Planning guidance only. This page does not replace a competent site assessment, supplier instructions, legal duties or statutory safety requirements.
Check services before excavation
- Locate underground electricity, gas, water, telecoms and drainage services before digging.
- Use plans, visual inspection and appropriate detection equipment where needed.
- Do not assume a shallow garden or driveway dig is service-free.
Trenches and excavations
- Deep or unstable trenches may need support, battering or other safe systems of work.
- Keep spoil, machines and materials away from trench edges.
- Watch for collapse risk near walls, foundations, highways, trees and wet ground.
Machine access
- Measure the narrowest point, turning space, slope, step height and unloading area.
- Published machine width is not enough: tracks, roll bars, buckets and safe manoeuvring room matter.
- Protect paving, drains, thresholds and finished surfaces if machines must track across them.
Breaking, cutting and compaction
- Concrete breaking and cutting can create dust, noise, vibration and flying debris.
- Compaction equipment must match the material, layer depth and working area.
- Use appropriate PPE and follow supplier instructions for every hired machine or tool.