Unguarded pile holes
A Health and Safety Solution
Unguarded pile holes What is the problem? Workers falling down pile holes.
Further Information WorkSafe Advisory Service
What are the risks? When holes are unguarded, people can fall into them and get injured, entrapped or both – a driller’s offsider was killed after falling into a 600mm wide x 2.5m deep pile hole. The drill auger had been removed from the hole and was slewed to dump spoil, which exposed the hole.
What is a solution to the problem? Ensure pile holes have guards in place. Pile-hole guards can be made from bars being formed into a cage. The bars should be bent into an L-shape at the bottom to make supports for the footplate. Guards need to be a minimum of 900mm high and fitted with a footplate for stability and to prevent people falling down the hole if the top of the hole becomes exposed. The footplates can be made from steel mesh welded to the bars. Before drilling starts, place a pile-hole guard on the ground and drill the hole inside the guard.
A solution
Typical pile hole guard with footplate. HSS0027/01/07.08
Edition No. 1 July 2008
Toll-free: 1800 136 089 Email: [email protected] worksafe.vic.gov.au Copies of publications can be obtained by contacting WorkSafe Advisory Service or visit WorkSafe’s website.
Unguarded pile holes What is the problem? Workers falling down pile holes.
Further Information WorkSafe Advisory Service
What are the risks? When holes are unguarded, people can fall into them and get injured, entrapped or both – a driller’s offsider was killed after falling into a 600mm wide x 2.5m deep pile hole. The drill auger had been removed from the hole and was slewed to dump spoil, which exposed the hole.
What is a solution to the problem? Ensure pile holes have guards in place. Pile-hole guards can be made from bars being formed into a cage. The bars should be bent into an L-shape at the bottom to make supports for the footplate. Guards need to be a minimum of 900mm high and fitted with a footplate for stability and to prevent people falling down the hole if the top of the hole becomes exposed. The footplates can be made from steel mesh welded to the bars. Before drilling starts, place a pile-hole guard on the ground and drill the hole inside the guard.
A solution
Typical pile hole guard with footplate. HSS0027/01/07.08
Edition No. 1 July 2008
Toll-free: 1800 136 089 Email: [email protected] worksafe.vic.gov.au Copies of publications can be obtained by contacting WorkSafe Advisory Service or visit WorkSafe’s website.
