Guarding and Protective Systems During Excavations

1. Working on or around an excavation can be dangerous and without correct protective systems and guarding, employees can fall into the trench and suffer serious consequences.

2. One of the most important tasks to complete before operations can begin is to have a competent person inspect the trench. The inspection should eliminate all hazards so employees can work safely in and around the trench.

3. The competent person will also approve the types of protective systems for the job. Benching, sloping, shoring, and shielding provide different features of protection and may have to meet specific soil and environmental requirements.

4. Trenches that are five feet deep or greater will require a protective system, unless the excavation is entirely stable rock. Trenches that are twenty feet deep or greater will require a protective system that is designed or approved by a registered engineer. This would be the decision of the competent person during their inspection.

5. Maintaining safe working conditions inside the trench is extremely important to protect employees, however having guarding to prevent employees and traffic from falling into the trench is just as important.

6. To prevent employees from accidentally falling into a trench, warn them with caution tape, portable railing, or something similar at all access points at least two-feet away from the edge.

7. Avoid storing materials within two-feet of the excavation as this could cause a cave-in or fall into the trench, injuring employees inside. In addition, the spoil pile must be at least two feet away so it doesn't add weight and make the trench more unstable.

8. If the excavation is near traffic, use a rigid, heavy or otherwise durable visible barrier.

9. Always wear your required PPE and it's recommended to wear high visibility PPE when working in and around excavations.

10. All employees have the right to Stop Work Authority. If the conditions during excavations do not seem right, or if there is a potential exposure that can lead to injuries, bring it up to your supervisor.

11. What are the hazards associated with the excavation we are going to work in today and how will we be protected?

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