At what depth must an excavation be supported?
*Each country will have specific regulations. For example, OSHA in the United States still specifies a depth that trench shoring must be used, which is currently 5 ft or 1.5 metres deep. However, if the trench is less than this depth, a competent person must determine if a protective system is required.
What is considered a deep excavation?
Deep excavations, on the other hand, are defined as being any excavation which is more than 4.5 metres in depth – a considerable height indeed. Deep excavations are trickier to plan and implement than shallow excavations, for a variety of reasons, which is why they tend to only be carried out by trained professionals.
What are the rules for careful excavation?
How is Excavation Done Safely?
- Inspect trenches daily before work begins.
- Check weather conditions before work, be mindful of rain and storms.
- Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
- Be mindful of the location of utilities underground.
- Always wear proper protective equipment.
- Don’t work beneath raised loads.
How deep can you excavation without shoring?
Trenches 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep or greater require a protective system unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. If less than 5 feet deep, a competent person may determine that a protective system is not required.
What is the safest way to get out of a deep excavation?
Support the excavation as you go along. Prevent people and materials falling in – with barriers strong enough not to collapse if someone falls against them. Keep plant and materials away from the edge. Avoid underground services – use relevant service drawings, service locating devices and safe digging practice.
At what depth is a trench considered a confined space?
4 feet
In the United States, any pit or trench with a depth equal to or greater than 4 feet is classified as a permit-required confined space.