Any re-vegetation of the work area must be conducted with suitable species and in consultation with environmental advisors.

Drawings and other documentation must be updated to reflect any changes due to the work just completed. Refer to Redline/As built document procedure QCQGC-BX00-ENG-PCE-000007 for Upstream and QGC Field Redline Procedure QCQGC-BX00-ENG-PCE-000008 for Midstream.

9.0 Audit and management review QGC HSSE must conduct periodic audits and reviews of:

▪ operational procedures, work control arrangements and other requirements applicable to excavation activities

▪ workplace application of this procedure.

All audits must comply with Governance & Assurance Standard (QCGGC-BX00-HSS-STD-000005).



http://qgcintranet/HSSE/HSSEMS/Management_System_Documents/HSSE%20Governance%20and%20Assurance%20Standard.pdf






Definitions

Term Meaning

Angle of repose The slope at which dumped or excavated material is naturally stable and does not fall away.

Asset For the purpose of this procedure, an asset refers to any below or above ground service that is in use by the Asset Owner.

Asset Owner The owner, controller or operator of an underground or overhead asset (service). For Midstream this is the Area Owner.

Backfill Material used for refilling excavations.

Backfilling The process to reinstate the area to its original condition.

Barricade Any object or structure that creates a barrier obstacle to control, block passage or force the flow of traffic in a desired direction.

Barrier A physical structure that blocks or impedes something.

Batter or slope The angle of an excavation in relation to the horizontal.

Battering To form the face or side or wall of an excavation to an angle, usually less than the natural angle of repose, to prevent earth slippage.

Bench A horizontal step cut into the face or side wall of an excavation to provide horizontal bearing and sliding resistance.

Benching The development of stepped sides to an excavation.

Competent Engineer An engineer, who is registered as an RPEQ and who has qualifications and experience in soil stability, soil mechanics and excavations.

Competent Person A person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience the knowledge and skills to carry out the task. Generally, 'competency' is assessed by a QGC EEA or third party.

Confined Space Entry All situations where a person is entering or partially entering a space that:

▪ is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person

▪ is designed or intended to be at normal atmospheric pressure while the person is in the space

▪ is likely to be a risk to health and safety from:

i. an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level

ii. contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion

iii. harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants

iv. engulfment.

Construction Zone A defined location that has been formally identified with clearly defined boundaries in which the following activities may occur:

▪ a Greenfield or Brownfield site with special cordoned-off barriers and denoted safe for the purpose of the work to be done

▪ excavation, including the excavation or filling of trenches, ditches, shafts, wells, tunnels and pier holes, and the use of caissons and cofferdams

▪ building, including the construction (including the manufacturing of prefabricated elements of a building at the place of work concerned), alteration, renovation, repair, maintenance and demolition of all types of buildings

▪ civil engineering, including the construction, structural alteration, repair, maintenance and demolition of, for example, gas wells, pipelines, ponds,






Term Meaning compression plant, power stations, roads, bridges and tunnels, and works related to the provision of services such as communications, drainage, sewerage, water and energy supplies, etc.

Dial before you dig (DBYD) A free referral service for information on underground pipes and cables anywhere in Australia.

Excavated Material / Spoil Soil that must be displaced during an excavation activity.

Excavation Any ground disturbance resulting in a hole in the earth, or a face of earth, formed after rock, sand, soil or other material is removed. Excavation includes: ground disturbance; ground penetrations; open excavations; and trenching.

Exclusion Zone An area from which all persons are excluded during excavation work.

Face An exposed sloping or vertical surface resulting from the excavation of material.

Falling object protection system (FOPS)

A protective structure over an operating cabin of a vehicle designed to prevent object falling from above from entering the operator’s station. May be integrated with a ROPS cabin but can be installed as a stand-alone system.

Field Manager (FM) A person who would typically be an assigned Site Safety Manager or Responsible Person for each of the North, Central and South Operations Hubs. For Common Process Facilities the equivalent role to FM would apply such as Transmission Superintendent, HV Network Superintendent or Water Operations Manager. For Midstream the equivalent role to FM would apply which is the Production Shift Manager.

Greenfield Zone A formally designated Zone that has been clearly identified, fully risk assessed, and has been demonstrated to have limited operating infrastructure, live assets or above or below ground, prior to new work being undertaken.

Isolated Asset An asset where energy sources have been removed by disconnecting or making the asset safe to work.

Limits of approach A table, modified to suit local requirements which specifies the minimum distance between the asset and work activities.

Mechanical Plant Any powered plant used for excavation to include; Excavator, dozer, posi-track, grader, scrapper, backhoe, tractor, trencher, harrow, loading shovel, dump truck etc.

Midstream excavations Excavation work inside the Midstream LNG Plant, Curtis Island facility fence line and under the control of the Midstream PTW Procedure.

Must A mandatory term – no deviation is permitted without written approval from the relevant role nominated in this procedure.

Non-destructive excavation Vacuum/hydro excavation and hand digging without use of picks or crow bars.

Plant and equipment (for excavation)

Operator controlled mobile plant used to excavate, load, transport, compact or spread earth, overburden, rubble, spoil, aggregate or similar material, but does not include a tractor or industrial lift truck.

Positive identification Visual confirmation to determine the exact location and identification of an asset.

Potholing The use of a high-pressure water and vacuum system to safely locate buried pipelines and cables.

Powered mobile plant Plant that is provided with some form of self-propulsion that is ordinarily under the direct control of an operator.

Roll-over protective structure (ROPS)

A roll-over protective structure (ROPS) is a system or structure intended to protect the occupant(s) from injury caused by vehicle overturn or roll over.






Term Meaning

Safety Observer The person stationed outside the excavation, assigned the responsibility for monitoring the safety of persons within the excavation and activating the emergency response process should an incident occur.

Safe slope The steepest slope at which an excavated face is stable against slips and slides, having regard to the qualities of the material in the face, the height of the face, the load above the face and the moisture conditions for the time being existing.

Shoring The use of timber, steel or other structural material to provide effective and adequate temporary support to maintain the stability of the walls of the excavation.

Spotter A competent person who undertakes the task of observing and warning the equipment operator against unsafe approach to overhead and underground assets, ensuring no encroachment of exclusion zones.

Support structure A shoring system to maintain the stability of the walls and roof of an excavation and includes a trench shield.

Trench A horizontal or inclined way or opening:

▪ the length of which is greater than its width and greater than or equal to its depth; and

▪ that commences at and extends below the surface of the ground

▪ that is open to the surface along its length.

Trenchless technology Refers to such underground soil removal methods for the installation of pipelines and cables, such as tunnelling, micro-tunnelling, horizontal drilling. pipe jacking, moling, and auger boring.

Trench shield A steel or metal structure with two vertical side plates permanently braced apart by cross frames or struts designed to resist the pressure from the walls of a trench and capable of being moved as a unit.

Upstream excavations Excavation work outside the Midstream LNG Plant, Curtis Island facility fence line and under the control of the Upstream PTW Procedure.

Vacuum truck A truck mounted, heavy duty industrial vacuum loader designed to pneumatically convey solids, liquids, sludge or slurry through suction lines typically 5-10 cm in diameter.

Water scouring An erosion process resulting from the action of the flow of water.

Zone of influence The volume of soil around an excavation, affected by any external load. Measured from the bottom level of the excavation, between the sides of the excavation and a line drawn at an angle from the horizontal.






Abbreviations

Abbreviated Term Expanded Term

CSIRA Confined space identification risk assessment

DBYD Dial Before You Dig

DOC Depth of cover

EEA Excavation Endorsing Authority

FOPS Falling object protection system

HDPE High density polyethylene

PTW Permit to Work

ROPS Roll-over protective structure

ROW Right of Way

Revision history for QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000007

Revision Change

Rev. 0 ▪ Issued for Use 29.05.2012

Rev. 1 ▪ Issued for Review 11.12.2013

Rev. 2 ▪ Issued for Use 05.02.2014

Rev. 3 ▪ New template with Shell QGC branding

▪ Complete re-write

▪ Aligned procedure with Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework

▪ 21.07.2017 issued for information prior to field go live

▪ Go live - Issued for use 21.08.2017

Rev. 4 [01.03.18] Various minor changes in addition to the following principal changes:

▪ 2.2.1 Ground conditions – clarification on soil sampling & testing requirements

▪ 2.4.3 Limits of approach – includes reference to aboveground assets

▪ 2.5 Excavation around legacy wellheads – new section added to reflect specific action item from BEL_WH016 incident investigation

▪ 3.1.1 Zone of influence (incl. 6.4) – clarification specific to non-static pipeline trenches when personnel are not required to enter

▪ 5.0 Training and competence – added reference to QGC Contractor Competency Validation form and QGC SharePoint site

▪ 6.1 Supervision - various updates to reflect specific action items from BEL_WH016 incident investigation

▪ Table 6 plus Notes – clarification on low confidence trace wire requirements for repair of existing access tracks based on risk assessment performed with well civils group

▪ 6.2.3 Mechanical exaction >250mm – clarification on requirements for having a dedicated Spotter for non-excavation related activities






Revision history for QCQGC-BX00-HSS-PCE-000062

Revision Change

Rev. 0 ▪ Integrated Midstream Excavation Procedure LNGOP-QL00-PRD-PCE-000004 and Upstream Excavation Procedure QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000007

▪ Condamine Power Station removed as an exclusion

▪ Section 3.1.1 Zone of influence - section reworded to be more specific to gathering pipeline trench activities only, based on the routine nature of these and accepted/proven safe working practices

▪ Section 6.1 Supervision for excavation in brownfield areas - further clarity is provided on wording with respect to needing a fulltime EEA for backfilling activities and use of vacuum excavation trucks within 3m of below/above ground assets






Appendix A QGC Upstream process for excavating live assets

The process below outlines the preferred Upstream process for excavating live assets. A contractor’s own process may be approved following review by the SME excavation (or delegate) and approval by the Field Manager. Entities executing the work are responsible for identifying and managing their own risks.

Competencies:

Competencies of persons involved must be as per the Excavation Procedure Appendix B.

Identification of underground assets:

Establish, locate and identify all QGC / 3rd party underground assets in the proposed work location (refer to sections 2.4, 6.2.2, and 6.2.4.

Set out the job ready for mechanical excavation:

1. Calculate the overall width and length of the excavation based on the depth of buried asset from positive identification.

▪ include distances for benches or battering as per sections 2.2 and 6.3.2.

2. When calculation is complete, clearly mark on the ground the exact location of the intended excavation.

3. Identify and mark the point at both ends of the excavation where the buried asset will be required to be fully exposed.

4. Between each end, mark along the buried asset at maximum intervals of:

▪ 6m for steel lines

▪ 4m for HDPE, and all other assets.

5. At each of these points:

▪ vacuum-excavate a trench approximately:

i. 250mm longitudinally along the buried asset; and

ii. 250mm beyond each side edge of the buried asset.

▪ stand a length of conduit in the vacuum excavated trench offset from the buried asset

▪ create a reference mark on the conduit (measure the distance to the top of the asset and record on the conduit)

▪ fill trench to ground level with sand.

6. Repeat step 5 of this process until all marked points have been completed.

Note: Third party asset owners may enforce alternative procedures.

Mechanical Excavation:

To ensure the excavation remains relatively parallel with the top of the buried asset and to prevent entering the 500mm exclusion zone, commence mechanical excavation at one of the sand filled end points using a flat blade bucket (NO Teeth) following the steps below.

1. The Spotter or work party member provides a depth guide for the operator by manually removing 250mm of sand from the first two of the sand filled vacuum-excavated trenches.

▪ Use the reference mark on the conduit to identify when the excavation has reached 1m from the top of the buried asset. From this point onwards, an insulated probe must be used to confirm depth to the asset and prevent encroachment of the 500mm exclusion zone.

▪ Activities requiring the Spotter to work inside swing radius of excavator refer to section 6.2.3 Mechanical excavation >250mm in depth near live assets.






2. Construct the benching, battering, access and egress by mechanically excavating no deeper than the 250mm layer using the two of the sand filled points as the depth guide, achieving the required excavation width.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to until the 500mm exclusion zone is reached.

4. When the 500mm exclusion zone is reached, mark 500mm either side of the asset.

5. Remove material outside of the 500mm exclusion zone to the required depth of the trench, while continuing to construct the benching, battering, access and egress.

6. Expose the section of the asset within the 500mm exclusion zone using approved non-mechanical excavation techniques.

7. Move along the asset and repeat steps 1) and 6) until the excavation construction is complete.

Conditions:

▪ Confined space identification risk assessment sign off: refer to 2.3.1 and as per the Excavation Certificate

▪ Access/egress points, benches or battering must be undertaken in accordance with QGC Excavation Procedure

▪ A Competent Person or EEA must be present to assess ground conditions and suitability for benching or battering

▪ Where the steps outlined above cannot be met, for example, rock is encountered or material cannot be excavated, the following applies:

▪ Stop work

▪ Notify the Endorsing Authority and close the permit.

▪ Conduct an additional risk assessment, engaging the appropriate roles to identify the required process and controls.

▪ Submit new permit request.

▪ OM and Field manager sign off is required.

QGC HSSE Excavation Procedure

Element 7: Operations and Maintenance Issue date: Mar 2018

QCOPS-BX00-HSS-PCE-000007 Review due: Mar 2021

Responsible: Operational Excellence Coordinator

Accountable: Field Manager UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Revision: A

Endorsed: Operations Manager © QGC 2017 of 39

Appendix B Roles, responsibilities and competency requirements

Role Definition Responsibilities Training, competency and experience

Subject Matter Expert (Excavation)

An Excavation SME is a person with assigned responsibility as an expert for specifying how HSSE & SP risks will be managed which could include development and approval of Procedures and other SME deliverables.

The term SME is a functional description of the role rather than a job title.

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Excavation is responsible for:

▪ approving this Excavation Procedure.

▪ assess and recommend the appointment of EEAs

▪ Perform the role of EEA as required

▪ Provide SME determination on excavation issues as required

A Subject Matter Expert (SME) has Proficiency at Skill level and is appointed by the Discipline through a process defined by the Shell Global Discipline Head (excavation) in the specified subject area.

Competent Engineer

An engineer, who is registered as an RPEQ and who has qualifications and experience in soil stability, soil mechanics and excavations.

The Competent Engineer assesses the risks and specifies the required controls for excavation activities where identified by the procedure. This may include:

▪ Design of any support systems and/or selection of other ground collapse control measures such as trench shields, cofferdams and underpinning.

▪ Advise on specialist activity such as trenchless technology

▪ Placement of equipment and spoils

▪ Contaminated soil remediation

▪ Assess soil conditions that could have an impact on the excavation (e.g. type 4, Fissures, tension cracks, sloughing, undercutting, water seepage).

Be registered as an RPEQ and have experience in:

▪ relevant standards, legislation and codes of practice

▪ risk identification, assessment and controls specific to trenching collapse

▪ safe work practices for installing controls

▪ planning and preparing for trenching work

▪ identifying underground assets







Excavation Endorsing Authority (EEA)

A QGC person with assigned responsibility as the SME’s delegate to assist with implementation of the excavation procedure and management and safe execution of excavation work. The term EEA is a functional description of the role rather than a job title.

Review and approve the excavation certificate and risk assessment, thereby certifying that all controls are appropriate for the task and as per the requirements of this procedure.

Provide guidance coaching and mentoring to work crews on Procedure requirements and best practice.

Carry out periodic site visits to ensure excavation activities are proceeding in accordance with permit conditions.

Sign off on confined space risk assessment safe to enter as per procedure requirements.

When advised that excavation conditions have changed. Re-assess the excavation to determine appropriate controls, deferring to competent engineer / SME as necessary

A EEA has demonstrated experience and proficiency in excavation.

EEAs will have a minimum of 5 years’ civil experience including excavating live assets. This requirement can be waived for exceptional candidates by the SME.

The EEA must be verified as competent to conduct excavation confined space identification risk assessment.

The EEA will be appointed by a Field Manager (Upstream) or Operations Manager (Midstream) or above based on assessment and recommendation from the SME

Refer to EEA assessment/appointment form.

Permit Holder The Permit Holder is the person authorised and assigned responsibility to perform or supervise work in accordance with the excavation procedure.

The Permit Holder accepts responsibility for the work that will be carried out under the Permit.

The Permit Holder fulfils the role of Authorised Person as required by the Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework Excavation Manual.

In addition to the Permit Holder responsibilities detailed in the PTW procedure, the Permit Holder must ensure all excavation works undertaken comply with the conditions and controls set out in this procedure including the following (depending on excavation activity type):

▪ locate and mark the route of cables, live lines, pipelines or other assets including 3rd party as per the requirements of this procedure.

▪ Positive identification of underground and overhead infrastructure before starting work.

▪ Apply the specified procedures for classification and soil testing as outlined in this procedure.

▪ Maintain limits of approach and apply the appropriate controls for live dig ups.

▪ Ensure CSIRA is conducted by a competent person during the excavation construction phase and adherence to hold points and assessments

1. Mechanical ground disturbance ≤250mm* the Permit Holder must:

▪ Hold a general construction induction card

▪ Be familiar and undertake awareness training in the requirements of this procedure

▪ Have been trained and verified as competent at a level appropriate to their role and level of responsibility.

2. Mechanical ground disturbance >250

All of the requirements in 1. (above), plus:

▪ Must have a minimum of 5 years’ excavation experience

▪ Identify, Locate and Protect Underground Services RIICCM202







before personnel enter an excavation as per the requirements of this procedure. (i.e. CSIRA and Excavation certificate sign off by nominated roles)

▪ Inspect Excavations and Shoring, including areas adjacent to the Excavation, for signs of ground instability, before each shift and before resuming work after adverse weather conditions.

In case of unforeseen conditions or problems with the planned work, seek subject-matter expert advice from the Excavation Endorsing Authority, who will defer to the relevant Competent Engineer or SME as required.

▪ Apply the Principles for the Installation of Underground Service using Open Excavation RIICPL401

▪ Carry identification of the level of excavation competency

3. Non-destructive digging to locate assets

All of the requirements in 1. (above) plus must have a minimum of 2 years’ excavation experience.


▪ Be verified as competent for cable locating

▪ Carry identification of the competency.

Operators of plant and equipment for excavation work activities

A person responsible for operating excavation plant

Operate plant and undertake excavation activities as per the requirements of this procedure.

Operators of plant must:


▪ Hold relevant licenses for operating plant as applicable

▪ Be trained and verified as competent at a level appropriate to the equipment they are operating.

▪ Have a minimum of 5 years’ excavation experience when undertaking mechanical excavation greater than 250mm and working within 3m either side/over a live asset, regardless of depth of asset.

QGC Competent Excavation Person

A person appointed by the Field Manager (Upstream) or Operations Manager (Midstream) to visit excavation work activities on behalf of the EEA in order to provide oversight and ensure

Responsibilities may include:

▪ To be present whenever excavation activities get within 3m of any underground live asset, regardless of voltage, pressure or depth

QGC Competent Excavation Person must:


▪ Be familiar and undertake awareness training in the requirements of this procedure

▪ Be verified as competent to conduct excavation confined space identification risk assessment.







compliance with the requirements of the excavation procedure.

▪ Attend the site to authenticate the asset; and where required authorise the installation of temporary identification conduit.

▪ Assist the EEA with the excavation confined space identification risk assessment process.

▪ Advise the Permit Holder, EEA and PI if activities are not being carried out in accordance with the permit and / or conditions have changed


▪ Identify the Principles for the Installation of Underground Service using Open Excavation RIICPL401

▪ Be verified as competent to the satisfaction of the EEA, prior to Field Manager or above appointment.

Confined Space Identification Risk Assessment (CSIRA) competent person (for excavation)

A person who has undertaken QGC Excavation Confined Space Identification Risk Assessment training and has been deemed to have the experience, knowledge and skills to carry out an Excavation CSIRA during excavation construction.

This role may be performed by the Permit Holder, Contractor Excavation Supervisor; QGC Competent Excavation Person; or Excavation Endorsing Authority.

Conduct CSIRA during the excavation construction phase in accordance with the criteria in this Procedure and on the Excavation Certificate.

▪ Have a minimum of 5 years’ civil experience including excavating live assets. This requirement can be waived for exceptional candidates by the assessor.

▪ Successfully completed QGC Excavation Confined Space Identification Risk Assessment training and be verified as competent to conduct a QGC excavation confined space identification risk assessment.

▪ For QGC roles, this role must be validated by a Field Manager or above.

▪ For contractor Permit Holders/Supervisors, this role must:

o be validated by the Contract Holder, in consultation with the relevant QGC HSSE Manager.

o carry identification of the appointment to this role.

*300mm for installation of ROW signage

Note: Other specific competencies required for the work must be identified during the work planning process.