At a recent drain inspection in Box Hill, the VBA found an unsafe excavation, without any shield, shoring or appropriate measures.
After the VBA made the practitioner aware of the unsafe excavation and their obligations when carrying out deep excavation works, they implemented measures to make the excavation safe.
When carrying out excavation works, plumbing practitioners have a duty and obligation to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) 2004 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHS Regulations) 2017.
If excavation works are going to take place for a plumbing installation and there is a risk of engulfment, the following controls must be implemented:
- Battering
- Benching
- Positively support the trench by way of shoring or other comparable means
- Trench shields.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) undertakes proactive plumbing inspections, compliance audits and below drain sanitary inspections to keep practitioners and consumers safe. At a recent drain inspection in Box Hill, the VBA found an unsafe excavation, without any shield, shoring or appropriate measures.
If a plumbing Authorised Officer attends a below ground sanitary drain inspection and the plumbing installation is not safe to inspect, this may result in an infringement notice being issued to the licensed plumbing practitioner, incurring a penalty of $593. Any unsafe excavation work will be referred to the relevant authority regarding excavations, WorkSafe Victoria, for further review. This may result in further enforcement and penalties.
The VBA made the practitioner aware of the unsafe excavation and their obligations when carrying out deep excavation works. As a result of the initial inspection, the practitioner implemented measures to make the excavation safe for him and his workers, as well as for the occupiers of the dwelling.
