2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. Risk Avoid