Per OSHA, During first and subsequent visits to a construction or facility maintenance location, the compliance officer (or the site’s safety officer or other competent person) may find the following questions useful.
- Is the cut, cavity, or depression a trench or an excavation?
- Is the cut, cavity, or depression more than 4 ft (1.2 m) in depth?
- Is there water in the cut, cavity, or depression?
- Are there adequate means of access and egress?
- Are there any surface encumbrances?
- Is there exposure to vehicular traffic?
- Are adjacent structures stabilized?
- Does mobile equipment have a warning system?
- Is a competent person in charge of the operation?
- Is equipment operating in or around the cut, cavity, or depression?
- Are procedures required to monitor, test, and control hazardous atmospheres?
- Does a competent person determine soil type?
- Was a soil testing device used to determine soil type?
- Is the spoil placed 2 ft (0.6 m) or more from the edge of the cut, cavity, or depression?
- Is the depth 20 ft (6.1 m) or more for the cut, cavity, or depression?
- Has a registered professional engineer approved the procedure if the depth is more than 20 ft (6.1 m)?
- Does the procedure require benching or multiple benching? Shoring? Shielding?
- If provided, do shields extend at least 18 in (0.5 m) above the surrounding area if it is sloped toward the excavation?
- If shields are used, is the depth of the cut more than 2 ft (0.6 m) below the bottom of the shield?
- Are any required surface crossings of the cut, cavity, or depression the proper width and fitted with hand rails?
- Are means of egress from the cut, cavity, or depression no more than 25 ft (7.6m) from the work?
- Is emergency rescue equipment required?
- Is there documentation of the minimum daily excavation inspection?
For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: Chapter 2 (Special Health and Safety Considerations).
At Ron Meyer & Associate Excavating, Inc, we’ve been providing underground and commercial construction to private and commercial businesses for 39 years. As the general contractor or subcontractor, our experienced foremen, equipment operators, pipe layers, truck drivers and well-maintained equipment fleet make us an undeniable choice for your excavating services. Let’s talk about your project!
Sources:
As 45 years of experience as an underground/site contactor and a third generation contractor, Ron takes time to go through each individual project with the supervisor and is responsible for all scheduling and equipment logistics. He’s also involved in all troubleshooting for projects.