Excavation and Trenching Plan

Scope of work

The scope of work applies to all excavations with depth more than 2.0m which includes basement
excavations, pile boring, etc. This Excavation and Trenching Plan addresses the requirements and safe
practices to ensure the safety of employees and contractors who work in or around trenching and
excavation activities performed at Jabal al sabya. These requirements apply to all work involving
excavation, digging, and trenching, grading, or ditching operations.

Responsibility
The Project Engineer/site engineer is responsible for the supervision of deep excavations.
The chief engineer will bear the overall responsibility. Project engineer/site engineer will assist
the chief engineer in reviewing the Method Statement submitted by the contractor and approve the
same and also to supervise the excavation works as stipulated in the procedure.

Documents

1) Approved foundation drawings with depth of excavation, which shall include the
Design depth as per drawing, levels, Excavation protection measures
2) Sheet piles soldier piles or shoring drawings
3) Structural drawings showing the foundation details
4) Approved Method statement of contractor.
safety and environmental measures
Method of excavation Obtain the good for construction drawings from the Architect/Engineer.
Engineer refers to the Geotechnical/Structural consultant.
Review and study the drawings well in advance before the start of construction and
obtain all clarifications from the Architect/engineer.
Demarcate the excavation setting out the plan with reference coordinates and levels.

Tips and Considerations

Applicability. This Excavation and Trenching Plan (Plan) applies to all open excavations or man-made
cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface formed by earth removal. It is designed to prevent a
cave-in (i.e., 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 that could entrap, bury, or otherwise injure and
immobilize a person.

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Trenches are a subset of excavations. All trenches are a type of excavation, but all excavations are not
trenches. See the Definitions section of the Plan to determine whether your worksite is classified as a
trench. If not, this Plan still applies but delete the references to trenches.
The Plan addresses the safety requirements of the federal excavation rules for construction at 29 CFR
1926.650 to 1926.652 and appendices, and the employee training rules at 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1) and 29
CFR 1926.21(b)(2).
This Plan covers:
• Safeguarding procedures, including protection for employees, underground installations, hazardous
atmospheres, confined spaces, water accumulation, adjacent structures, surface encumbrances, and
walkways
• Qualifications for the competent person
• Inspections
• Protective systems, including sloping, benching, shielding, and shoring
• Accident investigations
• Emergency operations
• Employee training
Plan elements. An Excavation and Trenching Plan should include the following elements:
• A hazard assessment.
• Identification and credentials of competent person.
• Diagram or sketch of the area where the work is to be done, with adjacent and nearby structures
shown.
• Projected depth of the excavation.
• Projected soil type and method of testing to determine soil type.
• Planned method of shoring, sloping, and/or benching.
• Planned method for confined space entry, trench access and egress, and atmospheric monitoring
processes.
• Location of utility shutoffs (if required).
• Proposed methods for preventing damage to overhead utility lines, trees designated to remain, and
other man-made facilities or natural features designated to remain within or adjacent to the construction
rights-of-way.
• Plan for management of excavated soil/asphalt/concrete.
• Plan for traffic control.
• Excavation permits. All underground lines/utilities (communication lines, water, fuel, electric lines) will
be located and protected from damage or displacement. Utility companies and other responsible
authorities will be contacted to locate and mark the locations and, if they so desire, direct or assist with

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 protecting the underground installations. The contractor will obtain an excavation permit from an
authority having jurisdiction before the initiation of any excavation work.
• For cofferdams, a controlled flooding plan and fall protection.
• Access to and exit (egress) from the excavation.
• Evacuation procedures.
Excavation program documentation requirements. OSHA requires employers to document:
• The methodology and background information used to determine whether shoring systems are required
and the type of systems used
• The basis on which the employee excavation protection program was developed
• The training of affected employees required under 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1) and 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) of
the regulations
• Training requirements identified by periodic inspections or changes in equipment and/or procedures,
including inspection procedures and training program for assessment and correction of situations
resulting in near misses and/or injuries or circumstances indicating that modifications are necessary
• The employer’s enforcement of its excavation safety program Periodic inspection of excavations as
required under 29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1) of the regulations
• All persons (e.g., competent person, registered professional engineer) responsible for excavation
activities and/or operations

Excavation and Trenching Plan

Policy
Pc marine will provide safe work areas for employees, visitors, and others who are or may be exposed to
hazards in or around trenches and other excavation areas. All trenching and excavation activities will be
evaluated to eliminate or minimize the potential of cave-ins, review environment contamination, and contact
with underground utilities or other subsurface impediments. No digging, trenching, or excavation activities
will be performed unless the requirements of federal rules for excavations (29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652)
and employee training (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1) and 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(1)) and this organization’s safety
and environmental policies are met.

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Plan Administration

Personnel Contact Information

Function Name/Department Contact Information
Plan Administrator

Supervisor(s)/Competent
Person(s)
Supervisor(s)/Competent
Person(s)
Registered Professional
Engineer(s)

Plan administrator. The plan administrator will be a competent person and will:
• Review and approve the digging, trenching, and excavation drawing and permit.
• Ensure that known underground utilities and structures have been identified and physically located and
marked.
• Ensure that precautions will be taken to protect existing underground utilities and structures.
• Ensure that all responsible organizations have given their input for the proposed excavation site.
• Ensure that adequate safety control measures have been identified and implemented.
• Approve (by signature) or disapprove trenching-related permits.
• Monitor the overall effectiveness of the program through audits and annual reviews.
• Conduct atmospheric testing, other technical assistance, or equipment selections needed.
• Provide or assist with arranging site worker training, competent person training, and retraining of those
who may be involved in excavations.
• Conduct an annual audit of the trenching program.
• Maintain records relating to training and audits.
• Investigate and document all reported accidents and/or near-miss accidents that are directly or
indirectly related to trenching.
The plan administrator may designate a competent person with the authority to administer or implement
one or more components of this Plan.
Competent person. The competent person must be able to demonstrate the training, experience, and
knowledge of soil analysis, use of protective systems, and the requirements of this Plan and all relevant
local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including the federal rules for excavations at 29 CFR Part
1926, Subpart P.
The competent person will be able to:
• Evaluate soil conditions and select appropriate protective measures.
• Construct protective systems in accordance with the excavation regulatory requirements.

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• Preplan, such as contact utilities (gas, electric) to locate underground lines; plan for traffic control, if
necessary; and determine proximity to structures that could affect choice of protective systems.
• Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes, and toxic gasses, especially when gasoline engine–driven
equipment is running, or the dirt has been contaminated by leaking lines or storage tanks.
• Ensure adequate ventilation or respiratory equipment, if necessary.
• Provide safe access into and out of the excavation.
• Provide appropriate protection if water accumulation is a problem.
• Inspect the site daily at the start of each shift, following a rainstorm, or after any other hazard-
increasing event.
• Keep excavations open the minimum amount of time needed to complete operations.
The competent person must be able to detect:
• Conditions that could result in cave-ins
• Failures in protective systems
• Hazardous atmospheres
• Other hazards, including those associated with confined spaces.
The competent person will have the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate existing and
predictable hazards and stop work when required.
Supervisor. A supervisor must be classified as a competent person and will be in charge of each
excavation. The supervisor will:
• Successfully complete training for classification as a competent person for trenching operations.
• Implement the Excavation and Trenching Plan for work areas under their control.
• Act as the competent person for excavation sites under his or her control.
• Ensure that the equipment necessary to complete an excavation safely is available and in good
condition.
• Conduct soil tests to determine soil type.
• Ensure that all underground utility installations are located and marked before excavation begins.
• Receive written approval from the relevant utilities and landowners for digging, trenching, or excavating
operations.
• Ensure that underground installations are protected, supported, or removed while the excavation is
open. Notify the appropriate agencies when utility systems are exposed during the excavation process
to allow the location and condition of the utility to be evaluated.
• Ensure worker protection and compliance with other applicable safety plans or programs.
• Ensure protection of the public with appropriate barricades.
• Determine what protective systems will be used to prevent cave-ins.

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• Conduct daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems for evidence of a
situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous
atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions.
• Immediately notify [insert name] if a utility system is damaged during the trenching or excavation
process.
Employee. Each employee engaged in trenching or other excavation-related activities must:
• Complete training, and request assistance when uncertain about any activity he or she must perform.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Adhere to the requirements of the Plan.
• Report all workplace injuries and unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
Emergency personnel contact information. See the Emergency Contact Information form for information
about contacting the appropriate personnel during emergencies.

Plan Review and Update

This Plan will be reviewed annually by the plan administrator or designee(s) to ensure the program’s
effectiveness and will be updated as determined by the review. This Plan will also be updated whenever:
• New types of protective systems or equipment are introduced to an excavation site.
• Evaluations of workplace hazards, injuries, and near misses demonstrate that the current plan is
outdated or not effective.
• When regulatory or national consensus standards adopted as part of the Plan change.

Definitions
Competent person means someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the
surroundings, or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who
has authorization to take prompt, corrective measures to eliminate them.
Confined space means a space that is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter
and perform work and has limited or restricted means of entry or exit and is not designed for continuous
employee occupancy.
Excavation means any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth
removal.
Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that is explosive, flammable, poisonous, corrosive,
oxidizing, irritating, oxygen-deficient, toxic, or otherwise harmful that may cause death, illness, or injury to
persons exposed to it.
Protective system means a method of protecting employees from cave-ins, from material that could fall or
roll from an excavation face or into an excavation, or from the collapse of adjacent structures. Protective
systems include support systems, sloping and benching systems, shield systems, and other systems that
provide the necessary protection.

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Excavation and Trenching Safety Program

Hazard Assessment
Excavation and trenching work present serious hazards to all workers involved. Cave-ins pose the greatest
risk and are much more likely than other excavation-related accidents to result in worker fatalities. Other
potential hazards include falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile
equipment.
Before work begins on an excavation or trench, the competent person(s) will evaluate the specific
hazardous conditions at the worksite through jobsite studies, observations, test borings for soil type or
conditions, and consultations with local officials and utility companies. The following factors will be
considered to determine the hazards associated with specific site conditions:
• Traffic
• Proximity and physical conditions of nearby structures
• Soil
• Surface water and groundwater
• Location of the water table
• Overhead and underground utilities
• Weather
Soil Classification
Before any work is begun on an excavation or trench, the soil classification will be determined by the
competent person and in accordance with the attached App A Soil Classification guideline (29 CFR 1926
Subpart P, Appendix A).
[Modify the following soil classification methods according to your methods and after reviewing the OSHA
Soil Classification guidelines.]
The supervisor or other competent person will determine the soil type using [insert your test method, such
as a visual test with one or more manual tests].
Visual Test
[Modify the following visual test procedures as applicable to your worksite(s).]
The entire excavation site, including the soil adjacent to the site, will be observed. During the visual test,
the designated supervisor will check for crack-line openings along the failure zone that indicate tension
cracks and observe the open side of the excavation for indications of layered geologic structuring. Other
conditions to look for are signs of bulging, boiling, or sloughing, as well as signs of surface water seeping
from the side of the excavation or from the water table.
Manual Tests
[Modify the following manual test procedures as applicable to your worksite(s).]

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Thumb penetration test. When the thumb is pressed firmly into the soil and penetrates no further than the
length of the nail, it is probably Type B soil. If the thumb penetrates the full length of the thumb, it is Type
C. This is the least accurate of the manual test methods.
Dry strength test. If a sample of dry soil is crumbled freely or with moderate pressure into individual
grains, it is considered granular, or Type C. Dry soil that falls into clumps that subsequently break into
smaller clumps is probably clay in combination with gravel, sand, or silt (Type B).
Plasticity or wet thread test. A moist sample of the soil is molded into a ball and then rolled into a thin
thread approximately 1/8 inch in diameter by 2 inches in length. If the soil sample does not break when
held by one end, it may be considered Type B. If the soil sample does break, it is considered Type C.
Soil compression strength test. A pocket penetrometer, shearvane, or torvane may also be used to
determine the unconfined compression strength of soils.

Surface Encumbrances
All surface encumbrances that are located so as to create a hazard to employees will be removed or
supported, as necessary, to safeguard employees.
Underground Installations
The estimated location of utility installations, such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines, or any
other underground installations that reasonably may be expected to be encountered during excavation
work, will be determined before opening an excavation.
Utility companies or owners will be contacted within established or customary local response times,
advised of the proposed work, and asked to establish the location of the utility underground installations
before the start of actual excavation. When utility companies or owners cannot respond to a request to
locate underground utility installations within 24 hours (unless a longer period is required by state or local
law) or cannot establish the exact location of these installations, the excavation work may proceed
provided that such work is done with caution, and detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate
utility installations are used.
[Many states require the “one call system” before the start of excavation work. Check your state’s “call
before you dig” requirements.]
When operations approach the location of underground utilities, excavation will progress with caution until
the exact location of the utility is determined. While the excavation is open, underground installations will
be protected, supported, or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.
Safety Procedures
General Requirements
If evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, slides, failure of protective systems,
hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous condition is identified, exposed workers will be removed from
the hazard and all work in the excavation or trench stopped until all necessary safety precautions have
been implemented.
Competent person. A competent person will oversee work performed at any excavation to ensure
compliance with this Plan.

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Worker training. Employees who work in or around excavations will be provided training according to their
work activities. See the Training subsection of this Plan for specific training requirements.
Protective systems. The excavation or trench must either be sloped or supported as required to comply
with OSHA worker protection requirements. See the Protective Systems subsection of this Plan for more
information.
Personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees must use PPE as required by their job task.
Electrical installations. Work conducted on or around electrical utilization systems must be performed in
accordance with the procedures from the Electrical Safety Plan.
Lockout/tagout. Work that may impact existing utilities that need to be locked and tagged out may be
performed by following procedures from the Lockout/Tagout Plan.

Welding. Work requiring welding, cutting, or brazing will require a Hot Work Permit under the Welding,
Cutting, and Brazing Plan before the start of any work of this nature in or around the trench, ditch, or
excavated site.
Noise protection. Work performed at noise levels that exceed permissible limits must meet the provisions
of the Hearing Conservation Plan.
Safe Access and Exit
Workers will be provided with safe access into and exiting from trenches or excavations that are more than
4 ft deep.
Access. The means of access and the design specifications for such access will be determined by the
competent person and in accordance with the following guidelines:
• Ladders used as access to a trench or excavation will extend from the bottom of the excavation to not
less than 3 ft (0.9 m) above the surface.
• Ramps used solely for personnel access will be a minimum width of 4 ft (1.2 m) and provided with
standard guardrails.
• Ramps used for equipment access will be a minimum width of 12 ft (3.6 m). Curbs not less than 8-in x
8-in (20.3-cm x 20.3-cm) timbers, or equivalent protection, will be provided. Equipment ramps will be
designed and constructed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
Exit route. The means of exit and the design specifications for such exit will be determined by the
competent person and in accordance with the following guidelines:
• A stairway, ladder, ramp, personnel hoist, or other safe means of exit will be located in trench
excavations that are 4 ft (1.2 m) or more in depth.
• Exit route(s) will be placed within 25 lateral ft of workers.
• When two or more components form a ramp or runway, they must be connected to prevent
displacement and be of uniform thickness.
• Cleats or other means of connecting runway components must be attached in a way that would not
cause tripping (e.g., to the bottom of the structure).
• Structural ramps used in place of steps must have a nonslip surface.

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• Earthen ramps may be used as a means of exit only if a worker can walk them in an upright position
and only if they have been evaluated by a competent person.
Perimeter Protection
Protection will be provided to prevent personnel, vehicles, and equipment from falling into excavations.
Fall Protection
All wells, calyx holes, pits, and shafts will be barricaded or covered.
Excavations will be backfilled as soon as possible. Upon completion of exploration and similar operations,
test pits, temporary wells, and calyx holes will be backfilled immediately.
Walkways or bridges will be provided with standard guardrails where people or equipment are required or
permitted to cross over excavations.
Falling Loads
Workers and other personnel must be prevented from passing or standing underneath loads handled by
lifting or digging equipment. They must stand away from any vehicle being loaded or unloaded to avoid
being struck by any spillage or falling materials. Operators may remain in the cabs of vehicles being loaded
or unloaded when the vehicles are equipped to provide adequate protection for the operator during loading
and unloading operations.
Falling Material
Employees will not be permitted to work on the faces of sloped or benched excavations at levels above
other employees except when employees at lower levels are adequately protected from the hazard of
falling material or equipment.
Employees will be protected by scaling, ice removal, benching, barricading, rock bolting, wire mesh, or
other means from loose rock or soil that could create a hazard by falling from the excavation wall. Special
attention will be given to slopes that may be adversely affected by weather, moisture content, or vibration.
Placement of excavated material. Excavated material will be placed at least 2 ft (0.6 m) from the edge of
an excavation or will be retained by devices that are sufficient to prevent the materials from falling into the
excavation. In any case, material will be placed at a distance to prevent excessive loading on the face of
the excavation. Materials such as boulders or stumps that may slide or roll into the excavation will be
removed or made safe.
Hazardous Atmospheres
Workers will not be permitted to work in or near hazardous atmospheres unless required testing and
monitoring, worker precautions, and rescue services are in place. Work conducted in enclosed areas
where hazardous atmospheres or gases could accumulate (e.g., landfills, manure pits, gas distribution
lines, or hazardous materials storage locations) must be done in accordance with the Confined Spaces
Plan.
Types of atmospheres. Such atmospheres include those with the following:
• Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent
• A combustible gas concentration greater than 10 percent of the lower flammable limit

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• Concentrations of hazardous substances that exceed those specified in the threshold limit values
(TLVs) for airborne contaminants established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH)
Atmospheric tests. Air quality tests will be taken before employees enter excavations more than 4 ft in
deep when a hazardous atmosphere exists or could be expected to exist. If there is any possibility that the
trench or excavation could contain a hazardous atmosphere, the supervisor or other competent person will
ensure that:
• Atmospheric testing is conducted before worker entry and continuously during work.
• Where oxygen deficiency (atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen) or a hazardous
atmosphere exists or could reasonably be expected to exist, the atmospheres in the excavation will be
tested before employees enter excavations greater than 4 ft (1.2 m) deep.
• Tests will be conducted as often as necessary to ensure the quality and quantity of the atmosphere,
including checks for flammable gases and oxygen deficiency.
• A log of all test results will be maintained at the worksite.
Worker precautions. Suitable precautions will be taken as necessary to protect workers in areas where
hazardous atmospheres exist or potentially exist. These precautions will include the following:
• Engineering controls such as ventilation
• Respiratory protection in accordance with the Respiratory Protection Plan
• Full body harnesses and lifelines
Rescue equipment. Where hazardous atmospheres exist or may reasonably be expected to exist,
emergency rescue equipment will be on the worksite and readily accessible to rescue personnel. See the
Emergency Rescue Operations subsection of this Plan for more information about emergency
procedures.
Daily inspections. Daily inspections for hazardous atmospheres must be conducted by a competent
person.
Walkways and Guardrails over Excavations
Walkways will be provided where workers or equipment are allowed to cross over excavations. Guardrails
will be provided on walkways used by the general public regardless of the height above the excavation.
Guardrails will be provided on walkways used only by on-site personnel if the walkway is 4 ft or more
above lower levels. If workers pass below a walkway, guardrails and toeboards will be provided.
Confined Spaces
Employees entering excavations classified as confined spaces or that otherwise present the potential for
emergency rescue, such as bell-bottom pier holes or similar deep and confined footing, will wear rescue
equipment and maintain communication with the confined space attendant. See the Confined Space Plan
for more information about safety procedures related to confined spaces.
Consideration will be given to the existing moisture balances in surrounding soils and the effects on
foundations and structures if the soil is disturbed.

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Water control equipment. When continuous operation of groundwater control equipment is necessary, an
emergency power source will be provided. Water control equipment and operations will be monitored by a
competent person to ensure proper operation.
Mobile Equipment and Motor Vehicle Traffic Precautions
Traffic around the excavation or trench site must be controlled and barricades, signs, and/or flag persons
used as needed to control both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
High visibility PPE. Workers exposed to public vehicular traffic will be provided with and will wear warning
vests or other suitable garments marked with or made of reflective or high-visibility material.

Barricades. When vehicles or mobile equipment are used or allowed adjacent to an excavation,
substantial stop logs or barricades will be installed. The use of a ground guide is recommended.
Loading/unloading vehicles. Workers will stand away from vehicles being loaded or unloaded to avoid
being struck by spillage or falling materials.
Hoisting operations. Excavating or hoisting equipment will not be allowed to raise, lower, or swing loads
over or adjacent to personnel in the excavation without substantial overhead protection. Personnel will
maintain a safe distance from a hoisting operation until the load has been placed.
Warning system. When mobile equipment is operated adjacent to an excavation, or when such equipment
is required to approach the edge of an excavation, and the operator does not have a clear and direct view
of the edge of the excavation, a warning system will be utilized, such as barricades, hand or mechanical
signals, or stop logs. If possible, the grade should be away from the excavation.
Stability of Adjacent Structures
Protective systems. If the stability of adjoining buildings or walls is endangered by excavations, shoring,
bracing, or underpinning will be provided to ensure the stability of the structure and to protect employees.
Support systems. Sidewalks, pavements, and related structures will not be undermined unless a support
system is provided to protect employees and the sidewalk, pavement, or related structure.
Excavation below the level of adjacent structures. Excavations below the level of the base of footing of
any foundation or retaining wall will not be permitted unless:
• A support system, such as underpinning, is provided to ensure the stability of the structure and to
protect employees involved in the excavation work or in the vicinity thereof; or
• The excavation is in stable rock; or
• A registered professional engineer has approved the determination that the structure is sufficiently
removed from the excavation so as to be unaffected by the excavation or determines that the
excavation will not pose a hazard to employees.

Site Inspections
When personnel will be in or around an excavation, a competent person will inspect the excavation, the
adjacent areas, and protective systems daily:
• Before each work shift

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• Throughout the work shifts as dictated by the work being done
• After every rainstorm
• After other events that could increase hazards (e.g., snowstorm, windstorm, thaw, earthquake)
• When fissures, tension cracks, sloughing, undercutting, water seepage, bulging at the bottom, or other
similar conditions occur
• When there is a change in size, location, or placement of the spoil pile
• Where there is any indication of change in adjacent structures

The competent person will use the attached Excavation/Trench Inspection Checklist or equivalent form
when conducting inspections. All completed inspection forms will be maintained at the worksite during
construction and stored at [insert location] after excavation work is completed.

Protective Systems

General Requirements
Excavations less than 5 ft deep. For excavations less than 5 ft (1.5 m) deep, the competent person will
examine the excavation for potential cave-in hazards and determine if a protective system is needed.
Excavations 5 ft deep or deeper. All workers in an excavation or trench 5 ft deep or deeper will be
protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system. Protective systems will have the capacity to
resist without failure all loads that are intended or could reasonably be expected to be applied or
transmitted to the system.
Excavations more than 20 ft deep. Protective systems for all excavations more than 20 ft (6.0 m) deep
will be designed and approved by a registered professional engineer.
Protective System Selection
[See the attached App F Protective System Selection guide for a graphic summary of the process for
selecting a protective system for excavations and trenches 20 ft deep or less. A combination of protective
systems may be used for an excavation or trench.]
The competent person will select the method of protection that is most suitable for the particular excavation
site, taking into consideration soil type and surrounding structures. See the Soil Classification subsection
of this Plan for more information.
Types of protective systems. Excavations in which employees could potentially be exposed to cave-ins
will be protected by:
1. Sloping or benching the sides of the excavation; or
2. Supporting or shoring the sides of the excavation; or
3. Placing a shield between the side of the excavation and the work area.
Exempt Excavations
The following excavations do not require protective systems:

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• Excavations made entirely in stable rock; or
• Excavations are less than 5 ft (1.52 m) deep and examination of the ground by a competent person
provides no indication of a potential cave-in.
A fixed means to safely exit exempt excavations will be provided for workers.
Sloping and Benching Systems
The competent person or supervisor will select and construct slopes and configurations of sloping and
benching systems from one of four options.

[Choose the option best suited to each excavation or trench site and delete the remaining three options.]
Option 1
Slope the walls of the excavation at an angle so that soil does not roll into the excavation. The
degree of the sloping angle needed depends on the stability of the soil at the site. The maximum allowable
slopes for excavations less than 20 ft deep based on soil type and angle to the horizontal are as follows:

Soil Type Height/Depth Ratio Slope Angle

C 11/2:1 34

Examples:
In Type C soil, the 10-ft deep trench would be sloped at a 34 degree angle. The total width of the trench
would be 15 ft in both directions, for a total of 30 ft across plus the width of the trench.
Sloping will be greater if the areas near the excavation are subject to heavy loads (e.g., soil piles and
vehicles).
Excavation in an Unclassified Soil
If the soil is not classified, the excavation must be sloped according to the requirements for Type C soil.
Option 2
Determine maximum slope with site-specific variables. Determine the maximum slope on the basis of
site-specific variables. Consult the attached App A Soil Classification and App B Sloping and Benching
of the regulations about procedures for Option 2.
Option 3
Use tabulated data to determine the slope. Use tabulated data, such as tables and charts approved by a
registered professional engineer, to design the excavation. These data will be in writing and include
sufficient explanatory information to enable the user to make a selection, including the criteria for
determining the selection and limits of the data. A copy of the information will be kept at the worksite during
construction of the protective system.
Option 4
Use a registered professional engineer. Use a registered professional engineer to design the sloping or
benching system based on professional judgment.
Benching Systems

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Benching is not permitted in Type C soil.
Benching may be one of two types:
• Single level or step not exceeding 4 ft high; or
• Multiple levels or steps, each not exceeding 4 ft high.

Benching may be used in conjunction with simple sloping. Benches must be below the maximum allowable
slope for that soil type. For example, a 10-ft-deep trench in Type B soil must be benched back 10 ft in each
direction with the maximum 45 degree angle.
Worker Safeguards
Workers must not work on the faces of sloped or benched excavations at levels above other employees
except when employees at the lower levels are adequately protected from the hazard of falling, rolling, or
sliding material or equipment.
Shoring and Shielding Systems
[Choose the option best suited to each excavation or trench site and delete the remaining three options.]
Option 1
Design the shoring system using the soil classification (see attached App A), timber shoring (see attached
App C), and aluminum shoring (see attached App D) of the OSHA excavation rule (see attachments) or
applicable state regulations. Designs for timber shoring in trenches will be determined according to the
conditions and requirements of Appendices A and C of the excavation rule. Designs for aluminum hydraulic
shoring must be according to the manufacturer’s tabulated data, but if such data cannot be used, designs
must follow the requirements of Appendix D of the rule. The system must be approved by a registered
professional engineer.
Option 2
Design using the system manufacturer’s tabulated data. Design of support systems, shield systems, or
other protective systems that are drawn from manufacturer’s tabulated data will be in accordance with all
specifications, recommendations, and limitations issued or made by the manufacturer, and the data will be
in written form and kept at the jobsite during construction of the protective system. The system must be
approved by a registered professional engineer.
Option 3
Design using other tabulated data. Designs of protective systems will be selected from and be in
accordance with tabulated data, such as tables and charts approved by a registered professional engineer.
These data must be in writing and must include sufficient explanatory information to enable the user to
make a selection, including the criteria for determining the selection and limits of the data. A copy of the
information must be kept at the worksite during construction of the protective system. Upon completion of
the system, the data may be stored away from the jobsite but must be made available to regulatory staff on
request.
Option 4
Use a registered professional engineer to design the shoring and shield protective systems. Designs must
be in the form of a written plan kept at the jobsite during construction of the protective system.

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Protective System Materials and Equipment
Maintenance of Materials and Equipment
Materials and equipment used for protective systems will be free from damage or defects that might impair
their proper function. Manufactured materials and equipment used for protective systems will be used and
maintained in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer and in a manner
that will prevent employee exposure to hazards.
Damaged Materials and Equipment
When material or equipment that is used for protective systems is damaged, a competent person will
examine the material or equipment and evaluate its suitability for continued use. If the competent person
cannot ensure that the material or equipment is able to support the intended loads or is otherwise suitable
for safe use, such material or equipment will be removed from service and will be evaluated and approved
by a registered professional engineer before being returned to service.

Emergency Rescue Operations

[Modify the following rescue procedures as applicable to your operations.]
In the event of any emergency situation requiring rescue from an excavation, workers will not attempt to
enter an unprotected excavation or trench to perform rescue. Local emergency services will be notified
using the standard reporting system.
Rescue operations that can be performed safely from outside the excavation, such as hoisting a harnessed
victim, will be carried out. Other personnel in the excavation will exit immediately and may provide
assistance only when their own safety is ensured.

Accident Investigation and Near-Miss Reporting

[See the Accident Investigation Plan for more information about accident investigations and near-miss
reporting.]
Accident Investigation
If an employee sustains a work-related injury, the employee or a co-worker will immediately notify the
supervisor of the work-related injury or illness, and the supervisor will ensure that the injured or ill
employee receives prompt medical treatment. The employee will complete the employee part of the
Accident Investigation Report form. If the date and time of the injury or illness cannot be determined, the
date of the last time that the employee worked is entered on the form.
Near-Miss Incident
The investigation procedures for near-miss incidents will follow an abbreviated outline derived from the
Accident Investigation procedures. Supervisors will use the Near-Miss Incident Report form or equivalent
for gathering information about near misses.

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Any person who observes or causes damage to property or equipment will immediately report such
damage to a supervisor.

Contractors
[Incorporate or reference the requirements of the Contractor Safety and Health Plan if applicable.]
All contractors and contractor employees must have their own excavation and trenching safety policies that
are in compliance with federal and any applicable state and local regulations. They must also comply with
the requirements of this Plan and any additional requirements stipulated by the plan administrator,
competent person, or the Contractor Safety and Health Agreement.

Enforcement of Safety Procedures

All employees, including all levels of management, will be held accountable for obeying the worksite safety
and health rules. The following four-step disciplinary policy will be applied to everyone by the appropriate
level of supervisor:
• Oral warning
• Written reprimand
• Suspension
• Dismissal
Visitors, including contractors who violate safety and health rules and procedures, will be escorted from the
site. Should the disciplined person request a review of the disciplinary action, the supervisor will review the
situation and make a recommendation to management, which reserves the right for final decision.

Training
All employees, including contractors, involved in trenching or excavation work must be trained in the
requirements of this Plan before any trenching- or excavation-related activities begin.
Supervisor Training
All supervisors of trenching and excavation activities must satisfy OSHA requirements for a competent
person. Such supervisors must attend competent person training conducted by a trainer approved by the
plan administrator or designee.
Employee Training
Personnel who perform work in trenches or excavations must comply with the requirements of this Plan
and receive appropriate training that will include:
• Safe work practices during work in excavations
• The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) that will typically be required during work in
excavations

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• Procedures to be followed if a hazardous atmosphere exists or could reasonably be expected to
develop during work in an excavation
• Emergency and nonentry rescue methods and procedures for calling rescue services

Refresher Training
Refresher training will be performed whenever worksite inspections conducted by the supervisor or the
plan administrator or designee indicate that an employee or contractor does not have the necessary
knowledge or skills to safely work in or around excavations.
Training Records
Training records will be maintained by the plan administrator or designee.

Recordkeeping
The competent person or supervisor will ensure that the following records and documents are kept for each
excavation or trench project in a place accessible for inspection by authorized personnel and regulatory
agency staff:
• The credentials of the competent person(s)
• Soil classification methodology and results of tests
• Methodology and background information used to determine which protective systems are required and
the type of systems used
• Records of the employee training program, including dates of training and attendee lists
• Safety program enforcement activities
• Worksite inspection reports or logs
• The aspects of the protective systems that have been designed or approved by a registered
professional engineer, including the name of such individual or, if a firm, the firm's name, the name of
the engineer of record that approved the work for the firm, and the registration number
• Where applicable, evidence that the registered professional engineer of record is in fact working within
a discipline applicable to the excavation work
• Accident investigation and near-miss incident reports
• Copies of related safety and health plans
• Injury and illness records

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