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0 0 <br /> 512.8.2 Water Accumulation <br /> • Employees will not work in excavations where water has accumulated or is accumulating <br /> unless adequate protection has been taken. If water removal equipment is used to <br /> control or prevent water from accumulating, the equipment and operations of the <br /> equipment must be monitored by a competent person to ensure proper use. Diversion <br /> ditches, dikes, or other suitable means shall be used to prevent surface water from <br /> entering into the excavation and to provide adequate drainage of the area adjacent to <br /> the excavation. In addition, a competent person must inspect excavations subject to <br /> run-offs from heavy rains. <br /> 512.8.3 Hazardous Atmospheres <br /> A competent person must test excavations greater than 4 feet in depth as well as <br /> excavations where oxygen deficiency or a hazardous atmosphere exists or could <br /> reasonably be expected to exist, before an employee enters the excavation. If <br /> hazardous conditions exist, controls such as proper respiratory protection or ventilation <br /> must be provided. Also, controls used to reduce atmospheric contaminants to <br /> acceptable levels must be tested regularly. <br /> Where adverse atmospheric conditions may exist or develop in an excavation, <br /> emergency rescue equipment, (i.e. breathing apparatus, safety harness, lifeline, basket <br /> • stretcher, etc.) will be readily available. This equipment must be attended when used. <br /> 512.8.4 Access and Egress <br /> Employees working within an excavation must be provided with safe access and egress <br /> to all excavations. When an employee is within an excavation 4 feet or greater, <br /> adequate means of exit, such as ladders, steps, ramps, or other safe means of egress, <br /> must be provided and be within 25 feet of lateral travel. If structural ramps are used as a <br /> means of access or egress, they must be designed by a competent person if used for <br /> employee access or egress, or a competent person qualified in structural design if used <br /> by vehicles. <br /> 512.9 REFERENCES <br /> U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Safety and Health Standards for General Industry (29 <br /> CFR Part 1926), Subpart P - Excavation, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety <br /> and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. <br /> 6 <br />