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Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work
Australia (model for the harmonised WHS jurisdictions: Commonwealth, NSW, Qld, SA, WA, Tas, ACT, NT; not Victoria)
vModel code, October 2018 text (the print published on the Safe Work Australia site as model-cop-excavation-work_21102022_1.pdf, current on 30 September 2026)
6 domains
101 controls
Safe Work Australia's model code for excavation work: planning and consultation, managing risks of ground collapse, trenches and shoring, underground and overhead essential services, falls into excavations, plant near the edge, hazardous atmospheres, safe work method statements and emergency plans.
Verified
Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work is a compliance framework from Australia (model for the harmonised WHS jurisdictions: Commonwealth, NSW, Qld, SA, WA, Tas, ACT, NT; not Victoria) with 6 domains and 101 controls. The largest domains are Section 3: Planning the excavation work – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work (28 controls), Section 4: Controlling risks in excavation work – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work (24 controls), Section 6: Preventing ground collapse – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work (19 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.
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Framework Domains (6)
Section 1: Introduction – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work
13 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.1 | 1.1 Treat excavation work as construction work and identify high risk construction work |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.2a | 1.2 PCBU primary duty of care for excavation work (WHS Act s 19) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.2b | 1.2 Principal contractor duties for a construction project (WHS Regulations 293, 308 to 315) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.2c | 1.2 Duties of designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers (WHS Act ss 22 to 26) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.2d | 1.2 Officers must exercise due diligence (WHS Act s 27) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.2e | 1.2 Duties of workers (WHS Act ss 7, 28; WHS Regulation 46) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.2f | 1.2 Duties of other persons at the workplace (WHS Act s 29) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.3a | 1.3 Apply the systematic risk management process (WHS Regulations 34 to 38) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.3b | 1.3 Manage the specific excavation risks before work starts (WHS Regulation 305) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.3c | 1.3 Consult workers on excavation health and safety (WHS Act ss 47 to 49) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.3d | 1.3 Consult, cooperate and coordinate with other duty holders (WHS Act s 46) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.4a | 1.4 Provide suitable information, training, instruction and supervision (WHS Act s 19; WHS Regulation 39) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::1.4b | 1.4 Site-specific training, plant licences and competent supervisors (WHS Regulation 317) |
Section 2: The risk management process – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work
6 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::2.1 | 2.1 Identify all hazards of the excavation work |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::2.2a | 2.2 Assess the risks where the risk or its control is not well known |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::2.2b | 2.2 Review available information, records and incidents |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::2.3a | 2.3 Work through the hierarchy of control measures |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::2.3b | 2.3 Combine control measures without creating new hazards |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::2.4 | 2.4 Maintain and review control measures (WHS Regulation 38) |
Section 3: Planning the excavation work – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work
28 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3 | 3 Plan excavation work before it starts, in consultation |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.1a | 3.1 Principal contractor duties on a construction project (WHS Regulations 292, 293) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.1b | 3.1 Excavation contractor appointed principal contractor for site preparation |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.2a | 3.2 Designers must design safely and give a written safety report (WHS Act s 22; WHS Regulation 295) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.2b | 3.2 Person commissioning construction work consults the designer and passes on hazard information |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.3a | 3.3 Content of a SWMS for high risk construction work (WHS Regulation 299) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.3b | 3.3 Prepare the SWMS before high risk construction work starts and coordinate who prepares it |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.3c | 3.3 Stop work that departs from the SWMS (WHS Regulation 300) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.4a | 3.4 Use appropriately licensed asbestos removalists (WHS Regulations 422, 458) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.4b | 3.4 Identify or assume asbestos before demolition or excavation (WHS Regulations 422, 451) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.4c | 3.4 Obtain and review the asbestos register (WHS Regulations 426, 448 to 450) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.4d | 3.4 Transport and dispose of asbestos waste lawfully |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.5a | 3.5 Protect adjacent buildings and structures from collapse |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.5b | 3.5 Control vibration and water effects on nearby buildings |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6a | 3.6 Manage risks from essential services at the workplace |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6b | 3.6 Control excavators and earthmoving plant near overhead powerlines |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6c | 3.6 SWMS for work on or near gas mains, chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines and energised electrical installations |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6d | 3.6 Shut off unneeded services and notify the utility |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6e | 3.6 Obtain current underground essential services information before work starts (WHS Regulation 304) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6f | 3.6 Sources of underground services information: Before You Dig Australia, authorities and property owners |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6g | 3.6 Share underground services plans with those doing the work |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6h | 3.6 Make services information available and keep it (WHS Regulation 304) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6i | 3.6 Verify service locations by potholing before digging |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.6j | 3.6 Use underground locators with trained operators and prepare a SWMS for work involving services |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.7 | 3.7 Secure the trench work area from unauthorised access (WHS Regulation 306) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.8a | 3.8 Prepare, maintain and implement an emergency plan (WHS Regulation 43) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.8b | 3.8 Tailor the emergency plan to the site and align it with the project plan |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::3.8c | 3.8 Review and revise the emergency plan regularly |
Section 4: Controlling risks in excavation work – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work
24 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.1a | 4.1 Keep plant, vehicles and loads out of the zone of influence |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.1b | 4.1 Place excavated material away from the edge and manage runoff |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.1c | 4.1 Spoil near old services and obstructions, and the angle of repose |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.2a | 4.2 Use plant only for its designed purpose and with its safety features (WHS Regulation 206) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.2b | 4.2 Select, operate and maintain plant and equipment for excavation |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.2c | 4.2 Control laser hazards on plant and prohibit class 3B and 4 lasers |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.3a | 4.3 Select powered mobile plant for the task and use competent or licensed operators |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.3b | 4.3 Implement traffic management and a SWMS where powered mobile plant is used |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.3c | 4.3 Run earthmoving machinery and haul roads safely near excavations |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.3d | 4.3 Manage blind spots with two-way communication between operators and ground workers (WHS Regulation 215) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.3e | 4.3 Prevent collisions and fit warning devices on powered mobile plant (WHS Regulation 215) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.3f | 4.3 Fit and use operator protective devices, including ROPS and FOPS |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.3g | 4.3 Keep powered mobile plant back from the excavation edge |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.3h | 4.3 Inspect, maintain and test powered mobile plant and keep logbooks |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.4a | 4.4 Manage the risk of falls into excavations (WHS Regulation 78) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.4b | 4.4 Fall control measures for excavations, including fall prevention devices |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.4c | 4.4 Prepare a SWMS where a person could fall more than 2 metres |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.5a | 4.5 Plan the use of explosives: SWMS, competent advice and applicable laws |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.5b | 4.5 Licensed shotfirers, blast management plans and notice to the regulator |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.6a | 4.6 Control gas and fume build-up and keep combustion engines out of occupied trenches |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.6b | 4.6 Design ventilation for excavations and tunnels |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.6c | 4.6 Monitor airborne contaminants (WHS Regulation 50) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.6d | 4.6 Other atmospheric controls: pre-start checks, personal monitors, surface observer and rescue readiness |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::4.7 | 4.7 Manage hazardous manual tasks in manual excavation (WHS Regulation 60) |
Section 5: Excavation methods – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work
11 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.1a | 5.1 Secure trenches at least 1.5 metres deep from unauthorised entry (WHS Regulation 306) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.1b | 5.1 Support all sides of trenches at least 1.5 metres deep by shoring, benching or battering (WHS Regulation 306) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.1c | 5.1 Support trenches of any depth where there is a risk of engulfment |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.1d | 5.1 Obtain geotechnical advice on trench stability |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.1e | 5.1 Written geotechnical engineer advice where trench sides are safe from collapse |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.1f | 5.1 Prepare trench areas and trim from outside the trench |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.2a | 5.2 Base tunnel design on an adequate engineering investigation |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.2b | 5.2 Tunnel design content and the designer's safety report (WHS Regulation 295) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.2c | 5.2 Control tunnelling hazards and support all tunnel excavation |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.3a | 5.3 Control access to shafts and get engineering advice on shaft design |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::5.3b | 5.3 Control the hazards of shaft construction |
Section 6: Preventing ground collapse – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work
19 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6 | 6 Plan to prevent ground collapse and never enter an unsupported trench deeper than 1.5 m |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.1a | 6.1 Assess ground conditions and factors that weaken soil |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.1b | 6.1 Choose among the three types of ground collapse control |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.2a | 6.2 Keep benched or battered excavations stable and act on changing conditions |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.2b | 6.2 Form benches and batters correctly |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.2c | 6.2 Design benches and batters by a competent person and limit slopes to 45 degrees unless certified |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.3a | 6.3 Use shoring designed by a competent person where benching or battering will not work |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.3b | 6.3 Install shoring progressively and never work ahead of it |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.3c | 6.3 Design, inspect and maintain hydraulic shoring systems |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.3d | 6.3 Steel sheet piling for major or unstable excavations |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.3e | 6.3 Steel trench sheeting: manual handling, laceration and noise controls |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.3f | 6.3 Timber soldier sets only in stable ground and to the dimensions shown |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.3g | 6.3 Closed sheeting and side lacing: rules for workers |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.3h | 6.3 Design ground anchors competently and control soil removal above them |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.4 | 6.4 Remove shoring safely, in reverse order, at backfill stage |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.5a | 6.5 Use trench shields and boxes designed for the depth and ground |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.5b | 6.5 Install, load, maintain, inspect and modify shields and boxes correctly |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.6 | 6.6 Chemical stabilisation of excavation faces |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-excavation-work::6.7 | 6.7 Inspect excavations and ground support frequently |
What is Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work and who does it apply to?
Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work is a compliance framework from Australia (model for the harmonised WHS jurisdictions: Commonwealth, NSW, Qld, SA, WA, Tas, ACT, NT; not Victoria) with 6 domains and 101 controls. Safe Work Australia's model code for excavation work: planning and consultation, managing risks of ground collapse, trenches and shoring, underground and overhead essential services, falls into excavations, plant near the edge, hazardous atmospheres, safe work method statements and emergency plans. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
What does Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work actually require?
Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work has 101 controls organised across 6 domains. The largest domains are Section 3: Planning the excavation work – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work (28 controls), Section 4: Controlling risks in excavation work – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work (24 controls), Section 6: Preventing ground collapse – Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work (19 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
If I already comply with another framework, how much of Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work do I already cover?
Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work does not currently have cross-framework mappings in our system. Check back as we continuously expand our mapping database.
How do I implement Australia Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work?
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