
Excavation Marshal – banksperson overview
An Excavation Marshal, also known as Banksperson or Banksman, plays a key role in keeping excavation work safe. Their main tasks include checking the site before digging starts, agreeing on clear communication signals, and setting up emergency plans. They look out for risks from underground services and make sure safe digging practices are followed. The Excavation Marshall also makes sure the right safety gear is used and that the site stays safe throughout the job. At the end of each shift, they ensure tools are stored properly and the site is secure before leaving.
N027 Excavation Marshal -Banksperson – course objectives
As an Excavation Marshal – Banksperson, it’s important to understand the basics of the industry. This includes knowing the risks of the job and your responsibilities. You must also be familiar with the equipment you’ll be using and understand Method Statements, Risk Assessments, and Permits to Work.
It’s crucial to know what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed and to ensure it’s always used. Before starting work, you should complete all necessary checks. It’s also important to agree on clear communication signals and emergency procedures with the team.
Positioning yourself safely on-site is key to ensuring both your safety and that of others. You also need to recognise the different types of underground services, as these can create serious risks during excavation. Understanding these services will help keep everyone safe.
Excavation work comes with many hazards. You must be aware of how these risks might affect workers and take steps to minimize them. Safety checks should be done before starting work, and exploratory tasks should help identify any dangers.
When working near underground services, it’s vital to understand the risks. Safe digging practices must always be used to avoid accidents. Finally, at the end of each shift, follow proper procedures and store equipment safely.
Related courses
You may also be interested in our other excavator courses: N202 Excavator 360, N100 Excavator as a Crane – underslung loads, and N402 Slinger/Signaller; or our N403 Vehicle Marshal course
View our other categories here or visit the NPORS website