Tunnelling operative

The principles of health, safety, welfare and environmentally responsible work practices and how they must be applied in relation to the work, to others and to personal and occupational health

The different tunnelling processes and/or methods; hand tunnelling, machine tunnelling, pipejacking, sprayed concrete lining, shaft sinking and drill and blast; inherent hazards and associated risks

Modern technologies linked to different tunnelling processes and/or methods

Sustainable practices in tunnelling and the environmental impact associated with tunnelling operations and the different tunnelling methodologies

The responsibilities under current legislation, (including Health and Safety at Work Act, Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment, Working at Height Regulations, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, Manual Handling Operations Regulations) and official guidance, (risk assessments, method statements and manufacturers guidance), to undertake work

The different products and chemicals used in tunnelling operations, where to obtain the relevant information regarding safe use and disposal and the need to follow COSHH assessments

How to communicate with others and follow organisational procedures to conform to productive work practices including sustainability

How to support tunnelling operations including the duties and responsibilities of other members of the tunnelling team

How to interpret types of information, drawings, method statements, risk assessments, manufacturers’ information, briefings, work schedules and specifications particularly when assembling and positioning resources and components including loading and off-loading vehicles

How building information modelling supports tunnelling operations

How to direct, guide and control the movement and operation of tunnelling plant, machinery and vehicles

The safe techniques to move, lift, handle and store tunnelling materials, resources and components

The specific requirements for conducting lifting operations and how to check associated plant, machinery, lifting accessories and equipment and deal with unserviceable plant, machinery and equipment

How to comply with quality requirements associated with tunnelling operations

How to install, operate, maintain and remove tunnelling plant, machinery and equipment

How to identify excavated soils and soil types and recognise changes in geology while tunnelling

The principles and practices of working at height and the use of access equipment

How to react in a tunnelling emergency including self-rescue or escape to a refuge using breathing and re-breathing apparatus

Occupational health risks in the tunnelling environment

Apply general workplace health, safety and welfare requirements when undertaking tunnelling activities

Work safely underground, follow safe tunnel entry systems and react appropriately in an emergency following the correct emergency escape procedures

Interpret and work to specifications including Control of Substances Hazardous to Health [COSHH]assessments, construction information and briefings

Plan and undertake work productively

Communicate with others and follow organisational procedures to conform to productive work practices

Supply information on the activities and progress of the work they are undertaking independently and as part of a team

Comply with environmentally responsible work practices and contribute to sustainable practices in tunnelling operations

Follow the technical requirements, at an operative level, associated with the different tunnelling processes and/or methods for one of the following; hand tunnelling, machine tunnelling (loco operator), pipejacking, sprayed concrete lining, shaft sinking and drill and blast, plan and use appropriate technologies associated with the different processes and/or methods

Apply safe working techniques for moving and handling materials, resources and components by mechanically assisted or manual means

Direct, guide and control the movement and operation of tunnelling plant, machinery and vehicles

Off load and load vehicles used in the tunnelling environment

Operate powered units, tools and pedestrian plant, machinery and equipment specific to tunnelling operations (e.g. pumps, generators, compressors, agitators, grouting equipment, segment-handling equipment)

Work individually and as part of a team, to install and remove tunnelling plant, components, machinery and equipment

Install and support the installation of back-up service systems for ventilation, pressurisation, communication, water supply, walkways and materials handling (rail, conveyor and piped)

Effective communication: oral, written, electronic, listening, body language and

Respect: apply equality, diversity and inclusion in dealing with

Team work: work effectively and safely with others under minimum

Independent working: take responsibility for safe completion of your own

Logical thinking: use clear and valid reasoning when making decisions to undertake the work instructions

Problem Solving: use generic or improvised methods, in an orderly manner, to find solutions to problems

Risk Perception: be able to make the correct decision regarding risk identification and safe working particularly in the enclosed, underground and tunnel

Working effectively: undertake the work in a reliable, safe and productive

Time management: use own time effectively to complete the work instructions to

Adaptability: be able to adjust to changes to the work

Assertiveness and confidence: be able to resist pressures to follow unsafe work