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TRENCHING

May 13, 2024

REGULATIONS: TRENCHING

OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(a) Surface encumbrances. All surface encumbrances that are located so as to create a hazard to employees shall be removed or supported, as necessary, to safeguard employees.

OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(b)(1) The estimated location of utility installations, such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines, or any other underground installations that reasonably may be expected to be encountered during excavation work, shall be determined prior to opening an excavation.

OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(c)(2) Means of egress from trench excavations. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees.

OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(d) Exposure to vehicular traffic. Employees exposed to public vehicular traffic shall be provided with, and shall wear, warning vests or other suitable garments marked with or made of reflectorized or high-visibility material.

OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926. Exposure to falling loads. No employee shall be permitted underneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment. Employees shall be required to stand away from any vehicle being loaded or unloaded to avoid being struck by any spillage or falling materials. Operators may remain in the cabs of vehicles being loaded or unloaded when the vehicles are equipped, in accordance with §1926.601(b)(6), to provide adequate protection for the operator during loading and unloading operations.

OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(f) Warning system for mobile equipment. When mobile equipment is operated adjacent to an excavation, or when such equipment is required to approach the edge of an excavation, and the operator does not have a clear and direct view of the edge of the excavation, a warning system shall be utilized such as barricades, hand or mechanical signals, or stop logs. If possible, the grade should be away from the excavation.

OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(g) Hazardous atmospheres – 1926.651(g)(1) Testing and controls. In addition to the requirements set forth in subparts D and E of this part (29 CFR 1926.50 – 1926.107) to prevent exposure to harmful levels of atmospheric contaminants and to assure acceptable atmospheric conditions, the following requirements shall apply:

OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(h)(1) 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.

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS – OSHA standards require, before any worker entry, that employers have a competent person inspect trenches daily and as conditions change to ensure the elimination of excavation hazards. A competent person is an individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards or working conditions that are hazardous, unsanitary, or dangerous to workers, soil types, and protective systems required, and who is authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate these hazards and conditions

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: PROCEDURES – NO EXPECTATIONS!

  1. Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges
  2. Identify other sources that might affect trench stability.
  3. Keep excavated soil (spoils) and other materials at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from trench edges.
  4. Know where underground utilities are located before digging.
  5. Test for atmospheric hazards such as low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases when > 4 feet deep.
  6. Inspect trenches at the start of each shift.
  7. Inspect trenches following a rainstorm or other water intrusion.
  8. Do not work under suspended or raised loads and materials.
  9. Inspect trenches after any occurrence that could have changed conditions in the trench.
  10. There are different types of protective systems. Benching, Sloping and Shoring
  11. Ensure that personnel wear high visibility or other suitable clothing when exposed to vehicular traffic.

5. 1926.652(a)– (c) Protective Systems Each employee in a trench/excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system except when excavations are less than 5 feet in depth 4
4. 1926.651(c) Access and Egress Provide employees a means of access and egress when the trench is 4 feet or deeper. Ensure the means of access/egress is located within 25 feet of lateral travel of all employees working in the excavation.
3. 1926.651(c) Access and Egress Ladders must be secured and extend a minimum of 3 rungs (36 in) above the landing and tied off. In the event no ladder is used, employees must be able to enter/exit the trench/excavation with less than 3 points of contact.
2. 1926.651(j) Spoil Piles and Equipment Provide protection from loose rock, soil, tools, and other items that may fall or roll into the excavation. Maintain a clear 2-foot area at the excavation edges.
1. 1926.650 Scope and Definitions Each trench/excavation must have a minimum of 1 competent person.

“1926.651 – Specific Excavation Requirements.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.651.

“Trenching and Excavation Safety.” OSHA Fact Sheet, Sept. 2011, www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/trench_excavation_fs.pdf.

“1926.652 – Requirements for protective systems.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.652.

“—.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.651#:~:text=Means%20of%20egress%20from%20trench,of%20lateral%20travel%20for%20employees.

“—.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.651#:~:text=Protection%20shall%20be%20provided%20by,combination%20of%20both%20if%20necessary.&text=Inspections.

“1926.650 – Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.650.

 

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