513 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 23-29

Sections

25-8. General Requirements.

Mobile Equipment and Motor Vehicle Precautions

Install substantial stop logs or barricades when using vehicles or mobile equipment near an excavation, and consider using a ground guide.
Workers must maintain a safe distance from vehicles being loaded or unloaded to avoid the risk of being struck by falling materials.
Prevent excavating or hoisting equipment from moving loads over personnel in the excavation without proper overhead protection, and ensure personnel stay clear of hoisting operations until the load is secure.

Underground Utilities

Secure a dig permit from the local public works or other authorized entities before beginning excavation, and process this through the appropriate channels.
Engage utility companies and authorities to identify and safeguard underground utilities, and assist with their protection if required.
Verify the location of underground utilities within 3 feet using non-destructive techniques and ensure the utility systems are neutralized, then proceed cautiously during excavation to prevent any utility damage.

Hazardous Conditions

Employees entering confined spaces or areas requiring emergency rescue must adhere to confined space entry protocols, including wearing rescue equipment and maintaining communication with the Attendant.
Ensure areas with potential explosives, unexploded munitions, or military ordnance are thoroughly checked and cleared by explosive UXO disposal personnel before starting excavation work.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

25-7. When excavating, use non-destructive techniques to verify the location of underground utilities within ______.

1 foot

2 feet

3 feet

4 feet

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 25-8 (e.–g.).

25-8. General Requirements. (e.–g.).

e.  Mobile Equipment and Motor Vehicle Precautions.  (25-8.e)

(1)  When vehicles or mobile equipment are used or allowed adjacent to an excavation, install substantial stop logs or barricades.  The use of a ground guide is recommended.

(2)  Workers must stand away from vehicles being loaded or unloaded to avoid being struck by spillage or falling materials.

(3)  Do not allow excavating or hoisting equipment to raise, lower, or swing loads over or adjacent to personnel in the excavation without substantial overhead protection. Personnel must maintain a safe distance from hoisting operations until the load has been placed.

Note. Any equipment used to hoist loads, with the use of rigging attached to the equipment (to include excavators, forklifts) must be considered “LHE” or “hoisting equipment” and as such, must follow the requirements in chapter 16.

(4)  Employees exposed to equipment or vehicular traffic must wear high visibility apparel according to chapter 5.

f.  Underground Utilities.  Locate all underground utilities (for example, communication, water, fuel, electric lines) and protect them from damage or displacement.  (25-8.f)

(1)  Obtain a dig permit (for example, excavation permits) from the local public works organization or other AHJ prior to starting any excavation work.  Process the permit requests through the USACE supervisor/KO or COR.

(2)  Contact utility companies and other responsible authorities to locate and mark the underground utilities and, if they so desire, direct or assist with protecting them.

(3)  If working within 3 feet (0.9 m) of underground utilities, physically verify utility location using non-destructive methods and neutralize the utility system.

(4)  When operations approach the location of underground utilities, excavate with caution until the exact location of the utility is found.

(5)  Protect workers from the utility and protect the utility from damage or displacement.

g.  Hazardous Conditions.  (25-8.g)

(1)  Employees entering excavations classified as confined spaces, or that otherwise present the potential for emergency rescue (for example, bell-bottom pier
    holes), must follow confined space entry procedures to include wearing rescue equipment and maintaining communication with the (confined space) Attendant (see chapter 34).

(2)  Where excavations are to be performed in areas known or suspected to contain explosives, unexploded munitions, or military ordnance, ensure that surface and subsurface UXO is surveyed, cleared, and disposed of by an explosive UXO disposal personnel prior to excavation work (see ER 385-1-95).