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City Construction Co., Inc.

Office Address: 50 S 1st Ave, Ste 110, Coatesville, PA 19320
Shop Address: 172 Newlinville Road, Coatesville, PA 19320
Phone: (610) 269-9530
Email: hzimmerer@cityconstructionco.com

Helpful Links:

Employee Website: https://cityconstructionco.com/index.php/employees
OSHA: OSHA Topics | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
City’s Health and Safety Manual: City Construction Co., Inc.’s Health & Safety Manual
City’s Employee Guidelines: Employee Guidelines

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Trenching and Excavation in Construction

Overview of Topic

Trenching and excavation are among the most hazardous construction operations. OSHA defines an excavation as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the Earth’s surface formed by earth removal. The OSHA standard for trenching and excavation (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P) requires that all trenches 5 feet deep or greater must have a protective system unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. Trenches less than 5 feet deep may also need a protective system depending on the circumstances.

Inspection Before Use Requirements

Before starting excavation activities, inspect:

The site for evidence of utility lines and ensure that all are marked.
The protective systems to be used in the trench for damage or defects.
The area around the excavation for signs of potential cave-ins or collapses.

Inspections should be conducted by a competent person daily and as conditions change to ensure worker safety.

Use Requirements

Protective Systems: Utilize appropriate protective systems such as sloping, shoring, benching, or trench shields, depending on the depth and nature of the trench.
Access and Egress: Provide safe means of access and egress to workers in trench excavations. Ladders, steps, ramps, or other safe means of egress must be located within 25 feet of all workers.
Atmospheric Testing: Conduct atmospheric tests in trenches deeper than 4 feet to check for toxic gases, hazardous fumes, or oxygen deficiency.

General Industry Rules Applicable to Construction

In addition to trench-specific regulations, general safety practices must also be followed:

Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
Identify and support underground utilities before digging.
Ensure that spoils, materials, and equipment are at least 2 feet from the edge of the trench.

Other Safety Rules

Standing Water and Weather Conditions: Evaluate conditions that could increase risks, such as rainwater accumulation or other environmental factors that can undermine trenches.
Surcharge Loads: Keep surcharge loads at least 2 feet from trench edges. This includes spoils and heavy equipment.
Emergency Response: Have emergency rescue equipment available and ensure that all workers are trained on emergency procedures.

Specific Regulations

Refer to the following OSHA regulations related to trenching and excavation:

General Requirements: 29 CFR 1926.651
Requirements for Protective Systems: 29 CFR 1926.652

Employee Training

Training for workers involved in trenching and excavation should include:

Hazards Identification: Understanding the different types of hazards associated with trenching and excavation work, including cave-ins, falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile equipment.
Protective Systems: Detailed training on the different types of protective systems and their proper installation and use.
Emergency Procedures: Instruction on immediate actions to take in case of an emergency, including how to exit a trench quickly and safely.
Regulatory Requirements: Familiarity with OSHA standards and the specific requirements that must be met for trenching and excavation operations.

Training Tips

Use case studies and recent incidents to highlight the importance of safety in trenching and excavation.
Encourage questions and discussions to engage workers and reinforce learning.

Where to Go for More Information

29 CFR 1926 Subpart P – Excavations
OSHA Fact Sheet: Trenching and Excavation Safety

Ensuring compliance with these guidelines will significantly reduce the risks associated with trenching and excavation and help prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Stay vigilant and prioritize safety at all times!