- 5 Sections
- 16 Lessons
- 1 Week
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- What is the difference between an excavation and a trench?An excavation as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth removal. This can include excavations for anything from cellars to highways. A trench is defined as a narrow excavation that is deeper than it is wide, and no wider than 15 feet (4.5 meters).4
- Hazards and SolutionsThe primary hazard of trenching and excavation work is employee injury from a cave-in. Before workers enter a trench, a soil analysis should generally be conducted to determine the appropriate employee protection methods such as sloping, benching, shoring or shielding. Employers should also consider potential struck-by hazards associated with heavy equipment, falling loads, and public vehicular traffic in close proximity to the excavation operations. Also consider potential hazards from undermining sidewalks and buildings. Other unsafe conditions that may be encountered include hazardous atmospheres and electrical hazards from overhead and underground power lines. These five key trench safety tips will help keep workers safe:5
- 3.1 Ensure trenches have cave-in protection.
- 3.2 Look for standing water and test if atmospheric hazards are or may be present.
- 3.3 Keep materials away from the edge of the trench.
- 3.4 Never enter a trench unless it has been properly inspected by a competent person.
- 3.5Ensure that there’s a safe way to enter and exit.
- Excavation edge Protection SystemShoring 2 .Stepping or benching 3. Sloping 4. Sheet Pilling4
- What can be included in a trenching and excavation inspection checklist?The following are some points to consider. Each circumstance will be different, so be sure to adapt the questions to suit your situation.3
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