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30’x100’ hole

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Toolbox Talk: Excavation Safety - Preventing Cave-ins in a 30’x100’ Hole

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate workers on the hazards associated with excavations, specifically cave-ins, and to provide them with the knowledge and procedures necessary to work safely in and around a 30’x100’ excavation [1].

Introduction

Excavations pose significant risks, with cave-ins being among the most dangerous. A cave-in can occur rapidly and without warning, burying workers and potentially causing serious injury or death. This toolbox talk will focus on hazard identification, control measures, and safe work procedures to prevent cave-ins and ensure a safe working environment [2].

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to the topic.

Key Points

  • Soil Type Matters: Different soil types have different stability characteristics, which affects the angle of repose and the need for shoring [3].
  • Protective Systems are Crucial: Shoring, sloping, and benching are essential for preventing cave-ins in excavations deeper than 1.2 meters [2].
  • Competent Person Required: A competent person must inspect the excavation daily for hazards and ensure protective systems are in place [2].
  • Safe Access and Egress: Safe access and egress, such as ladders or ramps, must be provided and located within 8 meters of workers in the trench [4].
  • Water Accumulation: Excavations must be kept free of water accumulation to prevent instability [3].

Hazard Identification

[Describe common hazards related to the topic]

  • Cave-ins: The primary hazard in excavations is the risk of a cave-in, where the walls of the excavation collapse, burying or trapping workers [2].
  • Falling Loads: Materials or equipment falling into the excavation can cause serious injuries [4].
  • Underground Utilities: Striking underground utilities (gas, electric, communication) during excavation can result in electrocution, explosion, or other hazards [5].

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

[Discuss the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, Personal Protective Equipment]

  • Shoring: Install shoring systems to support the walls of the excavation and prevent cave-ins. Ensure the shoring is designed by a professional engineer for excavations deeper than 3 meters [2].
  • Sloping: Cut back the walls of the excavation at a safe angle, depending on the soil type. Type 1 and 2 soil require a slope of 45 degrees to within 1.2 meters of the bottom, while Type 3 soil requires a 45-degree slope from the bottom, and Type 4 soil requires a 19-degree slope from the bottom [3].
  • Benching: Create horizontal steps or benches in the excavation walls to reduce the height of unsupported vertical surfaces [6].
  • Underground Utility Location: Before excavating, identify and mark the location of all underground utilities in the area. Use hand digging to expose utilities within 600mm [5].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Pre-Excavation Planning: Before starting any excavation work, conduct a thorough site assessment to identify potential hazards, including soil type, underground utilities, and nearby structures [5].
  2. Protective System Installation: Install the appropriate protective system (shoring, sloping, or benching) based on the excavation depth, soil type, and other site conditions [2].
  3. Daily Inspections: A competent person must inspect the excavation and protective systems daily, before the start of work, and after any event that could affect the stability of the excavation (e.g., rain, vibration) [2].
  4. Safe Access and Egress: Provide a safe means of access and egress, such as a ladder or ramp, located within 8 meters of any worker in the excavation [4].
  5. Spoil Pile Placement: Keep spoil piles and other materials at least 1 meter away from the edge of the excavation to prevent them from falling into the excavation and adding additional weight [5].

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat at all times to protect against head injuries from falling objects [4].
  • Safety Glasses: Use safety glasses to protect eyes from dust and debris [4].
  • High-Visibility Clothing: Wear high-visibility clothing to ensure you are seen by equipment operators and other workers [4].

[Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance]

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the different types of protective systems that can be used in excavations?
  2. What are the key factors to consider when selecting a protective system for an excavation?
  3. What are the responsibilities of a competent person in excavation safety?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

[Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency related to the topic]

  1. Evacuate: If a cave-in occurs or is imminent, immediately evacuate the excavation and surrounding area [2].
  2. Call for Help: Contact emergency services (911) and provide them with the location and nature of the emergency [2].
  3. Secure the Area: Prevent anyone from entering the excavation until it has been assessed and secured by qualified personnel [2].
  4. First Aid: Provide first aid to any injured workers [2].

Questions and Answers

[Encourage participants to ask questions]

[Provide answers to common questions related to the topic]

  • Q: How often should excavations be inspected?

A: Excavations should be inspected daily, before the start of work, and after any event that could affect their stability [2].

  • Q: What is the maximum depth an excavation can be without a protective system?

A: 1.2 meters [2].

  • Q: Who is responsible for ensuring that excavations are safe?

A: The employer and contractor are responsible for ensuring that excavations are safe [2].

Summary

[Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk]

  • Excavations can be dangerous due to the risk of cave-ins [2].
  • Protective systems (shoring, sloping, benching) are essential for preventing cave-ins [2].
  • A competent person must inspect excavations daily [2].
  • Safe access and egress must be provided [4].

Action Items

[List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk]

  1. Review and understand the excavation safety procedures.
  2. Participate actively in daily excavation inspections.
  3. Report any potential hazards or unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately.

Remember: Stay alert, stay safe, and always follow the rules.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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6 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 144

Open source document

Source excerpt

## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (d) an excavation or trench that a worker may be required or permitted to enter is kept free from any accumulation of water; and - (e) the slope of a spoil pile adjacent to an excavation or trench has a slope at an angle not steeper than 1 horizontal to 1 vertical, or 45 measured from ° the horizontal. - (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), if a wall of an excavation or trench is cut back, an employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) in the case of type 1 or type 2 soil, the walls are sloped to within 1.2 metres of the bottom of the excavation or trench, with a slope at an angle not steeper than 1 horizontal to 1 vertical, or 45 measured from the horizontal; ° - (b) in the case of type 3 soil, the walls are sloped from the bottom of the excavation or trench, with a slope at an angle not steeper than 1 horizontal to 1 vertical, or 45 measured from the horizontal; and ° - (c) in the case of type 4 soil, the walls are sloped from the bottom of the excavation or trench, with a slope at an angle not steeper than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical, or 19 measured from the horizontal. ° - (3) If an excavation or trench contains more than 1 type of soil, the soil must be classified as the soil type with the highest number. - (4) Subsection (2) does not apply to an excavation or trench that is cut in sound and stable rock. - (5) If an excavation or trench is to be made in the vicinity of an overhead power line, an employer or contractor shall ensure that the work is carried out in a manner that will not reduce the original support provided for any overhead power line pole, unless permission has previously been obtained from the utility company responsible for the overhead power line. - (6) An employer or contractor shall ensure that no powered mobile equipment or vehicle is operated, and that no powered mobile equipment, vehicle or heavy load is located, near an excavation or trench so as to affect the stabili…

[2] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA)

Page 109

Open source document

Source excerpt

<!-- image --> SINGLE BENCH MULTIPLE BENCH <!-- image --> - 3. All excavations 20 feet or less in depth which have vertically sided lower portions shall be shielded or supported to a height at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side. All such excavations shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1:1. - 4. All other sloped excavations shall be in accordance with the other options permitted in §1926.652(b). VERTICALLY SIDED LOWER PORTION <!-- image --> - 1. All simple slope excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1 Ú :1. 1 2

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 147

Open source document

Source excerpt

## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 S-15.1 REG 10 - (6) If a worker is required to enter a trench, an employer or contractor shall: - (a) install ladders, stairways or ramps to provide a safe means of entrance to and exit from the trench; and - (b) ensure that the ladder, stairway or ramp is located not more than 8 metres from a worker working in the trench. - (7) An employer or contractor shall ensure that workers are instructed in and comply with the requirements of this section. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s17-7. ## Excavated shafts and tunnels - 17-8 (1) An employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) during excavating, the walls of an excavated shaft or tunnel are retained by temporary protective structures that are adequate: - (i) for the type of soil; and - (ii) to prevent collapse or cave-in of the walls of the excavated shaft or tunnel; - (b) during the excavating of an excavated shaft that is 3 metres or more deep or of a tunnel, the walls of the shaft or tunnel are retained by temporary protective structures designed and certified by a professional engineer to be adequate for the protection of workers in the shaft or tunnel and constructed, installed, used, maintained and dismantled in accordance with that design; - (c) a solid or wire mesh fence at least 1 metre high, or other equally effective means of preventing material from falling into an excavated shaft or the surface opening of a tunnel, is provided around that shaft or opening; and - (d) substantial gates that are not less than 1 metre high are installed in every opening in a fence provided pursuant to clause (c) and the gates are kept closed except when being used. - (2) A worker who opens a gate mentioned in clause (1) (d) shall close the gate after the worker no longer has a need to keep the gate open. - (3) An employer or contractor shall provide suitable equipment to keep a tunnel or excavated shaft free from any accumulation of water. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s17-8. ## Bor…

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 148

Open source document

Source excerpt

## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (2) An employer or contractor shall not require or permit a worker: - (a) to enter the belled area of an excavated shaft unless the worker is protected by a temporary protective structure that is designed by a professional engineer and constructed, installed, used, maintained and dismantled in accordance with that design; or - (b) to remain in a belled area of an excavated shaft if the worker may be exposed to falling materials. - (3) An employer or contractor shall ensure that the worker precedes or accompanies each load of excavated material to the surface. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s17-9. ## PART 18 ## Confined Space Entry Definitions for Part 18-1 In this Part: 'confined space' means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that: - (a) is not primarily designed or intended for human occupancy, except for the purpose of performing work; and - (b) has restricted means of entrance and exit; 'hazardous confined space' means a confined space that is or may become hazardous to a worker entering the confined space due to: - (a) the design, construction or atmosphere of the confined space; - (b) the materials or substances in the confined space; - (c) the work activities or processes used in the confined space; or - (d) any other conditions relating to the confined space; 'isolate' means to physically interrupt or disconnect pipes, lines and sources of energy from a confined space. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s18-1. ## Identification of confined spaces, hazards, etc. 18-2 If a worker may be required or permitted to work in a confined space, an employer, in consultation with the committee, shall identify: - (a) types of confined spaces at the place of employment that a worker may be required or permitted to enter; - (b) types of hazards that are or may be present at each confined space;

[5] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 146

Open source document

Source excerpt

## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (3) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a temporary protective structure in an excavation more than 3 metres deep is designed and certified as safe by a professional engineer and installed, used, maintained and dismantled in accordance with that design. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s17-6. ## Protection against cave-in of trenches - 17-7 (1) If a worker is present in a trench that is more than 1.2 metres deep, an employer or contractor shall ensure that the worker is protected from cave-ins or sliding material by: - (a) cutting back the upper portion of the walls of the trench in accordance with subsection 17-4(2); - (b) installing a temporary protective structure; or - (c) a combination of cutting back the walls to the slope specified in subsection 17-4(2) and installing a temporary protective structure that extends at least 300 millimetres above the base of the cut-back. - (2) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a temporary protective structure required by clause (1) (b) or (c) is: - (a) designed and installed using shoring made of number 1 structural grade spruce lumber having the dimensions set out in Table 14 of the Appendix for the type of soil and the depth of the trench or made of material of equivalent or greater strength; or - (b) designed by a professional engineer and constructed, installed, used, maintained and dismantled in accordance with that design. - (3) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a temporary protective structure in a trench more than 6 metres deep in type 1, type 2 or type 3 soil or in a trench more than 4 metres deep in type 4 soil is designed and certified as safe by a professional engineer and installed, used, maintained and dismantled in accordance with that design. - (4) An employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) shoring is installed and removed in a manner that protects workers from cave-ins and structural collapses and from being struck …

[6] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 143

Open source document

Source excerpt

## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Application of Part 17-2 This Part applies to excavations, trenches, tunnels and excavated shafts other than excavations, trenches, tunnels and excavated shafts that are governed by The Mines Regulations . 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s17-2. ## Locating underground pipelines, etc. - 17-3 (1) An employer or contractor shall accurately establish the location of all underground pipelines, cables and conduits in an area where work is to be done and shall ensure that those locations are conspicuously marked: - (a) before commencing work using power tools or powered mobile equipment on an excavation, trench, tunnel, excavated shaft or borehole; or - (b) before breaking ground surface with any equipment to a depth that may contact underground utilities. - (2) If an operation is to be undertaken involving the disturbance of soil within 600 millimetres of an existing pipeline, cable or conduit, an employer or contractor shall ensure that the pipeline, cable or conduit is exposed by hand digging or other approved method before mechanical excavating is allowed to begin within that area. - (3) If an operation mentioned in subsection (2) exposes a pipeline, cable or conduit, an employer or contractor shall ensure that the pipeline, cable or conduit is supported to prevent any damage during backfilling and any subsequent settlement of the ground. - (4) If there is contact with or damage to an underground pipeline, cable or conduit, an employer or contractor shall immediately: - (a) notify the owner of the pipeline, cable or conduit that contact or damage has occurred; and - (b) take steps to protect the health and safety of any worker who may be at risk until any unsafe condition resulting from the contact or damage is repaired or corrected. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s17-3. ## Excavating and trenching - 17-4 (1) An employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) before excavating or trenching begins, if the stability of a struct…

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