This Trench Shoring, Benching & Access SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives your team a clear method for supporting and accessing an open trench once digging is underway. It covers competent person assessment, atmosphere testing, shoring, trench boxes, benching and battering, spoil placement, ladders and ramps, keeping plant back from the edge, exclusion zones and relieving hydraulic shoring pressure. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Civil and excavation contractors
Plumbing and drainage businesses
Pipeline and utility contractors
Builders doing footings and service trenches
Councils and water authority crews
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Trench wall collapse burying or engulfing workers
Falls into an open trench
Falling spoil, tools or materials from the edge or spoil pile
Being struck or caught by mobile plant near the trench
Contact with unidentified underground services
Water building up in the trench
Low oxygen or hazardous gases in deep trenches
Slips and trips on unstable ground and spoil
Ground collapse from vibration or loads near the edge
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from service clearance and ground assessment to gas risk, shoring condition, access and weather
A 14-step operating procedure covering atmosphere testing, shoring, benching, battering, spoil, ladders, plant clearance and working in pairs
Isolation and energy control for keeping the trench barricaded, hydraulic shoring and parked mobile plant
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for wall collapse, buried or trapped workers and water entering the trench
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Civil & Earthworks SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for trench work?
Yes, for any trench deeper than 1.5 metres. The SOP states this is high risk construction work, so a SWMS is needed as well.
Does it cover locating underground services?
No. Services must be identified and cleared under your service location procedure before excavation begins. This SOP starts once digging is underway.
Does it cover confined space trenches?
No. Where a trench meets the definition of a confined space, workers do not enter under this SOP and your confined space procedure applies.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
