OSHA Regulations Excavations
OSHA regulations excavations can seem pretty tricky. There are many different standards and regulations that OSHA applies when it comes to excavations. If you are working on an excavation site or if you are a employer with an excavation site, it is important to know and understand OSHA’s Regulations on excavations, for your employees safety and for your own. You can go directly to the OSHA site for OSHA regulations excavations but be prepared to invest some time in your research. The following paragraphs are a summary of some of OSHA regulations excavations main points and standards.
According to OSHA regulations excavations the excavation site must be deemed safe before an excavation can begin. A person who has had the proper training and is qualified must do an in depth assessment of the site before hand. The contractors must know where all utility lines are located before excavation can commence. Some different types of utility lines that can be in the ground at an excavation site are sewer pipes, water pipes, and electrical wiring. If these things are not properly identified before work starts, many problems can arise and people can be hurt. All objects within the vicinity of the excavation site that could be hazards to the workers must either be removed or reinforced. Some different objects that could create issues above ground are fences, sidewalks, trees, poles, and other such objects. If a structure or building could have problems because of the excavation it is up to contractors to put some kind of support system in, so these structures are not harmed during the excavation.
OSHA regulations excavations states that if an excavation is taking place near power lines the overhead power lines must be at least 10 feet a top of the excavation site, if the power lines are 50 kV or less. For every kV over 50 there must be an added .4 inches of clearance added. Cave ins happen within excavation sites. If a excavation site is more than 5 feet deep a support system must be put in place, to help keep all the workers safe. Safety is always number one on an excavation site. If an excavation reaches over 4 feet deep, safe entry ways and exits must be built into the site. When workers are within an excavation, a ladder must always be present. It must always be within 25 feet of the workers.
When it comes to shielding systems with OSHA regulations excavations there are many standards that need to be followed. A shielding system must be put in place and taken out in the proper manner. Employees must always be protected from cave ins and from pieces of the shielding system striking them. When the shielding system is put inside of the excavation, there is not to be more than 2 feet of clearance at the bottom of the excavation. The right type of shielding system must be put into place. A shielding system that is not large enough for the excavation site should never be used.
Removing dirt and debris from the excavation site is a must. The dirt and debris must be piled at least 2 feet away from the opening of the excavation site. If the supporting structure must be removed from an excavation site, the trench must be filled back in. It is also important to make sure the site is protected against unauthorized people. Signs, fences and other such barricades must be erected to prevent intrusion. The excavation site must also be protected from traffic. If employees must work in the street, they have to wear reflective vest, to make sure they can be seen by motorist.
Working at an excavation site can be dangerous for everyone involved. Under OSHA regulations excavations if an employee must cross over an open excavation, there must be a safe way for the employee to cross provided. If construction equipment is being used at the excavation site, workers must never stand under the equipment when it is carrying any load of dirt and debris. Another important OSHA regulation excavations has to deal with standing water. Standing water can be very hazardous. If it is present protective gear must always be worn by everyone working at that particular site.
OSHA regulations excavations can help save lives. All employers and employees are responsible for following all of OSHA regulations. If you are working at an excavation site and you find it to be hazardous in any way contact OSHA immediately. If you are looking for more information on OSHA regulations excavations or are looking for information on other safety topics, the OSHA website offers a wealth of formation. Work place safety should always be number one.
