WORKING SAFELY
IN TRENCHES
The most important thing to remember is -
do NOT enter an unprotected trench!
PREVENT ACCIDENTS
The primary hazard of trenching
and excavation is employee injury from collapse. Soil analysis is important
in order to determine appropriate sloping, benching, and shoring. Additional
hazards include working with heavy machinery; manual handling of materials;
working in proximity to traffic; electrical hazards from overhead and
underground power-lines; and underground utilities, such as natural gas.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Each employee in a trench shall be protected from a cave-in by an adequate
protective system.
Some of the protective systems for
trenches are:
 Slope
or bench trench walls for stability, or |
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| Cut
to create stepped benched grades, or |
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| Support
walls by a system made with posts, beams, shores or planking and
hydraulic jacks, or |
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| Provide
safe trench access through the use of ladders, ramps, or stairways.
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| Support
walls by a trench box. |
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| Know
where underground utilities are prior to digging. |
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| Keep
heavy equipment away from trench edges. |
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| Keep
excavated or other materials at least 2 feet back from the edge of the
trench. |
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| A
safe means of egress shall be provided within 25 feet of workers in a
trench. |
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