Excavation & Trenching Safety

Per OSHA, Unconfined Compressive Strength is the load per unit area at which soil will fail in compression. This measure can be determined by laboratory testing, or it can be estimated in the field using a pocket penetrometer, by thumb penetration tests, or by other methods. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: […]

Per OSHA, Subsurface Encumbrances include underground utilities, foundations, streams, water tables, transformer vaults, and geological anomalies. 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 39 years. As the general contractor or […]

Per OSHA, Adjacent Structures Stability refers to the stability of the foundation(s) of adjacent structures whose location may create surcharges, changes in soil conditions, or other disruptions that have the potential to extend into the failure zone of the excavation or trench. For additional information, see OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Section V: Chapter 2 (Definitions). At […]

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 […]

Per OSHA, Methods for controlling standing water and water accumulation must be provided and should consist of the following if employees are permitted to work in the excavation: Use of special support or shield systems approved by a registered professional engineer. Water removal equipment, i.e. well pointing, used and monitored by a competent person. Safety […]

Per OSHA, Employees shall not be permitted to work in hazardous and/or toxic atmospheres. Such atmospheres include those with: Less than 19.5% or more than 23.5% oxygen; A combustible gas concentration greater than 20% of the lower flammable limit; and Concentrations of hazardous substances that exceed those specified in the Threshold Limit Values for Airborne Contaminants established […]