Use the free excavation selector
Available on all plans
The excavation selector asks six questions about a dig and shows whether battering back, stepping or supporting the sides is worth discussing with a competent person, with the points to raise. It's free and you don't need an account. You can also find it on the free tools page.
Use the selector
Open the excavation selector from the free tools page
Answer How deep will the excavation be?, What is the ground like? and What about water?
Answer the questions about loads near the edge, nearby structures and How much room is there around the excavation?
Read Approaches to discuss with a competent person, Points to raise and Whatever is chosen
Each point links to CDM 2015 regulation 22 or HSE's excavations guidance. Click Start again to clear your answers.
Click Print this record to print your answers and the result, with space for the approach agreed
Your browser's print window opens. Choose your printer, or save as PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account to use the excavation selector?
No. The excavation selector is free to use on our website without signing in.
Are my answers sent to The Site Book?
No. The selector works out the result in your browser. Your answers are not sent to us or saved.
Does the selector tell me the angle or depth to dig to?
No. It gives no angles, depths or distances. It shows which approaches are worth discussing, and a competent person decides the actual profile and support for the ground.
Related guides
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