Excavation Instructional Goal: through class participation and discussion, the participant will identify the issues and hazards related to trenching and excavation on a hazardous waste site as well as some of the methods used to eliminate or reduce the risks.

Excavation Standards (became effective 05 March 1990) u to add and clarify definitions u to eliminate duplicate provisions and ambiguous language u to give employers added flexibility in providing protection for employees

Scope and Application u applies to all open excavations made in the earth’s surface, which includes trenches u a trench is referred to as a narrow excavation made below the surface of the ground in which the depth is greater than the width, the width not exceeding 15 feet u an excavation is any human made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth removal

Planning for Safety u many on-the-job accidents are a direct result of inadequate planning u develop safety checklists before preparing a bid, to make certain that information about the job site is adequate –traffic –nearness of structures –surface and ground water –water table –overhead and underground utilities –weather

Employer’s Safety and Health Program u be sure safety policies are implemented effectively u no employee should operate any equipment without proper training u provide workers who are exposed to public traffic with warning vests u establish and maintain a safety and health program

On-The-Job Evaluation u inspection of the excavation on a daily basis u supervisors should conduct inspections, investigate accidents, and anticipate hazards u managers and supervisors must set an example of job site safety u employees must take an active role in job safety

Cave-Ins and Protective Support Systems u supporting the sides of the excavation u sloping or benching 15 FT 10 FT SLOPE 1 1/2:1 20 Ft or Less

Safety Precautions u provide support systems u prohibit excavation below the level of the base or footing of any foundation u excavations under sidewalks and pavements prohibited unless appropriately designed support system is provided

Materials and Equipment u free from damage and defects u materials and equipment are maintained u damaged materials and equipment are examined by a competent person to determine if they are suitable for continued use

Installation and Removal of Protective Systems u securely connect members of support systems u safely install support systems u never overload members of support systems u install other structural members to carry loads when temporary removal of individual members is necessary

Other Hazards u falls and equipment u water accumulation u hazardous atmospheres u access and egress

Risk Avoid