1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS CFR 1926.651 paragraphs (a) through (l) The Competent Person has responsibility to evaluate all hazards in the vicinity of the work area

2. (a) Surface Encumbrances All surface hazards in the area of the excavation need to be removed or supported (equipment, material, signs, trees, fences, poles, sidewalks, etc.)

3. ( b) Underground Installations  Among largest unexpected costs to contractor o Exposure to electrical hazards o Disruption of communications o Possibility of explosion or fire

4. IOWA ONE CALL 800 / 292-8989  Utility Company must be contacted 24 hrs. (48hrs. in Iowa) prior to digging  Uncovered utilities must be protected, supported, or removed

5. (c) Access and Egress  Provide safe means of entering and exiting excavation o Competent Person may design system for personnel use only o System must have non-skid, trip-free surface

6. ( c) (1) Means of Egress

7. ( d) Exposure to Vehicular Traffic ( d) Exposure to Vehicular Traffic  Wear reflective clothing o Provide barricades at least 6 feet away from hazard o Divert traffic and ventilate trench if exhaust fumes accumulate in trench o Backfill as soon as possible if trench is in public thoroughfare

8. ( e) Exposure to Falling Loads o No workers under lifting or digging operations o Stand away from vehicles being loaded or unloaded

9. (f) Mobile Equipment Warning Systems Safeguards activity of mobile equip- ment close to edge of trench Safeguards activity of mobile equip- ment close to edge of trench Mandates use of stop logs, barricades, or signaling devices Mandates use of stop logs, barricades, or signaling devices

10. (g) Hazardous Atmospheres Atmospheric testing may be required if such a hazard could be reasonably expected  Atmospheric testing may be required if such a hazard could be reasonably expected o Ventilation and/or respiratory protection may be required

11. QUESTION: What are some examples of hazardous atmospheres?

12. ACCEPTABLE ATMOSPHERIC PARAMETERS - Oxygen Content: 19.5% to 23.5% -Flammability: Less than 20% of LEL -Toxicity: Less than PEL - Oxygen Content: 19.5% to 23.5% -Flammability: Less than 20% of LEL -Toxicity: Less than PEL

13. (g)(2) Emergency Rescue Equipment  Breathing apparatus, monitors, safety harnesses, lifelines, basket stretchers o Must be readily available when hazardous atmospheres exist

14. (h) Water Hazards No worker shall be allowed in a trench containing water without proper protection No worker shall be allowed in a trench containing water without proper protection

15. Water Hazards (cont.): Protection may include: special support systems, water removal systems, or safety harnesses and lifelines

16. Water Hazards (cont.): Surface water runoff may need to be divertedSurface water runoff may need to be diverted Artificial berms, dikes, or water- waysArtificial berms, dikes, or water- ways

17. ( i) Stability of Adjacent Structures ( i) Stability of Adjacent Structures  Competent Person must assure that trenching operation will not endanger stability of ad- joining structures o Protective and additional supportive systems may be required

18. (j) Protection at edge of trench (j) Protection at edge of trench  Spoil pile and other equipment must be at least 2 ft. from edge o Use of adequate retaining devices required

19. 7000 lb. front wheel load at 12 ft. from sheeting

20. 7000 lb. front wheel load at 4 ft. from sheeting

21. 7000 lb. front wheel load at 2 ft. from sheeting

22. (k) Inspections The Competent Person is required to inspect the trench and evaluate hazards prior to the start of each work day.

23. Inspections (cont.) Additional inspections are required after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing event

24. DAILY INSPECTIONS Must include evaluation of the following: Soil testing Soil testing Surface Hazards Surface Hazards Water Hazards Water Hazards Atmospheric Hazards Atmospheric Hazards Vibration Sources Vibration Sources Access and Egress Access and Egress Spoil Pile Location Spoil Pile Location Utilities Utilities

25. Inspections (cont.):  Integrity of Protective Systems o Barricades and Traffic Control o Date and Time of Observations o Name and Signature of Competent Person

26. (l) Fall Protection Guardrails on walkways and bridges Guardrails on walkways and bridges Adequate physical barriersAdequate physical barriers