Basements

Whether you are procuring or undertaking building work, this information will help you ensure it is done safely.

Excavation

Every year people die, many more suffer life changing injuries and buildings collapse, because of unsafe excavations.

Constructing a basement underneath a property is specialised high-risk work that can catastrophically affect the stability of existing buildings.

Planning even simple jobs can save time, effort and often money.  A basic safety plan can also help you and your builder think about the safety and health issues that can arise during the work.

You can find more information and an example plan¹ from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has produced a free CDM Wizard² app which is simple and quick to use.

If you are a landlord, property developer or other commercial client, there are things you must do to ensure the work is carried out safely³.

Further information

For projects involving excavations, such as constructing a basement under an existing property, underpinning, digging trenches for services or sewage pipes – there are simple steps to help you and your builder work safely, available from the Health and Safety Executive:

• Excavation – What you need to know as a busy builder⁴
• Domestic basement construction – What you need to know as a busy builder⁵
• Avoiding concealed services and overhead powerlines – What you need to know as a busy builder⁶
• Running a small construction site – What you need to know as a busy builder⁷

1. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis80.pdf
2. https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/partnerships-and-initiatives/construction-design-and-management-cdm-regulations/about-cdm/
3. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg411.pdf
4. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis64.pdf
5. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis66.pdf
6. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis65.pdf
7. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis63.pdf