Excavation and Trenching Safety Program Hazard Assessment Excavation and trenching work presents serious hazards to all workers involved. Structural Ramps Structural ramps used solely by employees as a means of access or egress from excavations shall be designed by a competent person. According to OSHA 1926.502 (d)20: "The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves." An FRP is required for all contractors working at height on the project when a fall arrest system is being used. 0000010128 00000 n If water is controlled or prevented from accumulating by the use of water removal equipment, the water removal equipment and operation shall be monitored by a person trained in the use of that equipment. An employer who relies on local emergency services for assistance is required to meet the requirements of 1926.1211 Rescue and emergency services. %PDF-1.7 % When materials or equipment used for protective systems are damaged, Responsible Person shall ensure that these systems are examined by a competent person to evaluate suitability for continued use. Underground Installations The location of sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water, or any other underground installations or wires that may be encountered during excavation work shall be determined and marked prior to opening an excavation. Fall protection shall include guardrail systems, fences, barricades, covers, or a tie-back system meeting OSHA requirements, as determined by Responsible Person . Non self-supporting ladders shall be positioned so that the foot of the ladder is one-quarter of the working length away from the support. OSHA recognizes that not all rescue services or emergency responders are trained and equipped OSHA requires fall protection planstoinclude plans for a prompt rescuedue to the risk of suspension trauma. 2`60Sj38kxAIzpHU. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. An excavation safety plan is required in written form. 0000071429 00000 n Head protection should be worn. Company Name policy on reporting incidents that cause injury to employees. Excavation: For the purpose of emergency response, an excavation shall be defined by any depression, hole, trench or earth wall, man-made or natural, of four feet or greater. 2.2 The requirements of this rescue plan must be observed by all personnel involved in working at heights. Y,f]x0s q|v%@;>:ci2DO(SA3YZD[hYEh!1\"+W:+. Design of Support, Shield, and Other Protective Systems The design of support systems, shield systems, and other protective systems shall be selected and constructed by Responsible Person in accordance with the following requirements: Designs using 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P, Appendices A, C and D Timber shoring in trenches shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of the OSHA guidelines. Look for standing water or atmospheric hazards. Identifying hazards and risks involved in an emergency response situation; 3. December 19 - A worker on a swimming pool job in Orange, California, was buried up to his neck in a 9- to 10-foot excavation when rescue workers arrived. 0000006418 00000 n Ramps and runways constructed of two or more structural members shall have the structural members connected together to prevent movement or displacement. Slopes shall be properly excavated depending on soil type as shown in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P, Appendix B. 375 0 obj <> endobj xref 375 53 0000000016 00000 n The hazards include: Cave-ins or collapses that can trap or crush workers. You need a plan of action for yourcrewsto follow in the event of afall. At least one copy of the design shall be maintained at the jobsite during construction of the protective system. Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured. This article originally appeared in the July/August 2021 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. Read Assistant Secretary Douglas Parker's response to the alarming rise in trenching fatalities. FALL PROTECTION JHA and RESCUE PLAN Subcontractor Subcontractor Phone End Date (1 week max) 1. The material or equipment shall then be evaluated and approved by a registered professional engineer before being returned to service. Whether you're new to the world of safety gloves or an experienced pro, this guide has something for everyone. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Design and Construction Requirements for Exit Routes, Maintenance, Safeguards, and Operational Features for Exit Routes, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, Evacuation Plans and Procedures : Emergency Action Plan. Identify the method of falling object protection below the elevated work: 0000007777 00000 n Experience interfacing with teams across all phases of . If excavation work interrupts the natural drainage of surface water (such as streams), diversion ditches, dikes, or other suitable means shall be used to prevent surface water from entering the excavation and to provide adequate drainage of the area adjacent to the excavation. Manufacturers specifications, recommendations, and limitations, as well as the manufacturers written approval to deviate from the specifications, recommendations, and limitations, shall be kept in written form at the jobsite during construction of the protective system(s). Fires and fire-prone materials. Ramps and runways constructed of two or more structural members shall have the structural members connected together to prevent displacement. Protecting Your Business Apart from an emergency response plan, you should secure your business against uncertainty. (OSHA and ANSI compliant), if applicable: 5. ;Ie?,wcIAY/rZ. 0000014319 00000 n Designs using other tabulated data The design of sloping or benching systems may be selected from, and shall be constructed in accordance with, other tabulated data, such as tables and charts. Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent employee exposure to atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen and other hazardous atmospheres. Precautions shall also be taken to provide adequate drainage of the area adjacent to the excavation. Affected employees shall be notified of procedure changes, and trained if necessary. At least one copy of the design shall be maintained at the jobsite while the slope is being constructed. 0000239073 00000 n 0000238787 00000 n ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS All incidents that result in injury to workers, as well as near misses, regardless of their nature, shall be reported and investigated. All persons involved in excavation and trenching work have received appropriate training in the safe work practices that must be followed when performing this type of work. I hope to learn a lot from the team in . Benching system: a method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or more horizontal steps, usually with vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels. Structural members used for ramps and runways shall be of uniform thickness. Installation of a support system shall be closely coordinated with the excavation of trenches. 1926.651 (k) Inspections. Ramps made of soil or rock are not considered structural ramps. When an evacuation is necessary, you will need responsible, trained individuals who can supervise and coordinate activities to ensure a safe and successful evacuation. [54 FR 45959, Oct. 31, 1989, as amended at 59 FR 40730, Aug. 9, 1994], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Sidewalks, pavements, and appurtenant structure shall not be undermined unless a support system or another method of protection is provided to protect employees from the possible collapse of such structures. Competent person: a person who has been trained to identify hazards in the workplace, or working conditions that are unsafe for employees, and who has the authority to have these hazards corrected. Employees are required to stand away from any vehicle being loaded or unloaded to avoid being struck by any spillage or falling materials. 3 0 obj Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic shall be secured, or barricades shall be used to keep these activities away from the ladders. Resources on OSHA's construction regulations, hazard recognition, and possible solutions. Where review or approval of a support system by a registered professional engineer is required, Responsible Person shall secure this review and approval in writing before the work begins. The Program Manager shall: Coordinate, actively participate in, and document the training of all employees affected by this program. Drafting an emergency action plan (EAP) is not enough to ensure the safety of your employees. SBzxCSzs4:EAy 06U )9QAHkq183.fq f8\@d.,h ! A thorough analysis of all existing fall hazards is perhaps the most critical step for creating a fall protection plan that addresses these hazards in both practical and efficient ways. Where the competent person finds evidence of a situation that could result in a possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, exposed employees shall be removed from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety. Cal/OSHA Publications Fed/OSHA Construction Web Page Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent employee exposure to atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen and other hazardous atmospheres. Excavation Safety Plan Objective The objective of this excavation safety plan is to protect employees from safety hazards when working with excavations and to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. When controls are used that are intended to reduce the level of atmospheric contaminants to acceptable levels, testing shall be conducted as often as necessary to ensure that the atmosphere remains safe. the project and plays a key role in their training and approval of . 1. During the rescue attempt, a second. 0000066930 00000 n Employees shall wear, as determined by Responsible Person, approved gloves or other suitable hand protection. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees. 2. Design by a registered professional engineer Sloping or benching systems designed in a manner other than those described in the preceding three options shall be approved by a registered professional engineer. Representative permit spaces must, with respect to opening size, configuration, and accessibility, simulate the types of permit spaces from which rescue is to be performed. 1. 0000028240 00000 n Provide training to affected employees and supervisors. Protection shall be provided by placing and keeping such materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61 m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that are sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or by a combination of both if necessary. Each atmospheric testing instrument will be field checked immediately prior to use to ensure that it is operating properly. It is recommended that erectors discuss the written Fall Protection Plan with their OSHA Area Office prior to going on a jobsite. Plan your excavation: We must have a pre-knowledge of how the excavation should look like, the safety concerns and the necessary measures needed to carry out the excavation activity successfully. endobj 2. EVACUATION ROUTES Evacuation route maps have been posted in each work area. The maximum distance of lateral travel (along the length of the trench) necessary to reach the means of egress shall not exceed 25 feet. A poorly prepared plan, likely will lead to a disorganized evacuation or emergency response, resulting in confusion, injury, and property damage. Ensure on a daily basis, or more often as detailed in this program, that worksite conditions are safe for employees to work in excavations. Exposure to falling loads. PHA Receives $250K Grant for New Cameras and Monitoring System to Support TraumaInformed Approach to Public Safety. 0000013247 00000 n Edge protection should include toeboards or other means, such as projecting trench sheets or box sides to protect against falling materials. Ladders will be inspected prior to use for signs of damage or defects. A fall incident can be a confusing and frightening event on a job site, so itis wiseto have a rescue response plan carefully constructed in a clearheaded moment beforehand. These trenches or open pits should have an adequate number of exit ladders, daily safety inspections, and should include safety engineering such as proper shoring and sloping. While the worker remains suspended in a fall protection harness, his or her circulation is restricted, which can lead to a condition known as suspension trauma. Shore It. Ensure that affected employees practice making permit space rescues before attempting an actual rescue, and at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies, manikins, or actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative permit spaces, except practice rescue is not required where the affected employees properly performed a rescue operation during the last 12 months in the same permit space the authorized entrant will enter, or in a similar permit space. 8UJ[p$yuaM%oU}Anqm_et4%})[uB! 0000013735 00000 n Protection from hazards associated with water accumulation. <> Cal/OSHA Regulation Guidance Materials, Posters, and Other Resources Additional Resources User's Guide to Cal/OSHA Cal/OSHA Consultation Services or Toll-free Number 1-800-963-9424. 0000238670 00000 n Training and Duties of Program Manager The Program Manager, Responsible Person, shall receive the training detailed in this program as well as training on the requirements detailed in the OSHA Excavation Standard. cb9@cOcwQ(pW~4Ows8?{D+!yz+xJ]EeRJ;l?5E|hM.11_0cOYpMXHB UZ;`Hn5hZW$>a7nSP _\z"R[hhlal%8HjH^VR`G+700o Ladders shall have nonconductive side rails if work will be performed near exposed energized equipment or systems. NOTE: The following Fall Protection Plan is a sample program prepared for the prevention of injuries associated with falls. protection . When mobile equipment is operated adjacent to an excavation, or when such equipment is required to approach the edge of an excavation, and the operator does not have a clear and direct view of the edge of the excavation, a warning system shall be utilized such as barricades, hand or mechanical signals, or stop logs. Preview and update the program on at least an annual basis, or as needed. Specifically, where an excavation is more than 1.5 metres (five feet) deep, a stairway, ramp or ladder is required. Trench box or trench shield: see shield. Structural ramps used in place of steps shall be provided with cleats or other surface treatments on the top surface to prevent slipping. A ramp may be constructed from earth or from structural materials such as steel or wood. 5.0 PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES & INFORMATION Procedures to be followed if a hazardous atmosphere exists or could reasonably be expected to develop during work in an excavation. A rapid rescue is essential for preventing secondary injuries, and even death, that can occur in a fall incident, even after the danger of a direct falling injury has passed. Follow these procedures for emergency preparation: Prior to beginning an excavation project, determine and implement procedures for emergency response that is speci c for that site. EXCAVATION REQUIREMENTS Utilities and Pre-Work Site Inspection Prior to excavation, the site shall be thoroughly inspected by Responsible Person to determine if special safety measures must be taken. <> Equipment or excavated soil falling on workers (e.g., equipment is operated or soil and debris is stored too close to the excavation). A confined space rescue plan is an integral part of any effort to perform and manage confined space entry works. This program is intended to assure that: Employees who perform work in excavations are aware of their responsibilities and know how to perform the work safely. Trenching Rescue & Excavation Plan Rulemaking L&I is considering amendments to the excavation, trenching, and shoring rules in Chapter 296-155 WAC See all the rulemaking activity for Trenching Rescue & Excavation on our L&I Rulemaking page Status Rulemaking officially began with a Preproposal (CR-101) filed on June 22, 2021. Hand injuries are the #1 preventable industrial accident worldwide. :M[RM 5*)rq;s;K,~XWr Lb Assembly points Site personnel should know at least two evacuation routes. 9 Jn\Wg&@N=2l[H!S+ 8L^b(6rt}:+[eLGdF8Ol]iTw^hc59X/68K#yzad&H%'*,7J:jCXbE65p;,"ipvxgjd$}Buj%Zz']eYVF4wi9pUm&_i?YNQ!NDcCP" fH9~&h0\IVSTT+uvDKM\D1hkn$lvrq%WjO'=UQaU P;h1L6n'%R|4176O{UD The earthquake has left more than 50,000 people dead in Turkey and Syria, and aftershocks continue to rock the region. These inspections are only required when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated. P=I&.,DQX60r>EKDrR%hQHH&hRB UHIz$PYN$t-&b !DI+FJ[BYLbXon9 O+N n9hi-"\sdFI!z'(z;u"\b$_we%tjzKz0A$ub}"\H#)l`7:H}1x /}Ce%?;7xZ `0>b An$6$RU$ Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavation-related accidents to result in worker fatalities. Working in trenches and excavations is hazardous to both the workers who work inside them, and to workers on the surface.