Construct tunnels by pipe jacking, box jacking or micro-tunnelling operations

This standard is about launching and recovering pipe jacking, box jacking, or micro-tunnelling systems when constructing tunnels, connecting and disconnecting systems using safe isolation procedures for stored energy hazards and ensuring close communication with all those involved in the operation.

Operatives working to this standard will be able to demonstrate and understand safe, healthy and environmentally responsible work practices, select and use materials, components, tools and equipment, in accordance with organisational requirements which comply with current legislation and standards.

This standard is for people working in the occupational area of tunnelling operations and can be used by operatives, supervisors, and managers.

Interpretation of information
P1 interpret the information relating to the work and resources to confirm its relevance for the following:

• drawings
• task briefings
• risk assessments
• method statements
• manufacturer’s information

Safe work practices
P2 comply with the current legislation and standards to carry out the work, and maintain safe systems of work relating to the following:

• methods of work
• safe use of health and safety control equipment
• safe use of access equipment or systems
• safe use of tunnel access and egress systems
• safe use, storage, and handling of materials, plant, tools, and equipment
• specific risks to occupational health and wellbeing, including mental health

Selection of resources
P3 select the correct quantity and quality of the following resources for the methods of work:

• materials, components, and fixings
• plant, tools, and equipment

Minimise the risk of damage
P4 comply with organisational procedures to minimise the risk of damage to the work, and environment by:

• protecting the work
• maintaining a safe, clear, and tidy, work space
• disposing of waste in accordance with current legislation

Meet the methods of work
P5 comply with the method statement to construct tunnels by pipe jacking, box jacking, or micro-tunnelling operations to the required specification by:

• demonstrating work skills to:
  • measure
  • position
  • level
  • align
  • connect
  • disconnect
  • clean
  • check
  • secure
• using and maintaining plant, tools, and equipment
• constructing tunnels to working instructions using one of the following methods:
  • pipe jacking
  • box jacking
  • micro-tunnelling
• communicating work operations with others

Allocated time
P6 complete the work within the estimated and allocated time, in accordance with organisational procedures, the programme of work, and to meet the needs of other occupations and the client

P1 Interpretation of information
K1 why organisational procedures have been developed and how they are implemented
K2 the importance of reporting and rectifying inappropriate information
K3 types of information, their source and how they are interpreted in relation to:

• drawings
• task briefings
• risk assessments
• method statements
• manufacturer’s information
• standards
• organisational procedures
• current legislation

K4 the range of relevant digital services and how they are used including:

• digital tools
• digital systems

P2 Safe work practices
K5 information for current legislation and standards and how it is applied
K6 the different types of fire safety equipment
K7 how emergencies should be responded to in accordance with organisational authorisation, and personal skills, including but not limited to the following:

• fires, spillages, injuries
• gases and ventilation
• emergencies relating to occupational activities
• identification and reporting of hazardous substances

K8 the organisational procedures relating to security of plant, tools, equipment, and personal belongings, in relation to:

• workforce
• site
• workplace
• company
• vehicles
• the general public

K9 how to report risks and hazards relating to the following:

• methods of work
• risk assessment
• personal risk assessment
• dealing with unsafe situations
• manufacturer’s technical information
• task and tool box talks
• statutory regulations
• standards

K10 the incident reporting procedures and who is responsible for making the report
K11 why, when, and how health and safety control equipment, identified by the principles of prevention should be used, in relation to:

• collective protective measures
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
• ventilation

K12 how to comply with environmentally responsible work practices to meet current legislation and standards
K13 the organisational procedures when dealing with potential incidents, safety hazards, health hazards, and the environmental impact, whilst working:

• in the workplace
• below ground level
• in confined spaces
• at height
• with temporary works
• in a compressed air environment
• with plant, tools, and equipment
• with materials and substances
• with the movement and lifting of materials and equipment by mechanical and manual means
• with the safe handling and storing of materials, including explosives

P3 Selection of resources
K14 why the limitations, quality, and sustainability, of resources is important and how defects should be rectified
K15 why the resources have been selected and how they are used
K16 how to confirm the resources conform with the specified task
K17 how the resources should be used and how any problems associated with the resources are reported in relation to:

• pipe jacking, box jacking, and micro-tunnelling systems
• plant, tools, and equipment

K18 how to identify the hazards associated with the resources, and methods of work, and how they are controlled

P4 Minimise the risk of damage
K19 how to protect work and the environment from damage, and the purpose of protection from general workplace activities, and other occupations
K20 why and how, the safe disposal of waste must be carried out in accordance with the following:

• environmental responsibilities
• organisational procedures
• manufacturer’s information
• statutory regulations
• standards

K21 why it is important to maintain a safe, clear, and tidy, work space

P5 Meet the methods of work
K22 how to comply with the method statement in relation to the following:

• how to install, position and monitor pipes and associated pipe jacking, box jacking, and micro-tunnelling equipment, including inter-jack systems
• how to construct tunnels by pipe jacking, box jacking, and micro-tunnelling
• how to launch and recover pipe jacking, box jacking, and micro-tunnelling plant
• how to connect and disconnect systems using safe isolation procedures for stored energy hazards
• why it is important to ensure work operations are communicated to all operatives involved with, and around the operation
• how to deal with hazardous energy sources including but not limited to:
  • electricity
  • compressed air
  • hydraulics
  • pressurised liquids
  • equipment under tension
• why it is important to recognise and determine when specialist skills and knowledge are required and report accordingly
• the limits of your own authority
• why it is important to identify and follow the installation quality requirements
• how to work with, around, and in close proximity to plant and machinery
• what the requirements are for working in a confined space
• how to work at height
• how to use access equipment and systems
• how to use plant, tools, and equipment
• how and why operative care and maintenance of plant, tools, and equipment is carried out

K23 the importance of team work and communication, and using communication systems
K24 the importance of occupational health and wellbeing, including mental health
K25 the importance of applying Fairness, Inclusion, and Respect (FIR), when dealing with others
K26 the needs of other occupations associated with constructing tunnels by pipe jacking, box jacking, and micro-tunnelling operations

P6 Allocated time
K27 the programme of work to be carried out including the estimated and allocated time, and why deadlines should be kept