2. Excavations
Subpart P
One-hour

3. Why the Training? People die in excavations! Regulations
See Fatal Facts
Regulations
29 CFR 1926, Subpart P

4. What We Will Cover Regulations Competent Person Hazards of Excavations
Qualifications
Responsibilities
Hazards of Excavations

5. What We Will Cover Soil Classifications Protective Systems Inspections
Sloping
Shoring
Inspections
Emergency Response

6. Regulations 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P - Excavations
Appoint Competent Person
Soil evaluations by Competent Person
Daily Inspections by Competent Person
Shoring and sloping evaluations by Competent Person
Stop Work Authority of Competent Person

7. Competent Person
"Competent person" means 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.
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) This is the OSHA definition of “Competent Person”. It is performance-based. There are no “Competent Person” training per se, however there are coursed which cover the necessary information.
2) OSHA uses “Competent Person” in a number of its construction standards (e.g. Excavation, Fall Protection, Scaffolding).

8. Competent Person Qualifications
Knowledge of soils and soil classification
Understands design and use of protective systems
Ability to recognize and test hazardous atmospheres
Documented training
Prior excavation experience

9. Competent Person Responsibilities
Site safety briefings on excavation safety
Daily excavation inspections
More frequent if conditions change (e.g. freeze/thaw, rain, vibration)
Physically located at the excavation
STOP WORK AUTHORITY!!!

10. Excavation Hazards Hazardous atmospheres Surface encumbrances
Water accumulation
Adjacent structures
Loose rock or soil
Falls
Cave-in
Surface encumbrances
Utilities
Access/Egress
Vehicle traffic
Falling loads
Mobile equipment 48

11. Surface Encumbrances Need to be removed or supported
e.g. fencing, piping, structure, materials

12. Utilities Underground Locate prior to digging Certify deactivation
Protect, support, or remove
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) To locate underground utilities use site maps, utility locators, hand probing for confirmation.
2) It is safest to deactivate underground utilities, but this is usually not feasible. When was the last time public service shut down a line for you to excavate?
3) For overhead lines de-energize, or maintain safe distance. Be sure to confirm that the line has been de-energized (preferably in writing). Don’t assume the line is off…make sure…it could mean your life!

13. Utilities Aboveground De-energize or Isolation from power lines
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) To locate underground utilities use site maps, utility locators, hand probing for confirmation.
2) It is safest to deactivate underground utilities, but this is usually not feasible. When was the last time public service shut down a line for you to excavate?
3) For overhead lines de-energize, or maintain safe distance. Be sure to confirm that the line has been de-energized (preferably in writing). Don’t assume the line is off…make sure…it could mean your life!

14. Access/Egress
Note: Poor housekeeping --- # 1 cause of slips, trips and falls on construction projects
Debris kept cleared from work areas
Mark hazards
Barricade or cover holes
Egress provided-
25’ travel distance
ladders
ramps
stairs

15. Vehicle Traffic Traffic Control Traffic Safety Vests
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Be aware of vehicles.
2) Make yourself visible to traffic. Wear traffic safety vests.

16. Exposure to Falling Loads
No work under loads
Operators remain in cab

17. Mobile Equipment Warning system Barricades Hand signals
Mechanical signals
Stop logs
Grade away from excavation

18. Hazardous Atmospheres
4’ if suspected
LEL
Oxygen CO
H2S
Petroleum
Other toxics
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Excavations are capable of containing hazardous atmospheres due to poor natural ventilation.
2) Especially true on hazardous waste sites where heavier than air vapors can accumulate in excavations.
3) Air testing is required at 4’.
4) Ventilation equipment may be necessary to maintain acceptable air quality.
5) Appropriate respirators may be necessary if hazardous atmospheres.
6) Must have rescue equipment and personnel readily available of working in hazardous atmospheres.
- SCBAs for at least 2 people
- Safety harness and line
- Basket stretcher

19. Ventilation Displace hazardous gases and vapors Considerations
Heavier than air or lighter than air contaminant
Exhausting or blowing in
Volume/time required to lower concentrations to acceptable levels

20. Water Accumulation
Protection from hazards associated with water accumulation
Protection against cave-in
Water removal (pumping)
Run-off protection
Consider temporary shut-off of water lines
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Water seepage and accumulation destabilizes walls of excavation increasing the chance of cave-in.
2) Need to de-water using portable pumps.
3) Need to protect against surface water run-off getting into excavation.
4) Water lines need to be shut-off and locked out to eliminate possibility of flooding if line breaks.
- If shut-off is not possible, water lines need to be supported and protected from breakage.

21. Adjacent Structures Ensure structure stability Shoring Bracing
Underpinning
Or evaluation by P.E.

22. Loose Rock and Soil Protection of employees from loose rock or soil
Scaling
Protective barriers
Placing material at least 2’ from edge
No work on slopes above workers
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Protect workers in excavation from material falling from the excavation face.
2) Protect workers in excavation from material falling into excavation.
3) Keep materials and equipment at least 2’ from edge of excavation at all times.

23. Fall Protection
Any surface 6 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected by:
walkways with guardrail systems
personal fall arrest systems
Other options include:
warning lines systems
safety monitoring systems
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) In general, fall protection is required for work 6’ or more above lower levels.
2) Applies to leading edges of all walking/working surfaces, roofs, holes, ramps, excavations, work over dangerous equipment, etc.
3) There are different fall protection options depending on the situation. Bolded options are preferred. Other options allowed only under certain circumstances (e.g. low slope roof) when preferred options are infeasible or they create a greater hazard.
4) There are no “one-size fits all solutions”. Need to evaluate fall protection needs for each job and preplan to ensure that everything is in place. Requires a job hazard analysis prior to work. We should be trying to eliminate not protect against falls.

24. Cave-in
Protection from cave-in requires a systematic approach including:
Soil classification
Protective systems
Inspection
Employee training
An oh sh_t!

25. Soil Classification
Soil Classification (Type A,B,or C) determines construction of protective system:
Sloping or benching
Shoring
Timber shoring
Aluminum shoring
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Type A Soil : clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clay loam.
2) Type B Soil: angular gravel, silt, silt, loam, sandy loam.
3) Type C Soil: gravel, sand, loamy sand.

26. Protective Systems Required unless: Excavation in stable rock
Excavation less than 5 ‘ (4’ some states) and examination by Competent Person determines no potential for cave-in
- YO!
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Protective systems are not required for excavations in stable rock or less than 5’ deep (Fed OSHA)PROVIDED THAT COMPETENT PERSON INSPECTION DOES NOT INDICATE POTENTIAL FOR CAVE-IN.
2) Radian policy is to require protective systems at 4’.
3) Also consider the work being performed. For example working on your hands and knees in the bottom of a 3’-4’ excavation could be a problem if a cave-in occurs.
4) Options for protective systems include sloping the walls of the excavation, installing support systems, such as shoring or shielding, or a protective system designed by a Professional Engineer (required if excavation is deeper than 20’).

27. Protective Systems Options Include: Sloping and benching
Shoring/sheet piling/ shielding (e.g.trench boxes)
Designed by P.E. if deeper than 20’
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Protective systems are not required for excavations in stable rock or less than 5’ deep (Fed OSHA)PROVIDED THAT COMPETENT PERSON INSPECTION DOES NOT INDICATE POTENTIAL FOR CAVE-IN.
2) Radian policy is to require protective systems at 4’.
3) Also consider the work being performed. For example working on your hands and knees in the bottom of a 3’-4’ excavation could be a problem if a cave-in occurs.
4) Options for protective systems include sloping the walls of the excavation, installing support systems, such as shoring or shielding, or a protective system designed by a Professional Engineer (required if excavation is deeper than 20’).

28. Simple Sloping
Type A - 3/4:1
Type B - 1:1
Type C - 1½ :1

29. Benching
Type A
Type B
(cohesive soil)
Type C NA

30. Shoring Based on OSHA Appendices Based on Manufacturer data
Designed by a P.E.
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Shoring system needs to be designed and installed properly per the OSHA specifications, or data from manufacturer, or by a Professional Engineer.
2) “Slapping up” some plywood and 2 X 4’s is not acceptable!

31. Timber Shoring Installations
Appendix C of OSHA regulations
Requires soil classification
Based on depth and width of trench
Consult tables for specs on
Cross braces
Wales
Uprights
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Diagram of an aluminum shoring system.
2) These systems need to be installed per the manufacturer’s specifications.

32. Aluminum Shoring Installations
Appendix D of OSHA regulations
Requires soil classification
Based on depth and width of trench
Consult tables for specs on
Hydraulic cylinders
Wales
Uprights
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Diagram of an aluminum shoring system.
2) These systems need to be installed per the manufacturer’s specifications.

33. Shields (i.e. Trench Boxes)
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Diagram of trench boxes.
2) These are usually pre-manufactured.
3) They can be used single, or in series, or can be stacked.
4) You only need to protect the area where workers are located so trench box can be moved as work progresses.
5) Most widely used for trenches.
6) Remember to provide ladder or ramp entry and exit. Climbing the trench box is not acceptable.
7) Do not work under raised trench boxes.

34. Protective Systems Installation Securely connected
Employees clear of area under shields during installation
Installed to prevent movement
Must protect employees while entering excavation
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Employees are not allowed in trench boxes when they are being installed, removed, or moved vertically. NOTE: It is not good practice for employees to be inside of trench boxes while they are being dragged horizontally, although you will probably see this from time to time.
2) Shoring is to be removed from the bottom up.

35. Protective Systems Removal
Employees clear of area under shields during removal
Shoring removed from the bottom up, SLOWLY!
Backfill with removal
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Employees are not allowed in trench boxes when they are being installed, removed, or moved vertically. NOTE: It is not good practice for employees to be inside of trench boxes while they are being dragged horizontally, although you will probably see this from time to time.
2) Shoring is to be removed from the bottom up.

36. Excavation Inspections
Daily Inspections of ALL excavations by Competent Person
Start of shift, as needed, following rainstorms or other hazard-increasing event
Possible cave-ins
Protective system failure
Water accumulation
Hazardous atmospheres
Competent person has authority to remove workers from the excavation
KEY TALKING POINTS:
1) Daily inspections by the Competent Person is key to protecting workers in excavation. Inspections are to be done prior to the start of work and during the day as conditions dictate. Inspections should be conducted any time the hazards of the excavation increase.
2) Document inspections in the daily log or on a checklist.
3) The excavation contractor should provide the Competent Person since they control the excavation and should have the most experience.
4) Competent person inspects and removes workers from excavation if a hazardous condition exists.
COMPETENT PERSON MUST HAVE AUTHORITY TO STOP EXCAVATION WORK!

37. Excavation Rescue

38. Excavation Rescue

39. Excavation Rescue Initial Size-up Type of incident? Injuries?
Cave-in, flooding, medical, fire, spill
Injuries?
Number and type
Missing personnel?
Chemical (or sewage) exposures?
Safety of excavation for rescuers?

40. Excavation Rescue Notify: Field personnel HSO = Emergency Coordinator
Fire Department
Police Department
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/Hospital

41. Excavation Rescue Stabilize cave-in Control flooding
Hazardous Atmospheres?
Ventilate
SCBA
Safety harness and line
Basket stretcher

42. Excavation Rescues The best rescue is the one you never have to make!
Practice proper procedures
Make sure everything is safe before anybody goes in!
DON’T ROLL THE DICE!!!