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Breaking Ground in Construction Training for Duty Holders
This IIRSM‑approved Breaking Ground Training course provides an in‑depth understanding of the duty holder’s responsibilities when breaking ground in construction. The course examines the legal requirements and practices for safe breaking ground work. Users will understand how to plan, risk assess and supervise breaking ground activities as required by CDM 2015 to ensure the safety of workers and the public. The course includes a free digital checklist that can be used to review control measures and document work.
Why Is Lead Accident Investigator Training Important?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identifies breaking ground as high-risk work, with fatal excavation accidents occurring every year.
Workers carrying out breaking ground activities face collapses, falls or being struck by equipment or plant if appropriate safety measures are not implemented. Unsafe digging can also strike underground utilities, putting workers at risk and causing significant disruption, delays and legal action.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) require the assessment and management of breaking ground risks to ensure the safety of workers and members of the public. Duty holders must understand what is required by the law and what must be done to comply.
This Breaking Ground in Construction Training course is designed for individuals who oversee breaking ground work. It provides an in-depth understanding of excavation safety and equips duty holders with the tools to assess breaking ground risks and ensure compliance with CDM 2015.
The course includes a free digital checklist to help duty holders review and record breaking ground control measures for safety and compliance.
Course Details
- Course Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Approval Body: IIRSM
- Format: Fully online
- Assessment: Multiple choice
- Certification: Same‑day digital certificate
- Certificate Valid For: 3 years
Who Is This Course Suitable For?
- Construction managers
- Project supervisors
- Site engineers
- Health and safety professionals
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Compliance officers
Course Content
Module 1: Safe Excavation & The Legal Framework
- Definition and Scope of Underground Services
- Consequences of Unsafe Excavation
- Legal Background
- Understanding CDM
- Excavation Duties
- Case Study
Module 2: Risk Assessment
- Identify Hazards
- Assess the Risks
- Controlling Risks
- Record
- Review Controls
Module 3: Planning Excavations
- Utility Plans
- Specific Sites & Situations
- Use of Temporary Works
- Emergency Work
- Training & Competency
- Safe Systems of Work
- Emergency Plans
- Other Planning Requirements
- Documentation Requirements
Module 4: Safe Digging Practices
- Visual Site Inspections
- Site Scans
- Exposing Services
- Visual Service Identification
- Mechanical Excavators & Power Tools
- Electricity Cables
- Gas Pipelines
- Water Pipes & Sewers
- Major Hazard Pipelines
- Backfilling
- General Safe Practices
- Emergency Response for Utility Strikes
What You Will Learn
- Excavation safety standards and legal frameworks
- Risks and control measures specific to breaking ground
- Requirements to plan, document and review excavation procedures
- Safe digging practices and procedures for locating underground services
- Emergency responses for excavation accidents and utility strikes
Assessment
Users must complete a final theory test before earning their certificate.
The end-of-course test is:
- Fully online
- Multiple choice
A score of 80% is required to pass.
Approved by IIRSM
This course is approved by the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM).
Certification
The course certificate includes:
- User name
- Company name
- Course name
- Completion date
- Expiry date
- Approval body
An IIRSM-approved certificate will be available for download and printing instantly upon course completion.
Course Duration
4 hours
Available in 20+ Languages
Course subtitles are available in multiple languages, including:
- French
- Dutch
- German
- Italian
- Spanish
- Polish
Free Breaking Ground e‑Checklist
This course includes a free digital checklist to help duty holders review and document breaking ground risk control measures. The e‑checklist can be accessed on any device and is recorded automatically. Access to this checklist is for 12 months from purchase and is tied to the trainee who completes the course.