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PURPOSE:
To establish a program for the safe entry and exit from trenches and excavations under
the control or direction of HydroGeoLogic Inc., personnel and to comply with applicable
federal and state requirements.
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GENERAL:
A. Definitions:
1. Benching: A method of excavation whereby the faces of an excavation or
trench are widened progressively outward with respect to the bottom by a
specific series of horizontal and vertical cuts to provide protection against the
hazards of moving ground.
2. 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.
3. Competent Person: A person designated by the employer who has had
training in and is knowledgeable about soil analysis and the use of protective
systems in excavations. The competent person shall also be capable of
identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working
conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees; and
of taking prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
4. Excavation: A man-made cut, cavity, trench or depression in an earth surface,
formed by earth removal.
5. Geotechnical Specialist (GTS): A person registered by the State as a Certified
Engineering Geologist, or a Registered Civil Engineer trained in soil
mechanics, or an engineering geologist of civil engineer with a minimum of 3
years applicable experience working under the direct supervision of either a
Certified Engineering Geologist or Registered Civil engineer.
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Q. As some states require state issued excavation permits, the project manager shall
check with the local OSHA office for information regarding the permits that may
be necessary before constructing a trench or excavation.
R. Determine whether any underground installations such a sewer, water, or fuel
lines are likely to be encountered. This information can be received by calling the
local utilities or in some cases underground service alert companies. The utilities
shall be supported during excavation operations. Most utility companies will
require at leas 48 hours advance notice before excavation work is conducted to
adequately help you locate an underground utility. Geophysical clearance many
be necessary to locate the utilities on the site.
S. An observer or standby person must be present at the surface of an excavation at
all times when a HydroGeoLogic Inc. employee is in the trench or excavation.
Standby persons must be informed of the trenching/excavation safe-work
practices as specified in the site specific health and safety plan.
T. If any trench or excavation shows any signs of instability, all personnel must exit
the trench immediately and are not allowed to reenter until the trench or
excavation has been evaluated and deemed safe by a competent person.
U. In certain excavations and trenches, a confined space is possible. In the event of a
confined space entry is necessary, the confined space safety procedures identified
in the HydroGeoLogic Inc., Health and Safety Program Manual must be complied
with.
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PROCEDURE:
Responsibility
Project Manager.
Action
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Site Supervisor
Employee
5.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
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3. Any trench or excavation that is suspect to cavein must be immediately exited by any employees
working in the trench or excavation and reported
to the site supervisor immediately.
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