COMPETENT PERSON TRAINING for TRENCHING OPERATIONS

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.”

TRENCHING OPERATIONS PIPELINE INSTALLATION WATER and SEWER LINES ELECTRICAL UTILITIES TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONSTRUCTION

QUESTION: What are some of the leading hazards a worker faces when working in or around trenches?

LEADING TRENCH HAZARDS CRUSHING INJURIES SUFFOCATION LOSS OF CIRCULATION HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES FALLS RUPTURED UTILITIES STRUCK-BY INJURIES ELECTROCUTION DROWNING INEPT RESCUE

On average, of every 1000 excavation cave-in related injuries, 140 result in permanent disability and 75 in death. 40 percent of all injuries occurred during the first year of employment; one-half of these in the first three months.

TRENCH RESCUES Trench rescues are often complex and time-consuming Many cave-in fatalities are persons attempting a rescue Rescue incidents often attract widespread media attention

TRENCHING and EXCAVATION INSPECTIONS (Totals 1990 - 1998)

TRENCHING and EXCAVATION VIOLATIONS (Totals 1990 - 1998)

RECENT EXCAVATION CITATIONS Londonderry, NH (1997) – Failure to slope or shore; no safe means of egress $30,000 Houston , TX (1997) – Fatality: 18-yr.old worker; 12 violations Los Angeles, CA (1998) – Fatality: 53-yr.old sewer worker, no protective systems $36,000; manslaughter charges proposed

RECENT EXCAVATION CITATIONS Hampstead, NH (2000) Inadequate protective system in 15-ft. deep trench Willful violations - $73,450 Downers Grove, IL (1996) No safe access / egress; failure to inspect trench and train employees $114,000 Pompano Beach, FL (1996) Fatality, 2 serious injuries in water line trench collapse 6 willful violations - $448,000

New Jersey Trench Collapse : 1 Fatality (ITS Video) VIDEO SEGMENT: New Jersey Trench Collapse : 1 Fatality (ITS Video)

SUBPART P - EXCAVATIONS OSHA REGULATIONS: 29 CFR 1926.650 - 652 SUBPART P - EXCAVATIONS Became Law on October 31, 1989

ELEMENTS OF SUBPART P 1926.650 - Scope, application, and definitions 1926.651 - Specific excavation requirements 1926.652 - Requirements for protective systems

SUBPART P (cont.) Appendix A - Soil Classification Appendix B - Sloping and Benching Appendix C - Timber Shoring Appendix D - Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring Appendix E - Alternatives to Timber Shoring Appendix F - Selection of Protective Systems

EXCAVATION: Man-made cut, cavity, or depression caused by earth removal BACKHOE WORK FOUNDATION EXCAVATIONS OPEN PIT MINES OR QUARRIES

TRENCH: Narrow excavation which is usually deeper than it is wide MAXIMUM TRENCH WIDTH at the bottom of the trench is 15’

ALL TRENCHES ARE EXCAVATIONS, BUT NOT ALL EXCAVATIONS ARE TRENCHES

An EXCAVATION is considered a TRENCH if any constructed or installed structure reduces the BOTTOM WIDTH to LESS THAN 15’

HOUSE FOUNDATION EXEMPTION June 30th, 1995 Foundation excavation is less than 7.5 ft. deep or 2 ft. bench for every 5 ft. vertical 2 ft. minimum bottom width

HOUSE FOUNDATION EXEMPTION (cont.) Surcharge loads no closer to edge than depth of excavation No water, tension cracks, or signs of instability No heavy equipment nearby while trench is occupied Minimum number of workers in excavation

PARTS OF A TRENCH

TRENCH TYPES and SHAPES Purpose of the trench Soil Type Size of conduit and loading requirements Location of utilities, buildings, obstructions General location

STRAIGHT TRENCH Vertical sides Areas of limited disturbance Protection systems usually needed

SLOPED TRENCH Sides angled to prevent cave-in Angle determined by soil type Common in new construction

BENCHED TRENCH Sides cut away to form steps Also determined by soil type May be multiple or single bench

BELL BOTTOM PIER Usually used in footing placement Greater potential of collapse Entry requires use of harnesses and lifelines

Who are the key personnel involved in any excavation project? QUESTION: Who are the key personnel involved in any excavation project?

All have important and specific responsibilities KEY PERSONNEL The Competent Person The Registered Professional Engineer (RPE) The Employer The Worker All have important and specific responsibilities

COMPETENT PERSON RESPONSIBILITIES Identification of existing & potential hazards Inspection of the trench Monitoring & analysis of the atmosphere Evaluation of water hazards Classification of soil

COMPETENT PERSON RESPONSIBILITIES (cont..) Inspection of equipment Design of personnel ramps Knowledge of protective systems Assurance that appropriate safety standards are followed

In addition, the Competent Person must have the AUTHORITY to stop work if an actual or potential threat to worker safety exists.

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER Approval of protective systems when: - trench is 20 ft. or greater in depth - work involves close proximity to footings, foundations, roadways, etc. - protective systems must be custom designed

REGISTERD PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER Approval of tabulated data Approval of major repairs

EMPLOYER Assumes ultimate responsibility for worker safety Makes contacts for utility locations Selects and/or constructs protective systems Assures employees follow the standard

WORKER Follow the standard Work within the protective system Wear personal protective equipment as required

WORKER (cont.) Evacuate the trench when: Trench box is moved vertically Unprotected cave-in has occurred Unforeseen hazards exist

COMPETENT PERSON TRAINING for TRENCHING OPERATIONS