Excavation & Trench Safety 1926 Subpart P ‑ Excavations This presentation is designed to assist trainers conducting OSHA 10-hour Construction Industry 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. This presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Excavation Hazards Cave-ins are the greatest risk Other hazards include: Asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen Inhalation of toxic materials Fire Moving machinery near the edge of the excavation can cause a collapse Accidental severing of underground utility lines Excavation & trenches are very dangerous when not set up to protect workers from a cava-in. All excavations over 5 feet deep must be prevented from caving in on workers. Therefore every trench 5 feet or more in depth must be shored to prevent cave-in, shielded with a trench box, or properly sloped to protect the workers. There are other hazards that must be eliminated or controlled but cave-ins are the leading cause of fatalities in trenches and excavations.

Injury and Death Excavating is one of the most hazardous construction operations Most accidents occur in trenches 5-15 feet deep There is usually no warning before a cave-in

Definitions Excavation – a man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression formed by earth removal. Trench – a narrow excavation. The depth is greater than the width, but not wider than 15 feet. Shield - a structure able to withstand a cave-in and protect employees Shoring - a structure that supports the sides of an excavation and protects against cave-ins Sloping - a technique that employs a specific angle of incline on the sides of the excavation. The angle varies based on assessment of impacting site factors. Reference 1926.650 Shield (shield system) -- a structure able to withstand a cave-in and protect employees with the structure. Shields can be permanent structure or can be designed to be portable and moved along as work progresses. Also known as trench box or trench shield. Shoring (shoring system) -- 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. Sloping (sloping system) -- protects employees from cave-ins by excavating to form sides of an excavation that are inclined away from the excavation to prevent cave-ins. The angle of incline varies with differences in such factors as the soil type, environmental conditions of exposure, and application of surcharge loads.

Focus of Training The greatest risk at an excavation How to protect employees from cave-ins Factors that pose a hazard to employees working in excavations The role of a competent person at an excavation site The discussion of this topic covers four main points. At the conclusion of the training, you should be able to: 1. State the greatest risk that is present at an excavation. 2. Briefly describe the three main methods for protecting employees from cave-ins. 3. Name at least three factors that pose a hazard to employees working in excavations, and at least one way to eliminate or reduce each of the hazards. 4. Describe the role of a competent person at an excavation site.

Protection of Employees Employees should be protected from cave-ins by using an adequately designed protective system. Protective systems must be able to resist all expected loads to the system. Reference 1926.652(a) Protective system – a method of protecting employees from cave-ins, from material that could fall or roll from an excavation face or into an excavation, or from the collapse of adjacent structures. Protective systems include support systems, sloping and benching systems, shield systems, and other systems that provide the necessary protection.

Requirements for Protective Systems A well-designed protective system Correct design of sloping and benching systems Correct design of support systems, shield systems, and other protective systems Plus Appropriate handling of materials and equipment Attention to correct installation and removal Equals Protection of employees at excavations Several factors come into play when developing a total “protective system”. The design of of the system itself, how materials and equipment are handled in and around the excavation, and installation and removal of protective system components.

Design of Protective Systems The employer shall select and construct : slopes and configurations of sloping and benching systems support systems, shield systems, and other protective systems Shield - can be permanent or portable. Also known as trench box or trench shield. Shoring - such as metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber shoring system that supports the sides Sloping - form sides of an excavation that are inclined away from the excavation Reference 1926.652, 1926.652(b), 1926.652(c) Benching -- excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels. Benching is not permitted in Type C soil conditions. Shoring or shielding is used when the location or depth of the cut makes sloping back to the maximum allowable slope impractical. There are two basic types of shoring, timber and aluminum hydraulic. Trench boxes (shielding) are different from shoring because instead of supporting the trench face, they are mostly serve to protect workers from cave-ins. The excavated area between the outside of the trench box and the face of the trench should be as small as possible. The space between the trench box and the excavation side may be backfilled (or other means may be used) to prevent lateral movement of the box. Shields may not be subjected to loads exceeding those which the system was designed to withstand. Trench boxes may be used in combination with sloping and benching.

Protect Employees Exposed to Potential Cave-ins Slope or bench the sides of the excavation, Support the sides of the excavation, or Place a shield between the side of the excavation and the work area Reference 1926.652(a) Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system except when: Excavations are made entirely in stable rock; or Excavations are less than 5 feet in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in. Protective systems shall have the capacity to resist without failure all loads that are intended or could reasonably be expected to be applied or transmitted to the system. Reference 1926.652(b) Design of sloping and benching systems.

Cave-in Hazard This excavation has improperly installed aluminum hydraulic shoring. Reference 1926.652(a) and 1926.652(c)(1) Designs for aluminum hydraulic shoring shall be in accordance with paragraph (c)(2), but if manufacturer's tabulated data cannot be utilized, designs shall be in accordance with appendix D. Employees exposed to potential cave-ins must be protected by sloping or benching the sides of the excavation, by supporting the sides of the excavation with shoring, or by placing a shield between the side of the excavation and the work area. Inadequate protective system

Inadequate Protective System This worker is in a trench with no protective system; no shoring, shield, or sloping. Reference 1926.652(a) and (b) and (c)

Factors Involved in Designing a Protective System Soil classification Depth of cut Water content of soil Changes due to weather and climate Other operations in the vicinity 1926.652(c) The employer or his designee must select and construct designs of support systems, shield systems, and other protective systems Trenches more than 5 feet require must have a protective system installing or be properly sloped to protect workers. Trenches less than 5 feet - a competent person must inspect to determine that a protection system is not necessary in soils where there is no indication of a potential cave-in In hazardous soil conditions trenches under 5 feet need protection

Shoring General Provides a framework to work in Uses wales, cross braces and uprights Supports excavation walls OSHA tables provide shoring data Must know soil type Must know depth and width of excavation Must be familiar with the OSHA Tables

Trench Shield/Box A trench shield/box was installed to protect this work area.

Hydraulic Trench Shoring Using hydraulic shoring the worker can easily drop the system into the hole. Once in place, hydraulic pressure is increased to keep the shoring in place and support the trench walls.

Materials and Equipment Equipment used for protective systems must not have damage or defects that impair function. If equipment is damaged, the competent person must examine it to see if it is suitable for continued use. If not suitable, remove it from service until a professional engineer approves it for use. This trench box is not installed properly and is not safe. Reference 1926.652 (d) Materials and equipment used for protective systems shall be free from damage or defects that might impair their proper function. Manufactured materials and equipment used for protective systems shall be used and maintained in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer, and in a manner that will prevent employee exposure to hazards. When material or equipment that is used for protective systems is damaged, a competent person shall examine the material or equipment and evaluate its suitability for continued use. If the competent person cannot assure the material or equipment is able to support the intended loads or is otherwise suitable for safe use, then such material or equipment shall be removed from service, and shall be evaluated and approved by a registered professional engineer before being returned to service.

Protection from Vehicles Install barricades Hand/mechanical signals Stop logs Grade soil away from excavation Fence or barricade trenches left overnight Reference 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.

Hazardous Conditions There should be a protective system installed. The weight and vibrations of the crane make this a very hazardous condition. Working under the crane is also very dangerous. In addition to the unprotected trench, a cave-in hazard is increased by machinery which gets too close. Even normal vehicular traffic, such as that along an adjacent interstate or road through an industrial part may impact an excavation. The vibrations from continuous or heavy traffic may undermine the soil and cause a cave-in.

Spoils Don’t place spoils within 2 feet from edge of excavation Measure from nearest part of the spoil to the excavation edge Place spoils so rainwater runs away from the excavation Place spoil well away from the excavation Reference 1926.651(j)(2) Protect employees from materials or equipment that could fall or roll into excavations. Spoils, materials, and equipment must be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of the trench/excavation.

Other Excavation Hazards Water accumulation Oxygen deficiency Toxic fumes Access/Egress Falls Mobile equipment

Water is Hazardous When water is present in an excavation it is extremely hazardous to enter 1926.651(h) 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. The precautions necessary to protect employees adequately vary with each situation, but could include special support or shield systems to protect from cave-ins, water removal to control the level of accumulating water, or use of a safety harness and lifeline. If water is controlled or prevented from accumulating by the use of water removal equipment, the water removal equipment and operations shall be monitored by a competent person to ensure proper operation. If excavation work interrupts the natural drainage of surface water (such as streams), diversion ditches, dikes, or other suitable means shall be used to prevent surface water from entering the excavation and to provide adequate drainage of the area adjacent to the excavation. Note that there is no protective system, worker is using a shovel to create steps, and they are not wearing hardhats.

Water = Cave-in Hazard These workers must be protected from a cave-in. Note the water in the bottom of the trench. This is a very hazardous condition!

Hazardous Atmosphere Test excavations before an employee enters the excavation if there is a reasonable possibility of a hazardous atmosphere. Test for: Oxygen deficiency High combustible gas concentration High levels of other hazardous substances Must also test where oxygen deficiency or a hazardous atmosphere could reasonably be expected to exist, before an employee enters the excavation. If hazardous conditions exist, controls such as proper respiratory protection or ventilation must be provided. Also, controls used to reduce atmospheric contaminants to acceptable levels must be tested regularly. Where adverse atmospheric conditions may exist or develop in an excavation, the employer also must provide and ensure that emergency rescue equipment, (e.g., breathing apparatus, a safety harness and line, basket stretcher, etc.) is readily available. This equipment must be attended when used. Employees shall not be permitted to work in hazardous and/or toxic atmospheres. Such atmospheres include those with: -- less than 19.5% oxygen, -- a combustible gas concentration greater than 20% of the lower flammable limit, and, -- concentrations of hazardous substance that exceed those specified in the Threshold Limit Values for airborne contaminants established by the ACGIH.

Means of Egress This ladder does not meet the requirements of the standard A stairway, ladder, or ramp must be provided within 25 feet of all employees in excavations that are 4 or more feet deep. Reference 1926.651(c(1) Structural ramps - Structural ramps that are used solely by employees as a means of access or egress from excavations shall be designed by a competent person. Structural ramps used for access or egress of equipment shall be designed by a competent person qualified in structural design, and shall be constructed in accordance with the design. - Ramps and runways constructed of two or more structural members shall have the structural members connected together to prevent displacement. - Structural members used for ramps and runways shall be of uniform thickness. - Cleats or other appropriate means used to connect runway structural members shall be attached to the bottom of the runway or shall be attached in a manner to prevent tripping. - Structural ramps used in lieu of steps shall be provided with cleats or other surface treatments o the top surface to prevent slipping. The ladder should extend 3 feet above the excavation

Access and Egress These two ladders which are lashed together are dangerous and not an adequate means of egress. The ladder should extend 3 feet above the top of the excavation Reference 1926.651(c) and 1926.1053 (ladder)

Protection from Falls, Falling Loads, and Mobile Equipment Install barricades Use hand / mechanical signals Grade soil away from excavation Fence or barricade trenches left overnight Use a flagger when signs, signals and barricades are not enough protection Falls and Equipment To protect employees from these hazards, OSHA requires the employer to take the following precautions: • Keep materials or equipment that might fall or roll into an excavation at least 2 feet from the edge of excavations, or have retaining devices, or both. • Provide warning systems such as mobile equipment, barricades, hand or mechanical signals, or stop logs, to alert operators of the edge of an excavation. If possible, keep the grade away from the excavation. • Provide scaling to remove loose rock or soil or install protective barricades and other equivalent protection to protect employees against falling rock, soil, or materials. • Prohibit employees from working on faces of sloped or benched excavations at levels above other employees unless employees at lower levels are adequately protected from the hazard of falling, rolling, or sliding material or equipment. • Prohibit employees under loads that are handled by lifting or digging equipment. To avoid being struck by any spillage or falling materials, require employees to stand away from vehicles being loaded or unloaded. If cabs of vehicles provide adequate protection from falling loads during loading and unloading operations, the operators may remain in them.

Competent Person Must have had specific training in and be knowledgeable about: Soils classification The use of protective systems The requirements of the standard Must be capable of identifying hazards, and authorized to immediately eliminate hazards Reference 1926.650(b) "Competent person" One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Preamble Page 45909 – “Competent Person” The term is used throughout existing subpart P, but was not defined within the subpart, and there were no references to the existing definition in subpart C, in the proposal, OSHA added the definition to subpart P to help those using the standard.

Inspections of Excavations A competent person must make daily inspections of excavations, areas around them and protective systems: Before work starts and as needed, After rainstorms, high winds or other occurrence which may increase hazards, and When you can reasonably anticipate an employee will be exposed to hazards. Reference 1926.651(k) Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems shall be made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. An inspection shall be conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections shall also be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence. These inspections are only required when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated.

Inspections of Excavations If the competent person finds evidence of a possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions: Exposed employees must be removed from the hazardous area Employees may not return until the necessary precautions have been taken Reference 1926.651(k) (2) Where the competent person finds evidence of a situation that could result in a possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, exposed employees shall be removed from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety.

Site Evaluation Planning Before beginning excavation: Evaluate soil conditions Construct protective systems Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases Provide safe means to enter and exit trench Contact utilities Determine the safety equipment needed The following concerns must be addressed by a competent person: Evaluate soil conditions [1926 Subpart P Appendix A] and select appropriate protective systems [1926 Subpart P Appendix F]. Construct protective systems in accordance with the standard requirements [1926.652]. Preplan; contact utilities (gas, electric) to locate underground lines, plan for traffic control if necessary, determine proximity to structures that could affect choice of protective system. Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases, especially when gasoline engine-driven equipment is running, or the dirt has been contaminated by leaking lines or storage tanks. Insure adequate ventilation or respiratory protection if necessary. Provide safe access into and out of the excavation. Provide appropriate protections if water accumulation is a problem. Inspect the site daily at the start of each shift, following a rainstorm, or after any other hazard-increasing event. Keep excavations open the minimum amount of time needed to complete operations. Surface crossing of trenches should not be made unless absolutely necessary. However, if necessary, they are only permitted under the following conditions: -- Vehicle crossings must be designed by and installed under the supervision of a registered professional engineer. -- Walkways or bridges must: -- have a minimum clear width of 20 inches, -- be fitted with standard rails, and -- extend a minimum of 24 inches past the surface edge of the trench. Fissure

Summary The greatest risk in an excavation is a cave-in. Employees can be protected through sloping, shielding, and shoring the excavation. A competent person is responsible to inspect the excavation. Other excavation hazards include water accumulation, oxygen deficiency, toxic fumes, falls, and mobile equipment.