1. COMPETENT PERSON TRAINING for TRENCHING OPERATIONS

2. 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.”

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

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

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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. TRENCHING and EXCAVATION INSPECTIONS (Totals 1990 - 1998)

9. TRENCHING and EXCAVATION VIOLATIONS (Totals 1990 - 1998)

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

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

15. 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

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

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

18. ALL TRENCHES ARE EXCAVATIONS, BUT NOT ALL EXCAVATIONS ARE TRENCHES

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. PARTS OF A TRENCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

30. 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

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

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

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

34. 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

35. REGISTERD PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER
Approval of tabulated data
Approval of major repairs

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

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

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

39. COMPETENT PERSON TRAINING for TRENCHING OPERATIONS