This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template.
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Vacuum Excavator (Suction Excavation) Operations Risk Assessment
This fully completed vacuum excavator operations risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers operation of vacuum excavation equipment for the safe excavation of soil in areas containing underground services, and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Vacuum Excavator Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with vacuum excavator operations including;
- Contact with live underground services — vacuum excavation exposing mis-plotted live gas, electrical or water services causing electrocution, explosion or flooding
- High-pressure water injection — high-pressure water lance penetrating skin on contact causing severe injection injury
- Noise from vacuum excavator — high noise from engine and vacuum pump causing hearing damage
- Contaminated soil exposure — vacuum excavation of contaminated land releasing hazardous dusts or biological contaminants
- Traffic and pedestrian hazards — vacuum excavator operating in roads and public areas creating collision risk
- Excavation collapse — vacuum excavation creating unsupported voids in unstable ground which collapse trapping operatives
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating ranging from Moderate to Substantial, and a comprehensive listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- CAT and Genny services survey with all services located and marked before any excavation
- High-pressure lance never directed at any person with protective gloves and coveralls worn
- FFP3 RPE and impermeable coveralls on confirmed contaminated sites with hazardous waste disposal
- Chapter 8 traffic management with Class 3 high-vis and banksman controlling vehicle movements
- Excavation depth limited in unsupported conditions with trench box for deeper excavations
A residual risk rating is then assigned to each hazard, demonstrating how effective risk management reduces overall risk to a tolerable level.
A Professional, Easy-to-Use Risk Assessment Template
This document uses colour-coded header styles matched to risk ratings, making it quick to read and easy to communicate during toolbox talks and worker training. A built-in risk rating matrix supports consistent evaluation of likelihood and consequence, and hazard pictograms using internationally recognised ISO warning symbols are included alongside relevant hazard entries.
The result is a completed risk assessment that looks professional, reads clearly, and demonstrates a structured and effective approach to risk management.
Who Is This Risk Assessment Template Suitable For?
This vacuum excavator risk assessment template is suitable for health and safety advisers, utilities contractors, civil engineers and any employer with a duty to assess risks associated with vacuum excavation under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services). It can be implemented as a standalone document or as part of a broader occupational health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001.
Note: This example risk assessment is supplied for use as guidance only and should be reviewed and completed by a competent person.