Cal / OSHA Trenching and Excavating Safety

About This Course

Course Objectives

Introduction to Cal/OSHA Trenching and Excavating Safety Training

• Definitions and Key Terms
• Regulations for Trenching and Excavating
• What is Excavation?

Preparation for Trenching and Excavating

• Soil Classification
• Surface Encumbrances and Subsurface Installations
• Access and Egress

Hazards Present in Excavations

• Atmospheric Hazards
• Cave-In Hazards
• Water Accumulation
• Other Hazards

Protective Systems

• Types of Protective Systems
• Requirements for Protective Systems
• Safety in Excavation Work Spaces
• Cofferdams
• Employer and Employee Responsibilities

Summary

Additional Resources

Exam

Excavations are necessary in a wide range of construction, mining, and utility work. They provide access to systems and areas not typically accessible, whether underground or underwater. However, proper precautions must be taken while working within excavations to protect employees and prevent damage to materials, equipment, and subsurface installations. Persons working in these types of environments need adequate safety training to inform them of these risks.

Employee training must be provided in four situations:

1. Before the employee is first assigned duties under this regulation
2. Before there is a change in assigned duties
3. Whenever there is a change in working conditions that presents a hazard for which an employee has not previously been trained
4. Whenever the employer has reason to believe either that there are deviations or that there are inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of these procedures

Cal/OSHA covers all private sector workplaces, state government, and local government workplaces in the state. Only employees of the federal government and offshore maritime workers are exempted from Cal/OSHA. These workers are covered under the federal OSHA plan.

The federal OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P covers a wide range of regulations related to trenching and excavating. The standard includes preparation for excavation, hazards present in excavations and trenches, and proper safety measures for working in these types of job sites.