Excavation & Trenching Safety

Type B Soils are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength greater than 0.5 tsf (48 kPa) but less than 1.5 tsf (144 kPa). Examples of other Type B soils are: angular gravel; silt; silt loam; previously disturbed soils unless otherwise classified as Type C; soils that meet the unconfined compressive strength or cementation requirements […]

According to OSHA, An Excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface that is formed by earth removal. A Trench is a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth of a trench is greater than its width, and the […]

Confined Space is a space that, by design and/or configuration, has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation, may contain or produce hazardous substances, and is not intended for continuous employee occupancy. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: II. Definitions. At Ron Meyer & Associates Excavating, we’ve been providing underground […]

Sliding or sluffing may occur as a result of tension cracks. Tension cracks usually form at a horizontal distance of 0.5 to 0.75 times the depth of the trench, measured from the top of the vertical face of the trench. For a visual, see Figure V:2-1. Tension Crack. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) […]

Boiling is evidenced by an upward water flow into the bottom of the cut. A high water table is one of the causes of boiling. Boiling produces a “quick” condition in the bottom of the excavation or trench, and can occur even when shoring or trench boxes are used. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual […]