Excavation Sites
You must be protected from equipment or materials that could fall or roll into excavations.
Protective strategies must be used to prevent spoils from falling into the trench. A warning system (such as barricades, hand or mechanical signals, or stop logs) must be used if mobile equipment is required to approach the edge of an excavation and the operator does not have a clear and direct view of the edge.
To ensure elimination of excavation hazards, OSHA standards require that a competent person initially inspect the trench before worker entry and as conditions change.
Do's and Don'ts
Below are some important do's and don'ts while work in and around trenches and excavations.
- enter or exit a trench or excavation using a ladder, stairway or properly designed ramp that is placed within the protected area of the trench
- keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
- identify other sources that might affect trench stability.
- keep excavated soil (spoils) and other materials at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from trench edges.
- know where underground utilities are located before digging.
- test for atmospheric hazards such as low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases when greater than 4 feet deep.
- inspect trenches at the start of each shift.
- inspect trenches following a rainstorm or other water intrusion.
- inspect trenches after any occurrence that could have changed conditions in the trench.
- ensure workers wear high visibility or other suitable clothing when exposed to vehicle traffic.
- work in a trench if a crane or earthmoving equipment is operating directly over the top of the trench;
- work under suspended or raised loads and materials.
- work in an unprotected trench five feet deep or more;
- work outside of the confines of the protection system.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-5. Which of the following is required if mobile equipment is used near or over an excavation?
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