|
| |
|
Trenching and Excavation: No
Protective System |
|
BACK
|
|
Am I In Danger?
All excavations are hazardous because they are inherently unstable.
If they are restricted spaces they present the additional risks of
oxygen depletion, toxic fumes, and water accumulation. If you are not
using protective systems or equipment while working in trenches or
excavations at your site, you are in danger of suffocating, inhaling
toxic materials, fire, drowning, or being crushed by a cave-in.
|
This worker is in a trench with no protective
system, that is not sloped or benched and has no means of egress.
|
|
How Do I Avoid Hazards?
Pre-job planning is vital to accident-free trenching; safety cannot
be improvised as work progresses. The following concerns must be
addressed by a competent person:
 | Evaluate soil conditions [1926
Subpart P Appendix A] and select appropriate protective systems
[1926
Subpart P Appendix F]. |
| Construct protective systems in accordance with the standard
requirements [1926.652].
|
| Preplan;
contact utilities (gas, electric) to locate underground lines, plan
for traffic control if necessary, determine proximity to structures
that could affect choice of protective system. |
| Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases, especially
when gasoline engine-driven equipment is running, or the dirt has
been contaminated by leaking lines or storage tanks. Insure adequate
ventilation or respiratory protection if necessary. |
| Provide safe access into and out of the excavation.
|
| Provide appropriate protections if water accumulation is a
problem. |
| Inspect the site daily at the start of each shift, following a
rainstorm, or after any other hazard-increasing event. |
| Keep excavations open the minimum amount of time needed to
complete operations. |
|
|
