SR0083942 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

sewer, telephone, electric, water lines, and other underground installations that may reasonably be expected to be encountered during excavation work,must be determined prior to opening an excavation. Excavations in contaminated or potentially contaminated areas must be tested for confined spaces atmospheric hazards prior to entry. Excavations should not be entered if other means are available to perform the task requiring entry. If entry into an excavation is required,the atmosphere within the space must be monitored by a trained person to assure that oxygen concentrations are at greater than or equal to 19.5 percent,that combustible gas levels are less than 10 percent,and that vapor levels are within applicable safe exposure(PEL and TLV)limits. A ladder or similar means of egress must be located in excavations greater than 4 feet in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet of lateral travel for employees. No person should be allowed to enter an excavation greater than 5 feet in depth unless the walls of the excavation have been protected using an approved shield(trench box),an approved shoring system,or the walls have been sloped back an appropriate angle, the excavation is free of accumulated water,and the excavation has been tested for hazardous atmospheres as noted previously. If personnel enter an excavation,the spoils pile and all materials must be placed at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation to prevent the materials from rolling into the excavation. Personnel must remain at least 2 feet away from the edge of the excavation at all times. Upon completion of a test pit exploration,the excavation should be backfilled and graded. Excavations should never be left open unless absolutely necessary,and then only with proper barricading and controls to prevent accidental injury. ® Underground Utilities and Hazards. The identification of underground storage tanks(USTs),pipes,utilities,and other underground hazards is critically important prior to all drilling,excavating and other intrusive activities. In accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.650,the estimated location of utility installations, such as sewer, telephone, electric, water lines and other underground installations that may reasonably be expected to be encountered during excavation work, must be determined prior to opening an excavation. The same requirements apply to drilling operations and the use of soil-gas probes. Where public utilities may exist,the utility agencies or operators must be contacted directly or through a utility-sponsored service such as Dig-Safe. Where other underground hazards may exist,reasonable attempts must be made to identify their locations as well. Failure to identify underground hazards can lead to fire, explosion, flooding, electrocution, or other life threatening accidents. ❑ Water Hazards and Boat Sampling. The collection of water or sediment samples on or immediately adjacent to a body of water can pose significant hazards. In addition to the slip,trip,and fall hazards associated with wet surfaces,the potential for drowning accidents must be recognized. These hazards can be intensified by the use of some PPE, particularly if respiratory protection is worn. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.106 requires that all employees working over or near water,where the danger of drowning exists,must wear a U.S.Coast Guard-approved lifejacket or buoyant work vest. Ring buoys and emergency standby personnel must also be in place. Partner Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 10 Version 2.0 July 6,2021