OSHA performance standard for trenching and excavation deals with many topics including soil classifications, underground hazards, atmospheric hazards, protection systems, competent person qualifications, etc. Our training covers all types of construction work. If you want to attend our classes, contact us by email at windsgroup@aol.com or call (732) 221-5687. More information can be obtained on our website. OSHA 10-Hr and 30-Hr.Construction Health and Safety courses are forming now.
3. Objectives
In this course, we will discuss the following:
Excavations/Trenching: Subpart P
− 1926.650 - Scope, application, and definitions
applicable to this subpart
− 1926.651 - Specific excavation requirements
− 1926.652 - Requirements for protective
systems
1926 Subpart P
4. Subpart P - Appendices
Appendix A - Soil Classification
Appendix B - Sloping and Benching
Appendix C - Timber Shoring for Trenches
Appendix D - Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring
Appendix E - Alternatives to Timber Shoring
Appendix F - Selection of Protective Systems
1926 Subpart P
5. Definitions
Excavation
− Man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression formed
by earth removal.
Trench
− Narrow excavation
− Depth is greater than the width, but not wider than 15
feet.
Shield
− Structure able to withstand a cave-in and protect
employees.
1926.650(b)
6. Definitions
Shoring
− Structure that supports the sides of an excavation
and protects against cave-ins.
Sloping
− Technique that employs a specific angle of incline
on the sides of the excavation.
1926.650(b)
7. Competent person
− Must have specific training in and be knowledgeable
about:
» Soils classification
» Use of protective systems
» Requirements of the
standard
− Must be capable of
identifying hazards,
and authorized to
eliminate them.
1926.650(b)Definitions
8. Responsibilities
Authority to stop work
Inspection of excavations
Daily
Pre-shift
As needed
After rain
Any increasing hazard occurrence
Testing for hazardous atmospheres
Inspection of material and
equipment
Monitoring of water removal
Visual Tests
Manual Tests
9. Excavation cave-ins are a major source of fatalities by:
suffocation, crushing, loss of circulation, falling objects
As many as 400 workers die and another 4,000
workers are injured as a result of cave-ins each year
79% of trench fatalities between 5-15 feet, excavations:
38% in less than 10’.
Statistically most likely to be killed in an excavation:
− Male
− Construction Labor
− 20 to 30 years old
Dirt Work is Serious Business
10. Weight of Soil
Weight of soil varies with type and moisture content.
One cubic foot weighs 110 pounds to 140 pounds.
One cubic yard (27 cubic
feet) of soil can weigh
more than 3,000 pounds.
11. Excavation Hazards
Cave-ins are the greatest risk.
Other hazards include:
− Asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen
− Inhalation of toxic materials/fumes
− Fire
− Machinery moving near edge of
excavation causing a collapse
− Severing underground utility lines
− Falls into the trench or excavation
− Equipment rolling into excavation
12. Competent persons must have the
authority to take prompt corrective
action
Competent persons must have the
authority to take prompt corrective
action
13. Corrective Actions: never enter
a trench like this; notify your
supervisor
Corrective Actions: never enter
a trench like this; notify your
supervisor
This 6’ deep vertical-sided
trench is dangerous because
it is not protected
This 6’ deep vertical-sided
trench is dangerous because
it is not protected
14. Injury and Death
Excavating is one of the
most hazardous
construction operations.
Most accidents occur in
trenches 5-15 feet deep.
Usually no warning before
a cave-in.
15. OSHA Fatal Facts!
An employee was installing a small
diameter pipe in a trench 3’ wide, 12-
15’ deep and 90 feel long.
The trench was not sloped or shored
nor was there a box or shield to
protect the employee. Further, there
was evidence of a previous cave-in.
The employee apparently reentered
the trench, and a second cave-in
occurred, burying him. He was
found face down in the bottom of
the trench.
16. Four employees of a mechanical contractor were
laying a lateral sewer line at a building site.
The foreman, a plumber by trade, and a laborer
were laying an eight-inch, 20-foot long plastic
sewer pipe in the bottom of a trench 36 inches
wide, nine feet deep, and approximately 50 feet
long.
The trench was neither sloped nor shored, and
there was water entering it along a shale seam near
the bottom. The west side of the trench caved in
near the bottom, burying one employee to his chest
and completely covering the other.
Rescue operations took two and five hours - too
late to save the men.
OSHA Fatal Facts!
17. Mechanics of a Cave-In
Stress cracks form back
from edge due to ground
surface tension and shear
forces.
Cracks occur from about
1/3 to 2/3 of the depth of
the excavation back from
its edges.
Cracks take away the soils
ability to maintain a strong
vertical face.
The weight of the earth
above is transferred to the
lower portions of the
excavation wall.
18. Mechanics of a Cave-In
Excavation bottoms are the first to fail.
Support for the upper part of excavation is left hanging
only by shear and reduced tension forces.
The uppermost portion of the vertical wall collapses
into the excavation.
Soil, like concrete, is normally strong in compression
but not strong in tension.
Figures 1 and 2 two detail the scenario.
20. Specific Excavation Requirements
(a) Surface encumbrances
(b) Underground installations
(c) Access and egress
(d) Exposure to vehicular
traffic
(e) Exposure to falling loads
(f) Warning system for mobile
equipment
(g) Hazardous atmospheres
21. Hazardous Atmospheres
All testing must be done
from outside the space
Hazard may be generated
from existing conditions
inside excavation
Methane
Natural Gas
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Hazard may be generated
from surroundings
Carbon Monoxide
Hydrogen Sulfide
Oxygen
22. Specific Excavation Requirements
(h) Protection from hazards associated
with water accumulation
(i) Stability of adjacent structures
(j) Protection of employees from loose rock or
soil
(k) Inspections
(l) Fall protection
23. Surface Encumbrances
All surface encumbrances
that create a hazard to
employees must be
removed or supported to
safeguard employees.
1926.651(a)
24. Estimated location of
utility installations [sewer,
telephone, fuel, electric,
water lines] must be
determined prior to
opening an excavation.
1926.651(b)(1)Underground Installations
25. Underground Installations
Excavators must observe a tolerance zone
The width of the facility on a horizontal plane, at
least 18” on either side of the outside edge
If relocation is
necessary,
excavator must
coordinate with
facility
owner/operator
26. Uniform Color Codes
Electric – Red
Gas/Oil – Yellow
Comm./CATV – Orange
Water – Blue
Sewer – Green
Proposed Exc. – White
Temp. Survey - Pink
27. Striking underground
utilities can be deadly
Striking underground
utilities can be deadly
Worker used the one-call system to locate
utilities and using safe and acceptable means to
find the exact location of the utility
28. When utility companies or
owners cannot respond to
request to locate
underground utility
installations within 24 hours.
− Employer may proceed with
caution, provided detection
equipment, etc. is used to
locate utility installations.
1926.651(b)(2)Underground Installations
29. Exact location of
underground installations
must be determined by
safe and acceptable
means.
1926.651(b)(3)Underground Installations
34. Overhead hazards can also
be the tools and materials
workers use
Overhead hazards can also
be the tools and materials
workers use
Corrective Action: Keep tools and
other materials at least 2 feet from
the edge
36. Using this method to cross an
excavation can result in a
serious fall
Using this method to cross an
excavation can result in a
serious fall
Corrective Action: construct a proper
and safe walkway
Corrective Action: construct a proper
and safe walkway
37. Walkways or bridges must have a safety
factor of 4, minimum clear width of 20”,
be fitted with standard rails, and extend
a minimum of 24” past the surface edge
of the trench
Walkways or bridges must have a safety
factor of 4, minimum clear width of 20”,
be fitted with standard rails, and extend
a minimum of 24” past the surface edge
of the trench
Example of a proper
walkway
Example of a proper
walkway
38. 1926.651(c)(2)Egress - Trench Excavation
Stairway, ladder, ramp,
or other safe means of
egress must be located
in trench.
Required if trench 4 feet
or more in depth.
Lateral travel distance
no more than 25 feet.
39. Ramp, ladder or stairs required at 4 feet or deeper.
25 feet 25 feet
1926.651(c)(2)Egress - Trench Excavation
40. Worker has no safe means of exit
Corrective Action: Trenches 4’ deep or
greater, install a ramp, ladder, or stairs no
less than every 25’ from a worker in the
trench
Corrective Action: Trenches 4’ deep or
greater, install a ramp, ladder, or stairs no
less than every 25’ from a worker in the
trench
43. Exposure to Vehicle Traffic
Employees exposed to public vehicular traffic must
wear warning vests or other suitable garments marked
and made of reflectorized or high-visibility material.
1926.651(d)
44. 1926.651(e)
Employees must not be permitted to work
under loads handled by lifting or digging
equipment.
Exposure to Falling Loads
45. 1926.651(e)Exposure to Falling Loads
Stand away from equipment that is being loaded or
unloaded.
Equipment operators may
stay in their equipment
during loading and unloading
if equipment has proper cab
shield or canopy.
47. 1926.651(f)Warning System - Mobile Equipment
Mobile equipment operated adjacent to
excavation and operator cannot see edge of
the excavation:
− Warning system
must be utilized.
» Barricades
» Hand or mechanical
signals
» Stop logs
48. When mobile equipment is
operated near excavation, the
operator must have a clear and
direct view of the edge, or…
When mobile equipment is
operated near excavation, the
operator must have a clear and
direct view of the edge, or…
… a warning system shall be
utilized such as barricades, stop
logs, or hand or mechanical
signals; if possible, the grade
should be away from the
excavation
… a warning system shall be
utilized such as barricades, stop
logs, or hand or mechanical
signals; if possible, the grade
should be away from the
excavation
Warning System - Mobile Equipment 1926.651(f)
51. 1926.651(g)(1)
Less than 19.5% or more than 23.5% oxygen
A combustible gas concentration greater than
20% of the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL)
Concentrations of hazardous substances that
exceed OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits
(PEL)
Hazardous Atmospheres
52. Test at 4 feet if suspected
− LEL
− Oxygen
− CO
− H2S
− Petroleum
− Other toxics
1926.651(g)(1)Hazardous Atmospheres
54. 1926.651(g)(2)(i)Emergency Rescue Equipment
Emergency rescue
equipment must be
readily available where
hazardous atmospheric
conditions exist or
expected to develop
during work.
− Breathing apparatus
− Safety harness and line
− Basket stretcher
55. 1926.651(h)(1)Water Accumulation
Employees must not work in
excavations where there is
accumulated water, or where
water is accumulating.
Unless precautions taken to
protect workers:
− Water removal to control level of
water
− Special support or shield
systems
59. Corrective Actions: Select, inspect, and use
water removal equipment correctly; consider
such things as air-quality and personal health
issues
Corrective Actions: Select, inspect, and use
water removal equipment correctly; consider
such things as air-quality and personal health
issues
Excavations must be kept as
water free as possible
Excavations must be kept as
water free as possible
60. Presence of water usually means
soil that is unstable
Presence of water usually means
soil that is unstable
62. What are the hazards?
With the water pump running,
a possible carbon monoxide
(CO) exposure now exists
Excavations greater than 4 feet must be evaluated for oxygen
deficiency, flammability, and toxicity
64. 1926.651(i)(1)Stability of Adjacent Buildings
Support systems such
as shoring, bracing, or
underpinning must be
provided to ensure
stability of structures.
65. Stability of Adjacent Structures
Excavation below the
foundation that could
pose a hazard shall not
be permitted except: ‘
− Underpinning provided
− Stable rock
− Registered professional
engineer (RPE) has
approved
1926.651(i)(2)
67. Stability of Adjacent Structures
Sidewalks, pavements and appurtenant
structure must not be undermined unless
supported to protect
employees from
collapse of such
structures.
1926.651(i)(3)
68. Adequate protection
provided to protect
employees from loose rock
or soil that could pose a
hazard by falling or rolling
from an excavation face.
Protection of Employees 1926.651(j)(1)
70. Employees must be protected from equipment
or materials that could fall or roll into
excavations.
− Materials and
equipment must be
kept 2 feet from edge
of excavation or use
retaining devices.
Protection of Employees 1926.651(j)(2)
76. 1926.651(k)(1)Inspections – Competent Person
Daily and before the start of each shift.
As dictated by the work
being done in the trench.
After every rain storm and
other events that could
increase hazards, e.g.,
snowstorm, windstorm,
thaw, earthquake, etc.
77. Inspections
Frequency of testing should be increased if
equipment is operating in trench as well as if
welding, cutting, or burning is done in trench.
1926.651(k)(1)
79. 1926.652(a)(1)Protection of Employees
Employees in an
excavation must be
protected from cave-ins
by adequate protective
system.
− Except when:
» Made entirely in stable
rock
» Excavation is less than 5
feet deep and examined by
competent person
85. Methods of Protection
Sloping and benching
Shoring (spaced sheeting, closed sheeting)
Trench shield
Other occasionally used systems
1926.652
86. Theory of Shielding
Shielding does not actually prevent a cave-in
Trench shields and boxes, if installed correctly,
are designed to protect workers from the forces
of a cave-in
In order for the shield to do its job, the worker
must stay within the protection of the shield
even when entering and exiting
88. Theory of Shoring
Shoring prevents cave-ins
Trench shoring, if designed and installed
correctly, counteracts the force of a cave-in
In order for the shoring to do its job, the
worker must stay within the protection of the
shoring even when entering and exiting
92. Removal must begin
at, and progress from,
the bottom of the
excavation.
Members released
slowly to note any
indication of possible
failure of remaining
members.
Installation and Removal 1926.652(e)(1)(V)
93. 1926.652(e)(2)(i) and (g)(2)Installation and Removal
Excavations of material to a level not greater
than 2 feet below
the bottom of the
support system or
shield must not be
permitted.
94. Corrective Action: shield the trench
to no more than 2’ from the bottom
Corrective Action: shield the trench
to no more than 2’ from the bottom
Trench is not shielded at the bottom
properly; workers at-risk for a cave-in
Trench is not shielded at the bottom
properly; workers at-risk for a cave-in
95. Same shield is missing
struts/cross braces
Same shield is missing
struts/cross braces
Corrective Action: always install shielding
according to the manufacturer’s directions
Corrective Action: always install shielding
according to the manufacturer’s directions
110. Contains definitions
Sets forth requirements
Describes acceptable visual and
manual test for use in classifying
soils
Soil Classification Appendix A
112. Soil Classification – Visual Tests
Observe samples of soil that are
excavated
If it stays in clumps it is cohesive
If it breaks up easily its granular
Check sides of the excavation
and adjacent surfaces for cracks
Check previously disturbed soil
Check for layered soils
Check for surface or seeping
water, water collection at the
base
Be aware of the machinery
running near the cut. Vibration
can affect stability
113. Plasticity – Dry Strength
Plasticity – Mold a moist or wet sample of soil into a
wet ball and attempt to roll it into threads as thin as
1/8-inch in diameter.
Cohesive material can be successfully rolled into
threads without crumbling. If at least a two-inch
length of 1/8-inch thread can be held on one end
without tearing, the soil is cohesive.
Dry Strength – If the soil is dry and crumbles on its
own or with moderate pressure into individual grains
or fine powder it is granular.
If its dry and breaks into clumps, but the clumps can
only be broken with difficulty, it may be a clay
combination.
114. Definitions
Cohesive soil
− Clay, or soil with a high clay content, which has
cohesive strength
− Does not crumble
− Can be excavated with vertical side slopes
− Plastic when moist
− Hard to break up when dry
Appendix A
Soil types
115. Definitions
Granular soil
− Gravel, sand, or silt, with little or no clay content
− No cohesive strength
− Cannot be molded when moist
− Crumbles easily when dry
Note: Some moist granular soils exhibit
apparent cohesion
Appendix A
116. Definitions
Unconfined compressive strength
− Load per unit area at which a soil will fail in
compression
Note: Estimated in the field by use of a pocket
penetrometer, thumb penetration test, and other
methods
Appendix A
118. Roll into thread
At least 2 inches in length
Longer unbroken
thread means more
cohesive
Thread Test Appendix A
119. Roll soil into a cigar shape
Pinch between thumb and finger
Longer ribbon means
more cohesive
Ribbon Test Appendix A
120. Thumb Penetration
Thumb Penetration Test
Type A: These soils can be
indented by the thumb, but
penetration takes great effort.
Type B: Easily indented, can
be penetrated with somewhat
less effort than type A.
Type C: This type of soil can
be easily penetrated up to
several inches by the thumb
and can be molded with light
finger pressure.
This test can be used to estimate the unconfirmed
compressive strength of cohesive soils.
122. Pocket Penetrometer
Probes the soil with a
small tube-like plunger
Device is pressed into soil
to calibration mark
Spring loaded piston
displaces the scale ring
Produces a compressive
strength reading rated in
tons/sq.ft
124. Shear Vane
Hand-held instrument used for
determining soil strength
Provides reading in kPa
(kiloPascal, Unit of Pressure)
Vane blade pushed into the soil
and device is rotated at
predetermined rate (ex: 1
revolution/minute)
Reading is obtained when soil
fails
Devices come with different
ranges and features
Extension rods are available to
increase the measurement depth
125. Type A Soil
Most stable: clay, silty clay, and hardpan
Not fissured
Not subjected to vibration
of any type
Never been previously
disturbed
No seeping water
Unconfined compressive strength
greater than 1.5 tons per square foot
(tsf)
Appendix A
126. The soil is subject to vibration
from...
Downgrade from Type A if...
Nearby traffic or equipment (or that on site)
Anything that causes vibrations.
127. Downgrade from Type A if...
The soil has been previously
disturbed...
Just about any prior activity “disturbs” the soil.
128. Type B Soil
Medium stability: silt,
sandy loam, medium clay
and unstable dry rock
Previously disturbed soils
unless otherwise
classified as type C
Soils that meet the
requirements of Type A
but are fissured or subject
to vibration Unconfined compressive strength
less than 1.5 tsf and greater than
0.5 tsf
Appendix A
129. Type C Soil
Least stable: gravel, loamy sand, soft clay
Submerged soil or dense,
heavy unstable rock
Soil from which water is
freely seeping
Unconfined compressive strength 0.5
tsf or less
Appendix A
131. Allowable Slopes
Soil Type Height/Depth
Ratio
Slope Angle
Stable rock Vertical 90°
Type A ¾ : 1 53°
Type B 1 : 1 45°
Type C 1 ½ : 1 34°
Type A (short term) ½ : 1 63°
(For a maximum excavation depth of 12 ft)
Table B-1
132. Sloping
When combination soils are
encountered, and the soil
beneath is of lesser cohesion
than the soil above, the slope
will be that of the less
cohesive soil.
When sloping with a shoring
system in place, the top edge
of the cut must be 18” below
the top edge of the shoring
system.
A shoring device does not
affect the soil type
dimensions of the continuing
slope.
133. Benching
Can stand alone or in
combination with sloping
Type C soils cannot be
benched
In multiple bench situations,
max bench height of first
bench is 4 feet
In bench-slope combina-
tions, max bench height of
first bench is 3.5 feet
141. Short Term Max Allowable Slopes
A short term maximum
allowable slope is a
special situation for Type
A soil.
An excavation in Type A
soil that is open for less
than 24 hours and 12
feet or less in depth, can
have a maximum
allowed slope of 1/2H:1V
(63°).
155. Foundation/Basement Excavation
The depth of the foundation/
basement trench cannot exceed
7½ feet deep unless you provide
other cave-in protection.
Keep the horizontal width of the
foundation trench at least 2 feet
wide. Mind surface
encumbrances.
Plan the foundation trench work to
minimize workers in the trench
and the length of time they spend
there.
Inspect the trench regularly.
Stop work if any potential for
cave-in develops and fix the
problem before work starts again.
156. Good example of a properly
sloped excavation providing a
safe workplace free from cave-
in hazards
Good example of a properly
sloped excavation providing a
safe workplace free from cave-
in hazards
157. Good example of a properly
sloped excavation providing a
safe workplace free from cave-
in hazards
Good example of a properly
sloped excavation providing a
safe workplace free from cave-
in hazards
158. Good example of a properly
sloped excavation providing a
safe workplace free from cave-
in hazards
Good example of a properly
sloped excavation providing a
safe workplace free from cave-
in hazards
159. Timber Shoring for Trenches
Need to determine soil classification
Presentation of information
Basis and limitations of the data
Use of tables
Examples to illustrate the use of tables
Notes for all tables
Appendix C
160. Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring
Need to determine soil classification
Presentation of information
Basis and limitations of the data
Use of tables
Example to illustrate the use of the tables
Footnotes, and general notes
Appendix D
161. Hydraulic Shoring
Uses alloy struts
(aluminum, steel) to
support system side to
side
System does not require
entry for installation or
removal
Significantly lighter than
timber systems
Provides even distribution
of pressure along the
trench line
Can utilize "preloading" to
use the soil's natural
cohesion to prevent
movement
Adapts easily to various
trench depths and widths.
Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring Appendix D
167. Trench Boxes
The width of the trench should exceed the width of the box to
facilitate ease of movement
Clearance prevents stresses on the trench box that could lead to
failure during cave-in
Trench boxes may sit on 2’ of excavated soil
168. Pro Tec Slide Rail System
Traditional shoring concept
with less excavation
Channeled posts are
pressed into place by
excavator
Panels are inserted into post
channels
System utilizes the soils
natural compressive
strength
Fast installation and
removal
System conforms to a wide
variety of excavation types
169. Timber Shoring for Trenches
System uses reinforced wood sheets or planks in an
upright/sheet configuration to reinforce the vertical cut
Walers support the system horizontally against the
outer wall
Struts support the system horizontally from side to side
Struts
Walers
172. Selection of Protective Systems
Illustrates a graphic summary of requirements
contained in subpart P for excavations 20 feet or less
in depth.
Protective systems for use in excavations more than 20
feet in depth must be designed by a registered
professional engineer in accordance with 1926.652(b)
and (c).
Appendix F
173. Excavation Checklist
Utilities locations identified and markedUtilities locations identified and marked Access/ Egress points and routes freeAccess/ Egress points and routes free
from obstructionfrom obstruction
Potentially Hazardous AtmospherePotentially Hazardous Atmosphere
tested before and during shifttested before and during shift
Water accumulation monitored beforeWater accumulation monitored before
and during shiftand during shift
Emergency Rescue Equipment on siteEmergency Rescue Equipment on site
and ready for dutyand ready for duty
Spoils piles at least two feet back fromSpoils piles at least two feet back from
excavation edgeexcavation edge
Employees and machinery protectedEmployees and machinery protected
from trafficfrom traffic
Soil classification performed bySoil classification performed by
Competent PersonCompetent Person
Employees protected from falling loadsEmployees protected from falling loads Shoring systems inspected before andShoring systems inspected before and
during shiftduring shift
Proper fall protection for cross overProper fall protection for cross over
pointspoints
Daily inspection performed by aDaily inspection performed by a
competent person before and during thecompetent person before and during the
shiftshift
Inspection includes the trench, the areaInspection includes the trench, the area
around it, and protective systemsaround it, and protective systems
Excavations ≥ 20’ in depth haveExcavations ≥ 20’ in depth have
engineered protection systemsengineered protection systems
Stability of adjacent structures securedStability of adjacent structures secured
and shoredand shored
Revision 1: 01/25/2012
The information in this presentation is provided voluntarily by the N.C. Department of Labor, Education Training and Technical Assistance Bureau as a public service and is made available in good faith. This presentation is designed to assist trainers conducting OSHA outreach training for workers. Since workers are the target audience, this presentation emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control – not standards. No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively. It is essential that trainers tailor their presentations to the needs and understanding of their audience.
The information and advice provided on this Site and on Linked Sites is provided solely on the basis that users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements, and information.
This presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina or for any standards issued by the N.C. Department of Labor. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the N.C. Department of Labor.
This photograph shows a dangerous situation. The competent person knows it is dangerous but has been told by the owner that he is not allowed to tell his workers to get out. Is he really the competent person?
Tell the students that it is the employer who determines who will be the competent person and that the competent person MUST BE GIVEN THE AUTHROITY to take any necessary corrective measures.
This photograph shows an unprotected trench which workers had to enter to install pipe.
Ask the class what they should do if the supervisor tells them to go in anyway.
Refusing to work is protected if:
Where possible, you have asked the employer to eliminate the danger, and the employer failed to.
You refused to work in "good faith.”
A reasonable person would agree that there is a real danger of death or serious injury.
There isn't enough time, due to the urgency of the hazard, to get it corrected through regular enforcement channels, such as requesting an OSHA inspection.
When all these conditions are met:
Ask your employer to correct the hazard
Ask your employer for other work
Tell your employer that you won't
perform the work unless and until the hazard is corrected; and
Remain at the worksite until ordered to leave by your employer.
Photo: NCDOL
Photo: NCDOL
Your first step in excavation work is the use the one-call system to locate underground utilities. In most cases, the one-call number is 811. When finding the exact location of underground utilities, proceed with caution, by hand or other acceptable safe means.
The use of heavy equipment for potholing is strictly prohibited!
If digging with a hand held shovel…
Position the spade of the shovel so it’s parallel with the underground installation.
Use only enough force to gently penetrate the ground while looking for signs of backfill, utility coverings or other indicators of warning.
INGRESS AND EGRESS mean "entry" and "exit," respectively. In trenching and excavation operations, they refer to the provision of safe means for employees to enter or exit an excavation or trench.
Ask the students why a worker would need to get out of a trench in a hurry.
This photograph shows many overhead hazards other than the dirt that was taken out to create the hole.
Ask the students if the see any other hazard.
Answer: No cave-in protection.
Class discussion
Ask the class if they have ever seen anything like this?
Next ask them if they have ever had to cross a trench this way?
Have them come up with a conclusion of the worst possible scenario should they fall.
This photograph shows a contractor’s solution to eliminate the fall hazards associated with his excavation.
This photograph shows a worker with no means of getting out of the trench in a hurry.
OSHA would cite the employer for no ladder in the excavation for access/egress [1926.651(c)(2)]
This photograph shows the potential result of not addressing mobile equipment hazards related to excavations.
As a side note: Ask the students what they think would have happened to the operator if he had not been wearing his seat belt.
MS Clip Art
This photograph shows the actions needed to remove the water and maintain that removal.
Employees shall not work in excavations in which there is accumulated water, or in excavations in which water is accumulating, unless adequate precautions have been taken to protect employees against the hazards posed by water accumulation.
This photograph shows an excavation full of water.
Once water is present, the soil must be classified as type “C” (the most unstable) and protection chosen accordingly.
Water must also be removed and controlled.
Photo- OSHA.GOV
Photo: OSHA.gov
SHIELD (SHIELD SYSTEM) means a structure that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in and thereby protect employees within the structure. Shields can be permanent structures or can be designed to be portable and moved along as work progresses.
Shield systems must not be subjected to loads exceeding those that the system was designed to withstand.
Shields must be installed in a manner to restrict lateral or other hazardous movement.
Employees are protected from the hazard of cave-ins when entering or exiting the shield.
SHORING (SHORING SYSTEM) means a structure such as a metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber shoring system that supports the sides of an excavation and which is designed to prevent cave-ins.
This photograph shows a trench box which was not installed properly.
Remember no more than 2 feet of unprotected side wall below the box.
This photograph shows a trench box with missing components.
Practices like this can greater reduce the boxes ability to protect the worker.
This photograph shows complete disregard for the proper set-up. Members of support system not securely connected together.
Also, note that the excavation is located right next to regular traffic pattern. The vibration from the traffic can loosen the soil.
This photograph shows workers who have left the protection of their trench box.
Work should be planned so workers are never left without protection.
Ask the class what should be done here to protect this workers.
Photo: OSHA.gov
MS Clip Art
MS Clip Art
Photo: http://physics.uwstout.edu/geo/pocket.jpg
MS Clip Art
The photograph shows a pipeline trench which has been sloped in order to protect the workers.
Ask the students if the see any other hazards.
Answer: Some of the rocks on the slopes could roll into the work area.
This photograph shows a large excavation with sloped sides.
Even large open excavations require worker protection.