Excavation & Trenching Safety

An unsupported excavation can create an unbalanced stress in the soil, which, in turn, causes subsidence at the surface and bulging of the vertical face of the trench. If uncorrected, this condition can cause face failure and entrapment of workers in the trench. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section III: Overview: Soil Mechanics. […]

To determine the unconfined compressive strength of the soil with a shearvane, the blades of the vane are pressed into a level section of undisturbed soil, and the torsional knob is slowly turned until soil failure occurs. The direct instrument reading must be multiplied by 2 to provide results in tons per square foot (tsf) […]

Per OSHA, Heaving or Squeezing is caused by the downward pressure created by the weight of adjoining soil. This pressure causes a bulge in the bottom of the cut. Heaving and squeezing can occur even when shoring or shielding has been properly installed. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: Chapter 2 (Definitions). […]

Per OSHA, Surcharge means an excessive vertical load or weight caused by spoil, overburden, vehicles, equipment, or activities that may affect trench stability. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: Chapter 2 (Definitions). At Ron Meyer & Associate Excavating, Inc, we’ve been providing underground and commercial construction to private and commercial businesses for […]

Per OSHA, Underground Installations include, but are not limited to: Utilities (sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water, and other product lines) Tunnels Shafts Vaults Foundations Other underground fixtures or equipment that may be encountered during excavation or trenching work. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: Chapter 2 (Definitions). At Ron Meyer & Associate […]

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