Safe Work Method Statement for Geotechnical Investigation and Soil Sampling

Soil Testing

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This comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers geotechnical soil testing and investigation activities including borehole drilling, sampling, in-situ testing, and laboratory procedures. It addresses critical hazards in geotechnical work and provides detailed control measures for safe soil investigation operations.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Soil testing involves geotechnical investigation procedures to assess ground conditions for construction. This includes borehole drilling, soil sampling, in-situ testing, and laboratory analysis to determine soil properties, bearing capacity, groundwater conditions, and foundation requirements. Soil testing requires specialized equipment and strict safety protocols to protect workers from drilling hazards, unstable ground, and environmental exposures.

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Why this SWMS matters

Soil testing is critical for construction safety and prevents catastrophic foundation failures. Inadequate geotechnical investigation leads to structural collapses, landslides, and building failures causing injuries and deaths. Poor soil assessment results in billions in repair costs annually. Comprehensive soil testing ensures construction feasibility, prevents costly redesigns, and protects against ground-related hazards. In Australia, thorough geotechnical investigation is required by building codes and WHS regulations.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Soil Testing Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

High

Soil testing excavations and boreholes can collapse, burying workers under unstable soil or causing falls into open holes. Borehole diameters may be small but depths can exceed 30 meters, creating significant entrapment risks.

High

Drilling rigs, augers, and testing equipment can overturn, strike workers, or cause crushing injuries. High-pressure drilling operations create additional risks from flying debris and equipment malfunction.

Medium

Carrying heavy soil samples, drilling equipment, and testing apparatus causes back injuries, strains, and musculoskeletal disorders. Repetitive lifting and awkward postures during fieldwork exacerbate these risks.

Medium

Encountering groundwater, leachate, or contaminated soil during testing exposes workers to harmful substances, pathogens, or oxygen-deficient environments in boreholes.

Medium

Accessing remote testing sites involves vehicle travel on unsealed roads, loading/unloading equipment, and working near traffic on construction sites.

Medium

Outdoor fieldwork exposes workers to extreme weather conditions, UV radiation, insects, snakes, and unstable ground conditions from rain or frost.

High

Drilling or excavating into underground utilities (power, gas, water, communications) causes explosions, electrocutions, or service disruptions.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Engineering

Implement protective systems for excavations and boreholes including shoring, shielding, and access controls.

Implementation

Install proper shoring or trench boxes for excavations over 1.5m deepUse borehole casing systems to prevent collapse during drillingInstall guardrails and warning barriers around open excavationsImplement safe access systems with ladders and platformsMonitor ground conditions continuously during operations

Engineering

Ensure all drilling and testing equipment has appropriate safety features and is properly maintained.

Implementation

Use drilling rigs with automatic shut-off systemsInstall rollover protection on mobile equipmentImplement emergency stop systems on all machineryRegular equipment inspection and maintenance schedulesCalibrate monitoring instruments before each use

Engineering

Provide mechanical aids and team lifting protocols for heavy equipment and samples.

Implementation

Use mechanical lifting devices for loads over 16kgProvide wheeled carts and dollies for equipment transportImplement team lifting for loads 16-55kgStore equipment at accessible heights to reduce bendingRotate workers for physically demanding tasks

Administrative

Establish procedures for monitoring and responding to groundwater and contamination encounters.

Implementation

Conduct pre-drilling groundwater assessmentsMonitor for hazardous atmospheres in boreholesHave spill response equipment readily availableImplement decontamination procedures for equipmentTrain workers in hazardous material recognition

Administrative

Control vehicle access and establish safe work zones around testing operations.

Implementation

Establish exclusion zones around drilling operationsImplement traffic control measures on construction sitesUse spotters for vehicle movements near testing areasMark utility locations before commencing workDevelop emergency evacuation routes

PPE

Provide comprehensive PPE for soil testing operations.

Implementation

High-visibility clothing for site visibilitySteel-capped boots with ankle protectionSafety helmets with chin strapsCut-resistant gloves for handling sharp objectsEye protection for drilling operationsHearing protection near operating equipmentRespiratory protection for dusty or contaminated environments

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Personal protective equipment

Requirement: Required for all fieldwork and construction site operations

When: During site access, drilling operations, and equipment transport

Requirement: Required for all ground-based work

When: During site setup, drilling, and equipment handling

Requirement: Required when working near equipment or overhead hazards

When: During drilling operations and heavy equipment work

Requirement: Required during drilling and sample handling

When: When operating drilling equipment or handling soil samples

Requirement: Required when operating noisy equipment

When: During drilling operations and machinery use

Requirement: Required when handling drilling equipment and samples

When: During sample collection and equipment handling

Requirement: Required for dusty environments or potential contamination

When: During drilling in dry conditions or suspected contaminated sites

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

✓Locate and mark all underground utilities before drilling
✓Assess ground conditions and soil stability at testing locations
✓Check weather conditions and forecast for safe operations
✓Verify all equipment is calibrated and safety features functional
✓Confirm emergency communication systems are operational
✓Check availability of spill response and first aid equipment
✓Review site access routes and establish traffic control measures
✓Assess biological hazards (snakes, spiders, poisonous plants)
✓Verify groundwater monitoring equipment is available
✓Confirm all team members have required training and certifications

During work

✓Monitor ground conditions continuously for signs of instability
✓Check equipment for proper operation and safety feature engagement
✓Monitor workers for signs of fatigue or heat stress
✓Verify exclusion zones are maintained around operations
✓Check atmospheric conditions in boreholes before entry
✓Monitor weather conditions and adjust operations as needed
✓Ensure proper use of PPE by all team members
✓Check communication systems remain operational
✓Monitor groundwater levels and contamination indicators
✓Verify emergency equipment remains accessible

After work

✓Inspect boreholes for proper backfilling and stabilization
✓Check equipment for damage and schedule maintenance
✓Document all samples collected and testing performed
✓Verify site restoration meets environmental requirements
✓Report any incidents or equipment malfunctions
✓Clean and decontaminate all equipment
✓Conduct team debrief to review safety performance
✓Update site records with testing results
✓Check for any environmental impacts from operations
✓Ensure all waste materials are properly disposed

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready

Site Assessment and Planning

Conduct comprehensive site evaluation including utility location, ground conditions assessment, and development of site-specific safety plan. Review all permits, access requirements, and emergency procedures.

Safety considerations

Never commence work without confirming all underground services are located and marked. Assess weather conditions and ground stability before mobilizing equipment.

Equipment Mobilization and Setup

Transport and set up drilling rigs, testing equipment, and safety systems at designated locations. Calibrate all instruments and verify safety features are operational.

Safety considerations

Use proper lifting techniques for heavy equipment. Establish exclusion zones around setup areas. Ensure all equipment is stable before operation begins.

Drilling and Sampling Operations

Execute controlled drilling operations, collect soil samples at specified depths, and perform in-situ testing. Monitor ground conditions and equipment performance continuously.

Safety considerations

Stop operations immediately if ground shows signs of instability. Monitor for groundwater or hazardous atmospheres. Keep hands clear of moving drill bits and augers.

In-Situ Testing and Analysis

Perform field testing including standard penetration tests, cone penetration tests, and other geotechnical assessments. Record all measurements and observations.

Safety considerations

Maintain safe distances from testing operations. Monitor equipment for malfunctions. Be alert for changing ground conditions during testing.

Sample Handling and Transportation

Properly label, package, and transport soil samples to laboratory facilities. Maintain sample integrity and chain of custody requirements.

Safety considerations

Handle samples carefully to prevent contamination or breakage. Use proper lifting techniques. Secure samples during transport to prevent spills.

Site Demobilization and Restoration

Safely dismantle equipment, backfill boreholes, restore site conditions, and conduct final safety checks. Document all activities and complete incident reporting.

Safety considerations

Ensure boreholes are properly backfilled to prevent accidents. Clean up all waste materials. Conduct final sweep for tools and equipment.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the main hazards in soil testing operations?

Primary hazards include excavation collapse, heavy equipment accidents, manual handling injuries, groundwater exposure, utility strikes, and weather-related incidents. Each requires specific control measures to ensure worker safety.

How do you safely work near underground utilities during soil testing?

Always locate and mark all underground services before drilling using professional locating services. Maintain safe digging practices with hand tools near marked utilities. Have emergency response plans for utility strikes.

What PPE is essential for soil testing fieldwork?

Essential PPE includes high-visibility clothing, steel-capped boots, safety helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, and respiratory protection for dusty or contaminated environments.

How should boreholes be safely managed during soil testing?

Use proper casing systems to prevent collapse, install guardrails around open boreholes, monitor ground conditions continuously, and never work alone in borehole areas. Backfill immediately after testing completion.

What should be done if groundwater is encountered during drilling?

Stop operations immediately, monitor for hazardous atmospheres, implement appropriate PPE, and consult environmental specialists. Never continue drilling without proper controls for water-bearing formations.

How often should soil testing equipment be inspected?

Conduct daily pre-use inspections, weekly detailed checks, and annual professional certifications. Document all inspections and maintenance activities. Never use equipment with known faults.

What is Soil Testing?

Soil testing encompasses geotechnical investigation procedures including borehole drilling, soil sampling, in-situ testing, geophysical surveys, and laboratory analysis. These activities determine soil properties, groundwater conditions, and foundation suitability for construction projects. Soil testing involves specialized equipment, fieldwork in various terrains, and adherence to strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure accurate results.

Why It Matters

Soil testing is fundamental to construction safety and project success. Poor geotechnical investigation can lead to foundation failures, structural collapses, and catastrophic accidents. Inadequate soil assessment causes billions in repair costs annually and endangers workers and building occupants. Proper soil testing ensures construction feasibility, prevents costly redesigns, and protects against ground-related hazards like landslides and sinkholes.

Key Hazards

Soil testing involves multiple high-risk activities that require comprehensive controls:

Benefits of Proper SWMS Implementation

Implementing this SWMS provides critical safety and operational benefits:

Available SWMS Documents

Complete documentation for safe soil testing and investigation procedures.

FAQ - Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about soil testing safety and procedures.

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PDF Sample

Risk Rating

BeforeHigh

After ControlsLow

Key Controls

• Pre-start briefing covering hazards
• PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
• Emergency plan communicated to crew

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Soil Testing

What this SWMS covers

Why this SWMS matters

Hazard identification

Control measures

Personal protective equipment

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

During work

After work

Step-by-step work procedure

Site Assessment and Planning

Equipment Mobilization and Setup

Drilling and Sampling Operations

In-Situ Testing and Analysis

Sample Handling and Transportation

Site Demobilization and Restoration

Frequently asked questions

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What is Soil Testing?

Why It Matters

Key Hazards

Benefits of Proper SWMS Implementation

Available SWMS Documents

FAQ - Common Questions

Soil Testing SWMS Sample

Continue exploring

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