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S ,5tatL 0(califor"J, Division of Occupational Safety and Health CAL , Mv` �� FebCalifornia of .�, Relations �. Over a five year period, 26 California workers were I. Depth of trench killed and 207 others injured in trench cave-ins. In If the trench is five feet deep or more it must be almost every instance, the cause of these accidents was shored or sloped. a failure to properly shore or slope the trench. If there is a possibility of soil movement, even shallower trenches have to be shored. Before Excavating: If you have doubt about it, shore/slope the trench. 2. Soil Classification Obtain a permit The less stable the soil, the more liquid the soil, the Obtain a permit from the Division of Occupational more you need to protect yourself against cave-in. Safety and Health (DOSH) if workers are required to 3. Changing weather conditions enter an excavation that is 5 feet or deeper. Hardpacked soil can become soupy/unstable after a Locate hidden obstructions rain. A minimum of two working days before starting the Trenches which are safety sloped or shored in dry excavation, notify all regional notification centers and weather can become deathtraps when it is wet. any non-member underground utility owners. It may Thawing soil can also become unstable quickly. also be necessary to obtain plans of as-builts in order to 4. Heavy loads in area locate underground pipes or utilities. Don't park heavy equipment next to a trench. Be aware that these records may not be accurate. The Nearby structures—such as buildings, curbs, trees obstructions revealed by; the plans should be physically and utility poles—exert stress on trench shoring. located, and either removed or protected from damage. 5. Vibration Beware of disturbed ground " If you are digging a trench near a roadway or where Trenches in disturbed soil may require additional otheroperations create vibration, make certain the sheeting and bracing, as will hard compact ground, if shoring/sloping design reflects these conditions. there is filled ground nearby. For example, a trench wall which is near another Other Considerations: previously filled trench is unstable, although it might Every trench is a possible trap for hazardous appear to be hard compact material. atmospheres. When in doubt, test and ventilate. Daily Inspection: A competent person must inspect the trench and protective systems daily before the start of work and through -out the day as conditions change. Competent person is defined as one who must demonstrate: ♦ knowledge of the provisions pertaining to excavations, trenches and earthwork s knowledge of soil analysis as required in the provisions pertaining to excavations, trenches and earthwork knowledge of the use of protective systems authority to take prompt corrective action on the job as conditions warrant ♦ ability to recognize and test for hazardous atmospheres. What conditions influence the kind and amount of shoring you need? Resources: Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Sections 1539- 1543. These and other Construction Safety Orders can be reviewed at: http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/sub4.html Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry and other educational materials can be ordered from the Cal/OSHA publications website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/puborder.asR, or obtained from a Cal/OSHA District Office. Note: The information provided is not meant to be either a substitute for or legal interpretation of the occupational safety and health regulations. Readers are cautioned to refer directly to Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations for detailed information regarding the regulation's scope, specifications, and exceptions and for other requirements that may be applicable to " their operations. Provided to you by Cal -OSHA Reporter - www.cal-osha.com