SAFETY GUIDELINES
EXCAVATION & TRENCHING

1.0   COMPETENT PERSON   

1.  Before excavation, inspect the site for possible hazards including equipment, underground installations and adjacent structures.

2.  Inspect excavations, adjacent areas, equipment, and protective systems before the start of work each day, as needed throughout the shift, and after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing event.

3.  Remove employees from hazardous areas until proper precautions are taken.

4.  Monitor water removal equipment and operations.

5.  Classify the soil and if necessary reclassify the soil after changed conditions.

6.  Evaluate trenches under five feet deep for cave-in potential. If no potential for a cave-in exists then the trench does not have to be protected.

2.0   SAFETY MANAGER

1.  Monitor overall effectiveness of the program and conduct periodic inspections of the site.

2.  Assist with atmospheric testing and equipment selection.

3.  Train employees and provide technical assistance.

4.  Review and update the program at least annually.


3.0  SUPERVISION

1.  Protect employees from cave-ins by using sloping, shoring, or shielding in excavations over five feet deep.

2.  Ensure that protective systems are designed according to the appendices in the OSHA regulations, manufactures specifications, or as approved by a registered professional engineer.

3.  Provide guardrails, fences, or barricades on excavations adjacent to walkways.

4.   In excavations over 4 feet deep, provide stairs, ladders, or ramps every 25 feet.

5.  Barricade or cover holes, pits, and shafts to prevent unauthorized access.

6.  Provide a warning system if mobile equipment is operated next to the edge of an excavation and the operator does not have a clear view of the edge of the excavation.

7.  Test the atmosphere in excavations over 4 feet deep if a hazardous atmosphere is possible.

8.  Provide guardrails on walkways six feet or more above lower levels.

9.  Take precautions to protect employees from hazards posed by water accumulation in excavations.

10.  Protect employees from loose rock or soil that could fall from the excavation face. Keep materials at least 2 feet from the edge of excavations or use a restraining device.

4.0   EMPLOYEES

1.  Wear high-visibility warning vests when working near vehicular traffic.

2.  Do not work underneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment.

3.  Wear approved hardhats and steel toed shoes.

4.  Use approved safety glasses with side shields if exposed to flying fragments, dust, or other similar materials.

5.  Wear approved spectacles, faceshield, or helmet when exposed to hazards produced by welding or cutting operations.

6.  As necessary, wear appropriate gloves to protect the hands.

7.  Wear hearing protection when working near high noise producing equipment.

8.  Inspect and secure ladders. Extend ladders 3 feet above the surface of the excavation. Don't use aluminum ladders near exposed energized equipment.  Position the foot of the ladder one-quarter of the working length away from the support.