Construction and the built environment
Tunnelling operative
Building the underground tunnels needed for services such as rail lines and water works.
Summary
The primary role of a tunnelling operative is to assist with the excavation, support and forming of tunnels and shafts in the ground associated with the construction process to provide an underground space, tunnel or shaft; typical tunnelling methods will include hand tunnelling, machine tunnelling, pipejacking, sprayed concrete lining, shaft sinking and drill and blast. The tunnelling operative will be working as part of a larger team on a tunnelling project in which they will have responsibility for performing tasks which will include moving and handling materials, resources and components by mechanically assisted or manual means; loading and unloading, handling and conveying goods and materials to and from the workface. Other duties will include guiding and controlling the movement and operation of plant, machinery and vehicles; preparing, checking and maintaining machinery and equipment in use.
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
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
K2:
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
K3:
Modern technologies linked to different tunnelling processes and/or methods
K4:
Sustainable practices in tunnelling and the environmental impact associated with tunnelling operations and the different tunnelling methodologies
K5:
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
K6:
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
K7:
How to communicate with others and follow organisational procedures to conform to productive work practices including sustainability
K8:
How to support tunnelling operations including the duties and responsibilities of other members of the tunnelling team
K9:
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
K10:
How building information modelling supports tunnelling operations
K11:
How to direct, guide and control the movement and operation of tunnelling plant, machinery and vehicles
K12:
The safe techniques to move, lift, handle and store tunnelling materials, resources and components
K13:
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
K14:
How to comply with quality requirements associated with tunnelling operations
K15:
How to install, operate, maintain and remove tunnelling plant, machinery and equipment
K16:
How to identify excavated soils and soil types and recognise changes in geology while tunnelling
K17:
The principles and practices of working at height and the use of access equipment
K18:
How to react in a tunnelling emergency including self-rescue or escape to a refuge using breathing and re-breathing apparatus
K19:
Occupational health risks in the tunnelling environment
Technical Educational Products
- ST0375: Tunnelling operative (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0375
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £25,282 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 8139 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 8139/99 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
- 8153/00 Rail construction and maintenance operatives
- 8159/99 Construction operatives n.e.c.
S1:
Apply general workplace health, safety and welfare requirements when undertaking tunnelling activities
S2:
Work safely underground, follow safe tunnel entry systems and react appropriately in an emergency following the correct emergency escape procedures
S3:
Interpret and work to specifications including Control of Substances Hazardous to Health [COSHH]assessments, construction information and briefings
S4:
Plan and undertake work productively
S5:
Communicate with others and follow organisational procedures to conform to productive work practices
S6:
Supply information on the activities and progress of the work they are undertaking independently and as part of a team
S7:
Comply with environmentally responsible work practices and contribute to sustainable practices in tunnelling operations
S8:
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
S9:
Apply safe working techniques for moving and handling materials, resources and components by mechanically assisted or manual means
S10:
Direct, guide and control the movement and operation of tunnelling plant, machinery and vehicles
S11:
Off load and load vehicles used in the tunnelling environment
S12:
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)
S13:
Work individually and as part of a team, to install and remove tunnelling plant, components, machinery and equipment
S14:
Install and support the installation of back-up service systems for ventilation, pressurisation, communication, water supply, walkways and materials handling (rail, conveyor and piped)
Technical Educational Products
- ST0375: Tunnelling operative (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0375
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £25,282 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 8139 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 8139/99 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
- 8153/00 Rail construction and maintenance operatives
- 8159/99 Construction operatives n.e.c.
B1:
Effective communication: oral, written, electronic, listening, body language and
B2:
Respect: apply equality, diversity and inclusion in dealing with
B3:
Team work: work effectively and safely with others under minimum
B4:
Independent working: take responsibility for safe completion of your own
B5:
Logical thinking: use clear and valid reasoning when making decisions to undertake the work instructions
B6:
Problem Solving: use generic or improvised methods, in an orderly manner, to find solutions to problems
B7:
Risk Perception: be able to make the correct decision regarding risk identification and safe working particularly in the enclosed, underground and tunnel
B8:
Working effectively: undertake the work in a reliable, safe and productive
B9:
Time management: use own time effectively to complete the work instructions to
B10:
Adaptability: be able to adjust to changes to the work
B11:
Assertiveness and confidence: be able to resist pressures to follow unsafe work
Technical Educational Products
- ST0375: Tunnelling operative (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0375
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £25,282 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 8139 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 8139/99 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
- 8153/00 Rail construction and maintenance operatives
- 8159/99 Construction operatives n.e.c.
