Foreword

Publishing information

This British Standard is published by BSI and came into effect on 31 July 2011. It was prepared by Subcommittee B/513/2/2, Drilling, piling and tunnelling, under the authority of Technical Committee B/513, Construction equipment and plant, and site safety. A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to its secretary.

Supersession

This British Standard supersedes BS 6164:2001, which is withdrawn.

Information about this document

This British Standard takes into account the advances in technology and equipment that are available to the tunnelling industry. It also takes account of new techniques and the effect of changes in legislation and guidance relating to health and safety and environmental matters. These changes include The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 [1] and the guidance to The Work in Compressed Air Regulations 1996 [2]. The document is written for all involved in tunnelling projects and addresses the safety of both those engaged in the tunnelling process and those who could be affected by it.

The text follows the pattern established by the previous edition of BS 6164. Clauses contain recommendations for and guidance on health and safety practices in shaft sinking and tunnelling. However, the text has been significantly updated to reflect current and developing best practices.

The International System of Units (SI) is followed in this British Standard, with the exception of the unit used for pressure, which is the bar.

NOTE 1 bar = 10⁵ N/m² = 10⁵ Pa.

It has been assumed in the preparation of this British Standard that the execution of its provisions will be entrusted to appropriately qualified and competent people, for whose use it has been produced.

This is a full revision of the standard, which reflects also the current changes in European Standards relating to tunnelling machinery.

As a code of practice, this British Standard takes the form of guidance and recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification and particular care should be taken to ensure that claims of compliance are not misleading.

Any user claiming compliance with this British Standard is expected to be able to justify any course of action that deviates from its recommendations.

Presentational conventions

The provisions in this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its recommendations are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary verb is “should”.

Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller italic type, and does not constitute a normative element.

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

BS 6164:2011

Code of practice for health and safety in tunnelling in the construction industry

Published:

31 Jul 2011

Withdrawn:

29 Oct 2019