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Trench Safety procedure

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Trench Excavation and Shoring =============================

Document Number: \[SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: \[DATE]

Next Review Date: \[NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: \[DEPARTMENT NAME]

1\. Scope

This safe work procedure outlines the requirements for safe trench excavation and shoring practices to prevent cave-ins and other excavation-related injuries. It applies to all excavation and trenching activities where workers are required to enter the excavation. This procedure does not apply to excavations in solid rock where there is no risk of collapse, or where a professional engineer has attested that shoring is unnecessary.

2\. Definitions

Excavation Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal. [7]

Trench A narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 feet. [6]

Shoring (Shoring system) A structure such as a metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber shoring system that supports the sides of an excavation and which is designed to prevent cave-ins. [6]

Sloping (Sloping system) A method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating to form sides of an excavation that are inclined away form the excavation so as to prevent cave-ins. [6]

Shield (Shield system) A structure that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in and thereby protect employees within the structure. [6]

3\. Responsibilities

3\.1 Supervisors

  • Supervisors must ensure that shoring materials are installed from the top down and removed in reverse order. [1]
  • Supervisors must ensure that shoring or manufactured or prefabricated support systems are installed in firm contact with the faces of the excavation, and in a manner which ensures no loss of soil from behind or below the bottom of the shield or shoring while the excavation is open. [1]
  • Supervisors must ensure that voids between the shoring and the excavation face are backfilled or blocked, unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer or a professional engineer, in writing. [1]
  • Supervisors must ensure that the walls of an excavation or trench are supported by adequate shoring and bracing or caging except under specific conditions. [3]
  • Supervisors must ensure that workers are not allowed to enter an excavation or trench 1 219 mm 4 ft.) or more in depth, and workers shall not enter unless the requirements of section 12\.2 are complied with. [3]
  • Supervisors must ensure that excavated material is kept at least 609 mm (2 ft.) away from the edge of excavations or trenches. [2]
  • Supervisors must ensure that every excavation and trench is kept reasonably free of water. [2]
  • Supervisors must ensure that hazardous liquids or gases and explosives are not stored in excavations or trenches. [2]
  • Supervisors must ensure that adequate ventilation precautions are taken to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases in the excavation or trench. [2]
  • Supervisors must ensure that a worker is working on surface where he can observe the workers working in the excavation or trench. [8]
  • Supervisors must ensure that an excavation or trench is adequately illuminated, has adequate warning lights conspicuously displayed, and has a barricade at all times while workers are working in the excavation or trench. [8]
  • Supervisors must ensure that the walls and crests of an excavation or trench, when cut in solid rock and are not stable, are supported by rock bolts, wire mesh or shoring or other equivalent method. [8]
  • Supervisors must ensure that ladders are placed in trenches at intervals of 15 linear metres or fractions thereof and in such manner as to follow the progress of the works.
  • Supervisors must post an experienced person at ground level so that he may detect faults, earth breaking away or any other source of danger.
  • Supervisors must ensure that the banks of an excavation or trench are shored solidly with quality materials in accordance with the plans and specifications of an engineer.
  • Supervisors must verify whether there is underground piping within the perimeter of the works to be carried out and, where applicable, situate its exact location on the ground.
  • Supervisors must ensure that utility poles, posts or similar structures are supported or removed when they are within 3 048 mm (10 ft.) of an excavation or trench more than 1 219 mm 4 ft.) deep. [3]

3\.2 Workers

  • Workers must follow safe shoring procedures.
  • Workers must not enter an excavation to remove shoring materials if ground conditions have deteriorated so as to make entry for shoring removal unsafe. [1]
  • Workers shall not stand under any load or in the area where a load may land. [8]
  • Workers must wear CSA approved safety headwear and footwear. [2]
  • Workers shall not install or remove shoring from a position inside a trench. [2]

4\. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
Cave-inEntrapment, crushing injuries, or deathEnsure proper sloping, shoring, or shielding is in place. A competent person must inspect the excavation daily.
Underground utility strikeElectrocution, explosion, or service disruptionLocate and identify all underground utilities before excavating. Use safe digging practices near utilities.
Falling objectsHead injuries, lacerations, or crushing injuriesKeep excavated materials at least 2 feet away from the edge of the excavation. Use barriers to prevent materials from falling into the excavation.
Hazardous atmosphereAsphyxiation, poisoning, or explosionProvide adequate ventilation. Test the atmosphere for hazardous gases before entry. Use respiratory protection if necessary.
Slips, trips, and fallsSprains, fractures, or other injuriesProvide safe access and egress, such as ladders or ramps. Keep access routes clear of obstructions.
Mobile equipmentStruck-by injuriesUse high-visibility clothing. Establish traffic control measures. Use warning signs and barricades.
Water accumulationDrowning, electrocution, or collapse of excavationEnsure proper drainage. Use pumps to remove accumulated water.
Inadequate lightingSlips, trips, and fallsProvide adequate lighting. Use fall protection measures when working at heights.

5\. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required:

  • Hard Hat: To protect workers from head injuries. [2]
  • Safety Glasses: To protect workers' eyes from dust and debris.
  • Safety Boots: To protect workers' feet from injuries. [2]
  • Respirator: To provide respiratory protection in hazardous atmospheres.
  • High-Visibility Clothing: To ensure workers are visible to equipment operators.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or defective PPE immediately.

6\. Equipment and Tools

The following equipment and tools are required for safe trench excavation and shoring:

  • Measuring Tape: Used to measure the depth of the excavation to ensure that the appropriate protective system is used.
  • Atmospheric Testing Equipment: Used to test the atmosphere in the excavation for hazardous gases, vapors, or oxygen deficiency.
  • Ladder or Ramp: Used to provide a safe means of access and egress to the excavation.
  • Shoring System: Used to shore the sides of the excavation to prevent cave-ins.
  • Trench Box or Shield: Used to shield workers from cave-ins.

Inspect ladders for damage or defects before each use. Ensure ladders extend at least 3 feet above the excavation.

7\. Pre-Job Requirements

7\.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers involved in trench excavation and shoring must be trained and competent in the following areas: Hazard recognition, safe excavation practices, shoring techniques, confined space entry (if applicable), emergency procedures, and the proper use of PPE.

7\.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before the start of each shift to discuss the hazards, control measures, and safe work procedures. All workers must attend the briefing and sign the attendance sheet.

7\.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Before beginning any excavation work, the following steps must be taken: Locate and mark all underground utilities. Ensure that all workers are aware of the hazards and control measures. Establish a communication system. Set up barricades and warning signs. Ensure that all equipment is in good working order.

8\. Safe Work Procedure Steps

  1. Locate Underground Utilities: Before starting any excavation work, identify the location of all underground utilities in the area. Notify the utility companies and follow their requirements for safe excavation practices. [4]
  2. Inspect the Excavation: A competent person must inspect the excavation daily before the start of work and after any event that could affect the stability of the excavation. The inspection must include checking for signs of cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, and other hazards.
  3. Select a Protective System: Based on the soil type and depth of the excavation, determine the appropriate protective system to use. This may include sloping, shoring, or shielding.
  4. Slope the Excavation: If sloping is used, ensure that the sides of the excavation are sloped at an angle that is safe for the soil type. Refer to the regulations for specific slope requirements. [4]
  5. Install Shoring: If shoring is used, install the shoring system according to the manufacturer's instructions or a design by a professional engineer. Ensure that the shoring is in good condition and properly installed. [1]
  6. Use Shielding: If shielding is used, ensure that the trench box or shield is of adequate size and strength for the depth of the excavation and the soil conditions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use.
  7. Provide Safe Access: Provide a safe means of access and egress to the excavation, such as a ladder or ramp. Ensure that the access point is located within 25 feet of any worker in the excavation.
  8. Control Excavated Materials: Keep excavated materials and equipment at least 2 feet away from the edge of the excavation to prevent them from falling into the excavation. [9]
  9. Test for Hazardous Atmospheres: Test the atmosphere in the excavation for hazardous gases, vapors, or oxygen deficiency before entry. If a hazardous atmosphere is present, provide ventilation or respiratory protection.
  10. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all workers in the excavation wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility clothing.
  11. Surface Watch: A competent person must be stationed at the surface of the trench to warn workers in the trench of danger and to provide emergency help.
  12. Backfill the Excavation: Backfill the excavation as soon as possible after the work is completed. Remove the protective system in a safe manner, working from the bottom up.

9\. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • A competent person must inspect the excavation daily before the start of work and after any event that could affect the stability of the excavation. - The competent person must be trained and experienced in excavation safety.
  • Shoring materials must be lumber graded Number 2 or better from specific species groups. - Ensure lumber is properly graded and inspected before use. [1]
  • Shoring must extend from at least 30 cm (1 ft.) above ground level to as close to the bottom of the trench as the material being installed will allow, but in no case more than 60 cm (2 ft.) from the bottom. - Ensure shoring is installed to the correct height. [1]
  • Excavated material must be kept back a minimum distance of 60 cm (2 ft) from the edge of a trench excavation and 1\.2 m (4 ft) from any other excavation. - Clearly mark the exclusion zone. [5]
  • Safe means of entry and exit must be provided for an excavation a worker enters. If workers are required to enter a trench over 1\.2 m (4 ft) deep, the safe point of entry and exit must be located within 8 m (25 ft) of the workers and the excavation must be safely supported or sloped to the entry and exit location. - Use ladders, ramps, or stairs. [5]

[5]

10\. Emergency Procedures

10\.1 General Emergency Response

In any emergency situation, the primary concern is the safety of all personnel.

10\.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Cave-in occurs: Evacuate the trench immediately. Ensure all personnel are accounted for. Contact emergency services if necessary. Do not re-enter the trench until it has been inspected and deemed safe by a competent person.
  • Worker injury: Evacuate the trench immediately. Provide first aid and contact emergency services. Investigate the cause of the injury and implement corrective actions.
  • Underground utility strike: Evacuate the trench immediately. Contact the utility company and emergency services. Do not re-enter the trench until the utility has been shut off and the area is deemed safe.

11\. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A formal incident report must be completed within 24 hours.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: \[NAME AND POSITION]

Date: \[APPROVAL DATE]

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9 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] OHS Act General Regulations (PEI Reg. EC180/87)

Page 25

Open source document

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# PART 8 - NOISE (cont.) ## 11.11 Exceptions (cont.) Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations PART 12 - EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION Section 12.1 # PART 12 - EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION ## 12.1 Location of utility lines (1) The employer shall ensure that before beginning an excavation or trench, the location of possible underground utility lines and piping is determined. - Safety precautions (2) The employer shall ensure that when working within 609 mm (2 ft.) of underground utility lines and piping (a) adequate safety precautions are taken; (b) utility lines have been de-energized and grounded; and (c) the authority operating the utility has been notified of the operation. - Operating procedure (3) The employer shall ensure that an adequate operating procedure is used when workers are working within 609 mm (2 ft.) of any underground utility line or piping. - Support of poles (4) The employer shall ensure that utility poles, posts or similar structures are supported or removed when they are within 3 048 mm (10 ft.) of an excavation or trench more than 1 219 mm 4 ft.) deep. (EC180/87; 126/21) - 12.2 Shoring (1) The employer shall ensure that the walls of an excavation or trench are supported by adequate shoring and bracing or caging except when an excavation or trench (a) is less than 1 219 mm (4 ft.) deep; (b) is cut in solid rock; (c) is sloped to within 1 219 mm ft.) of the bottom of the excavation or trench with a slope at the angle of repose that does not exceed 305 mm (1 ft.) of vertical rise to each 305 mm (1 ft.) of horizontal run; or (d) is such that workers are not required to enter. - Idem (2) If necessary to provide protection to workers working in a trench the employer shall ensure that additional shoring and bracing is added to support the increased pressure due to the location of mobile equipment at the edge of an excavation or trench. - Certification (3) The employer shall ensure …

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Page 427

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Source excerpt

# Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition (cont.) ## Work standards (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition ## Underground utility services - 20.79 (1) Before excavating or drilling with powered tools and equipment, the location of all underground utility services in the area must be accurately determined, and any danger to workers from those utility services must be controlled. (2) Excavation or drilling work in proximity to an underground utility service must be undertaken in conformity with the requirements of the owner of that utility service. (3) Pointed tools must not be used to probe for underground petroleum and electrical utility services. (4) Powered equipment used for excavating must be operated so as to avoid damage to underground utility services or danger to workers. [am. B.C. Regs. 312/2003, App. E, S. 15; 312/2010, App. D, S. 3.] ## Removing nearby hazards 20.80 Trees, utility poles, rocks and similar objects adjacent to an area to be excavated must be removed or secured if they could endanger workers. ## Sloping and shoring requirements - 20.81 (1) Subject to section 20.78, before a worker enters any excavation over 1.2 m (4 ft.) in depth or, while in the excavation, approaches closer to the side or bank than a distance equal to the depth of the excavation, the employer must ensure that the sides of the excavation are (a) sloped as specified in writing by a qualified registered professional, (b) sloped at angles, dependent on soil conditions, which will ensure stable faces, but in no case may the slope or combination of vertical cut and slope exceed that shown in Figure 20-1, (c) benched as shown in Figure 20-2, (d) supported as specified in writing by a professional engineer, (e) supported in accordance with the minimum requirements of section 20.85, or (f) supported by manufactured or prefabricated t…

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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Source excerpt

# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Trench support structures (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition ## Spoil piles 20.86 If the average depth of a spoil pile which is adjacent to a supported excavation exceeds 60 cm (2 ft), the selection of the shoring or shielding must take into account the resulting increase in lateral soil pressure. ## Entry and exit - 20.87 (1) Safe means of entry and exit must be provided for an excavation a worker enters. (2) If workers are required to enter a trench over 1.2 m (4 ft) deep, the safe point of entry and exit must be located within 8 m (25 ft) of the workers and the excavation must be safely supported or sloped to the entry and exit location. (3) Walkways must be secured to prevent dislodgment. (4) The open side of an access route into an excavation used by mobile equipment must have a curb. ## Guarding 20.88 If an excavation is a hazard to workers, it must be effectively covered or guarded. ## Excavation crossings 20.89 A walkway across an excavation must be at least 50 cm (20 in) wide, and if crossing an excavation over 1.2 m (4 ft) deep, be equipped with guardrails, meeting the require- ments of Part 4 (General Conditions), on both sides. ## Excavated materials - 20.90 (1) Excavated material must be kept back a minimum distance of 60 cm (2 ft) from the edge of a trench excavation and 1.2 m (4 ft) from any other excavation. (2) Under no circumstances may excavated material be piled SO that it endangers workers. ## Use of skips or buckets 20.91 If a skip or bucket is used to remove material from an excavation, horizontal shoring members must be shielded from dislodgment with vertical planking. ## Scaling and trimming 20.92 The sides of an excavation must be scaled and trimmed or otherwise stabilized to prevent slides of material or falls of rock which could endanger workers. #…

[4] OHS Act General Regulations (PEI Reg. EC180/87)

Page 26

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Source excerpt

# PART 12 - EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION (cont.) ## 12.1 Location of utility lines (cont.) PART 12 - EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION Section 12.4 Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations (b) CSA approved safety headwear and footwear are provided and worn by the workers, as specified in sections 45.5 or 45.15, as the case may be; (c) ladders, extending at least 914 mm (3 ft.) above the excavation or trench are installed and located no more than 15 240 mm (50 ft.) from where workers are working or other safe means of access and egress are provided; (d) the sides and crests have been scaled down to prevent loose material from falling into the excavation or trench. (EC180/87; 126/21) - 12.4 Removal, etc. of shoring (1) The employer shall ensure that a worker does not install or remove shoring from a position inside a trench. - Idem (2) A worker shall not install or remove shoring from a position inside a trench. (EC180/87; 126/21) - 12.5 Excavated material (1) The employer shall ensure that excavated material is kept at least 609 mm (2 ft.) away from the edge of excavations or trenches. - Idem (2) The employer shall ensure that where piled rock or other granular material creates a hazard above an excavation or trench more than 1 828 mm (6 ft.) deep in rock (a) the pile is located back from the face of the excavation or trench a distance equal to at least the height of the pile; or (b) a fence is erected at a minimum distance of 914 mm (3 ft.) from the face of the excavation or trench, consisting of material adequate to support the pile. (EC180/87) - 12.6 Water (1) The employer shall ensure that every excavation and trench is kept reasonably free of water. - Hazardous gases, etc. (2) The employer shall ensure that hazardous liquids or gases and explosives are not stored in excavations or trenches. - Idem, ventilation (3) When hazardous liquids or gases or internal combustion engines are used in or near excavat…

[5] Construction Safety Orders (CAL/OSHA)

Page 2

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Source excerpt

## §1540. Excavations. (cont.) Kickout. The accidental release or failure of a cross brace. Protective system. A method of protecting employees from cave-ins, from material that could fall or roll from an excavation face or into an excavation, or from the collapse of adjacent structures. Protective systems include support systems, sloping and benching systems, shield systems, and other systems that provide the necessary protection. Ramp. An inclined walking or working surface that is used to gain access to one point from another, and is constructed from earth or from structural materials such as steel or wood. Registered professional engineer. A person who is registered as a professional engineer in the state where the work is to be performed. However, a professional engineer, registered in any state is deemed to be a "registered professional engineer" within the meaning of this standard when approving designs for "manufactured protective systems" or "tabulated data" to be used in interstate commerce. Sheeting. The members of a shoring system that retain the earth in position and in turn are supported by other members of the shoring system. Shield (Shield system). A structure that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in and thereby protect employees within the structure. Shields can be permanent structures or can be designed to be portable and moved along as work progresses. Additionally, shields can be either premanufactured or job-built in accordance with Section 1541.1(c)(3) or (c)(4). Shields used in trenches are usually referred to as "trench boxes" or "trench shields." Shoring (Shoring system). A structure such as a metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber shoring system that supports the sides of an excavation and which is designed to prevent cave-ins. Sides. See "Faces." Sloping (Sloping system). A method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating to form sides of an excavation that are inclined away form the excavation so a…

[6] Construction Safety Orders (CAL/OSHA)

Page 1

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Source excerpt

This information is provided free of charge by the Department of Industrial Relations from its web site at www.dir.ca.gov. These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. See full disclaimer at https://www.dir.ca.gov/od_pub/disclaimer.html. Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders Article 6. Excavations Return to index New query ## §1540. Excavations. (a) Scope and application. This article applies to all open excavations made in the earth's surface. Excavations are defined to include trenches. (b) Definitions applicable to this article. - Accepted engineering practices means those requirements which are compatible with standards of practice required by a registered professional engineer. - Aluminum hydraulic shoring. A pre-engineered shoring system comprised of aluminum hydraulic cylinders (crossbraces) used in conjunction with vertical rails (uprights) or horizontal rails (walers). Such system is designed specifically to support the sidewalls of an excavation and prevent cave-ins. - Bell-bottom pier hole. A type of shaft or footing excavation, the bottom of which is made larger than the cross section above to form a belled shape. - Benching (Benching system). A method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels. - Cave-in. The separation of a mass of soil or rock material from the side of an excavation, or the loss of soil from under a trench shield or support system, and its sudden movement into the excavation, either by falling or sliding, in sufficient quantity so that it could entrap, bury, or otherwise injure and immobilize a person. - Crossbraces. The horizontal members of a shoring system installed perpendicular to the sides of the excavation, the ends of which bear against either uprights or wales. - Ex…

[7] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Page 428

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Sloping and shoring requirements (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 20 - Construction, Excavation and Demolition (3) If end shoring is required, the walers for the end shoring must be installed to bear against the walers that extend along the sides of the trench, or in a manner that will provide equivalent structural restraint. (4) End shoring must be designed by a professional engineer if the end shoring waler length exceeds 1.8 m (6 ft.). (5) Shoring must extend from at least 30 cm (1 ft.) above ground level to as close to the bottom of the trench as the material being installed will allow, but in no case more than 60 cm (2 ft.) from the bottom. (6) Shoring need not extend above ground level where traffic crossing plates need to be used, provided that other measures are taken to prevent excavated or other material from entering the excavation. [am. B.C. Regs. 253/2001, S. 15; 258/2008, App. F, S. 4.] ## Timber shoring and grades - 20.82 (1) Timber shoring materials must be lumber graded Number 2 or better from the following species groups: Douglas fir-larch, hemlock-fir, spruce-pine-fir or coast-Sitka-spruce. (2) All lumber must be graded to the National Lumber Grades Authority Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber. [am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. A, S. 24.] ## Safe shoring procedures - 20.83 (1) Shoring materials must be installed from the top down and removed in reverse order. (2) Workers must not enter an excavation to remove shoring materials if ground conditions have deteriorated SO as to make entry for shoring removal unsafe. (3) Shoring or manufactured or prefabricated support systems must be installed in firm contact with the faces of the excavation, and in a manner which ensures no loss of soil from behind or below the bottom of the shield or shoring while the excavation is open. (4) Unless otherwise indicate…

[8] Construction Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)

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# CONSTRUCTION STANDARD (cont.) ## R 408.[redacted postal code]. Locating utility lines. (cont.) - R 408.[redacted postal code]. Excavation; consideration of soil types; water; slide hazards. - Rule 932. (1) If different textured soils are encountered in the side of an excavation, each soil type of the excavation shall be cut to the proper angle of repose, except that the slope shall not steepen between the toe of the slope and the ground level where soft clay or running soil is encountered in the lower cut. (2) An employee shall not work in an excavation in which there is accumulated water or in which water is accumulating unless precautions have been taken to protect employees against the hazards posed by water accumulation. The precautions necessary to protect employees adequately vary with each situation, but may include special supportor shield systems to protect from cave-ins, water removal to control the level of accumulating water, or the use of a safety harness and lifeline. (3) If water is controlled or prevented from accumulating by the use of water removalequipment, the water removal equipment and operation shall be monitored by a competent person or a monitoring system to ensure that the equipment is properly operated. (4) An ongoing inspection of an excavation or trench shall be made by a competent person. After every rainstorm or other hazard-producing occurrence, an inspection shall be made by a competent person for evidence of possible slides or cave-ins. Where these conditions are found, all work shall cease until additional precautions, such as additional shoring or reducing the slope, have been accomplished. (5) When installed forms, walls, or similar structures create a trench between the form, wall, or structure and the side of the excavation, an employer shall comply with theprovisions of R 408.[redacted postal code] to R 408.[redacted postal code]. 408.[redacted postal code]. Excavation; obstructions; retaining materials; egress; guar…

[9] OHS Act General Regulations (PEI Reg. EC180/87)

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# PART 12 - EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION (cont.) ## 12.1 Location of utility lines (cont.) Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations PART 12 - EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION Section 12.8 - 12.8 Observation requirement - When work is carried on in an excavation or trench the employer shall ensure that a worker is working on surface where he can observe the workers working in the excavation or trench. (EC180/87; 126/21) - 12.9 Standing under loads - Workers in an excavation or trench shall not stand under any load or in the area where a load may land. (EC180/87; 126/21) - 12.10 Wall supports - The employer shall ensure that the walls and crests of an excavation or trench, when cut in solid rock and are not stable, are supported by rock bolts, wire mesh or shoring or other equivalent method. (EC180/87) - 12.11 Warning lights and barricades (1) The employer shall ensure that an excavation or trench is adequately illuminated, has adequate warning lights conspicuously displayed, and has a barricade at all times while workers are working in the excavation or trench. - Idem (2) Where an excavation or trench is made, the employer shall ensure that (a) adequate barricades are erected; and (b) at night, adequate warning lights are used. (EC180/87; 126/21) - 12.12 Illumination of materials (1) When materials piled along the sides of any excavation or trench interfere with the flow of traffic, the employer shall ensure that the material is adequately illuminated by warning lights. - Signs (2) When construction work is being carried out which interferes with the flow of traffic, the employer shall ensure that adequate warning signs are posted in both directions not less than 225 m (738 ft.) from the worksite, and at any intersection between the warning signs. - Signallers (3) When construction work is being carried out in areas where worker safety is endangered by vehicle traffic, the employer shall provide trained signa…

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