What is a Trench?

A trench refers to a long narrow hole made below the ground surface. As a rule, the depth of any trench is more than its width, but according to OSHA standards, the width of such an excavation should be up to 15 feet not measured at its bottom. This definition helps establish safety standards necessary for various types of excavation.

Understanding OSHA Trenching Standards

Key OSHA Trenching Safety Requirements

Protective Systems

One of the main aspects ensuring safety in trenches is using supporting systems. Unless an excavation is entirely in stable rock, those deeper than five feet must have protective systems according to OSHA (The Office of the Federal Register). They are:

Access and Egress

All trenches must have safe entrances and exits provided by employers (The Office of the Federal Register). Ladders, ramps or other similar means used by workers should be within 25 feet from all personnel working on ditches of more than four feet deep.

Trench Inspections

Every day and whenever conditions change, a competent person has to investigate the ditch. This person must be able to know what hazards are present and can happen, and have authority for taking actions to eliminate them.

Hazardous Atmospheres

The OSHA particularly requires that atmospheric testing should be carried out in the cases where trenches are deeper than 4feet so that there is a possibility of hazardous atmosphere (Federal Register). Oxygen levels, explosive gases and contaminants’ presence is checked as well.

Water Accumulation

Any water accumulation that occurs while working in ditches should not endanger employees. Measures such as special supports or shield systems must be taken by employers to prevent collapse into and drowning from trenches.

Common Hazards and Control Measures

Cave-Ins

Many people die because of cave-ins which are considered as the most dangerous hazard related with trenching (The Office of the Federal Register). Protective systems, proper sloping and regular inspections help in averting this situation.

Falls

Failure to install barriers or covers can result in workers falling into ditches. In order to prevent falls at construction sites, it is compulsory for a company to use barricades or handrails among other safety measures (The Office of the Federal Register).

Falling Loads

Workers who work inside trenches face grave danger when materials drop on them from above ground level (Federal Register). Employers should keep heavy machinery away from trench edges and avoid storing materials near trenches.

Hazardous Substances

Trenching might expose individuals to toxic substances such as poisonous gaseous mixtures or contaminated soil that may cause diseases (The Office of the Federal Register). Proper air testing and ventilation are necessary preventative measures.

Download Trenching Safety OSHA Pdf

Trenching work, as necessary as it is, exposes one to grave danger. Observing the trenching standards provided by OSHA is not only a legal duty but also a moral commitment to safeguard workers against fatal misfortunes. To ensure that all personnel involved in trenching are well conversant with their assigned duties, protective systems are fitted and constant checks done to create safety at workplace.