EUSR: Implement Safe Excavating Practices

What is this course?

This course is designed for learners who carry out excavation work near underground services, once the service location phase has been completed. It focuses on safe digging practices, excavation controls, and the physical exposure of buried services, helping reduce the risk of damage, collapse, and unsafe site activity.

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 1 day for this category alone
  • Maximum delegates: 8
  • Certification: EUSR photo card with qualifications attached
  • Validity: 3 years, after which the full course must be retaken to renew
  • Safe digging practices around underground services, including digging trial holes and correctly supporting excavations
  • Dealing with damaged services and understanding the implications of service strikes
  • Identifying different soil types when excavating, and the dangers of collapse
  • How vibration and water ingress can affect the stability of an excavation
  • The requirement for correct segregation when working around excavations
  • Complying with environmental requirements regarding the storage of excavated soil
  • Understanding the different types of tools that can be used for excavation work

A classroom exam of 20 multiple-choice questions, open book, with 16/20 (80%) required to pass. Delegates are also assessed practically on safe excavation practices, using the correct tools once services have been found, to the required standard of competence.

Anyone who excavates near or around underground services, and anyone entering construction work involving civils or excavation. Some highway authorities require this qualification before allowing contractors to carry out highway work.

Course Content

  • Safe digging practices around underground services, including digging trial holes and correctly supporting excavations
  • Dealing with damaged services and understanding the implications of service strikes
  • Identifying different soil types when excavating, and the dangers of collapse
  • How vibration and water ingress can affect the stability of an excavation
  • The requirement for correct segregation when working around excavations
  • Complying with environmental requirements regarding the storage of excavated soil
  • Understanding the different types of tools that can be used for excavation work

Assessment

A classroom exam of 20 multiple-choice questions, open book, with 16/20 (80%) required to pass. Delegates are also assessed practically on safe excavation practices, using the correct tools once services have been found, to the required standard of competence.

Suitable For

Anyone who excavates near or around underground services, and anyone entering construction work involving civils or excavation. Some highway authorities require this qualification before allowing contractors to carry out highway work.

Entry Requirements
  • • Must be able to read, write, and understand English
  • • Must be fit and able-bodied to complete the practical assessment

Trainer Delivering This Course

Chris Sanders
Chris Sanders
Lead Trainer / Assessor
chris@ajstraining.co.uk
Chris brings 40 years of industry experience to AJ's Training, including 35 years in telecommunications and a background as a City & Guilds qualified electrician. A fully qualified Level 3 trainer and assessor, he delivers NRSWA, EUSR, health and safety and telecommunications training, and mentors AJ's newer trainers.
Stuart Pocock
Stuart Pocock
Apprenticeship Manager / Lead IQA / DLS
stuart@ajstraining.co.uk
With over 15 years across construction and highways, Stuart leads AJ's apprenticeship programmes, safeguards learner welfare as Designated Safeguarding Lead, and oversees assessment quality as Lead IQA. He teaches across vehicle restraint systems, fencing, plant, health and safety, street works and EUSR.

Our Google reviews

We're proud of the feedback our delegates leave us — here's a small selection of recent five-star reviews from Google.

Google review from Thomas Murphy
Google review from a local guide
Google review from G P
Google review from Paul Oxby

FAQs

Do I need to have completed Category 1 first?

These two categories can be booked separately or together — get in touch to confirm the best combination for your needs.

How long does the qualification last?

3 years — after that, the full course needs to be retaken to renew.

What tools will I be using?

AJ's Training supplies all tools needed for excavation and backfill during the course — you just need to bring your own PPE.

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