Health and Safety Training Manual
Section 4 - Agricultural Safety Rules:
Chapter 8 - Trenching and Excavation
Excavation Operations
The most serious hazard of trenches is cave-in due to improper shoring and
sloping of the trench. Other injuries are caused by work activities performed
in the trench. These hazards include accidents due to falling materials, machinery,
and exposure to noxious gases. Electrocution from utility lines or pipes, and
slips and falls while climbing in and out of trenches are also potential hazards.
Factors to consider before shoring or sloping are:
- Determine the location of underground pipes, electrical, gas, sewage,
or fuel lines before digging.
- Trench depth: If the trench is 5 feet deep or more, it must be shored
or sloped. If there is a possibility of soil movement, even shallower trenches
have to be shored. If you have any doubt about it -- shore or slope the trench.
- Running Soils: The more liquid the soil, the more you need to use additional
types of shoring.
- Changing Weather Conditions: Hard packed soil can become soupy and unstable
after rain. Trenches, which are safely sloped or shored in dry weather,
can be very dangerous in wet weather.
- Heavy loads in the area: Don't park heavy equipment next to a trench.
Nearby structures such as buildings, curbs, trees, and utility poles will
exert stress
on trench shoring.
- Vibration: If you are digging a trench near a roadway or where other
operations create vibration, make the shoring strong enough to withstand
the added stress.
- If a trench is 5 feet deep or more, work should be supervised by an individual
knowledgeable about trench safety.
- Always shore from the top down, and take it out from the bottom up.
- Keep water away from trench banks.
- Make sure electrical lines and cables are grounded, guarded or de-energized.
- Make sure that shoring material is the right kind, in good condition,
and free of defects.
- Place soil removed from the trench at least 2 feet from the trench
rim.
- Always wear hard hats and other necessary protective equipment.
- Notify your supervisor when you are working in a trench.
- For easy, safe and quick exit, set exit ladders every 25 feet for trenches
greater than 4 feet deep.
- Post warning signs and rope off the areas that may be dangerous to the
public and other employees.
Safelty Training Manual
College of Agricultural Sciences
Oregon State University
