Preplanning of every excavation by the responsible supervisor is required in order to prevent problems with items such as underground utilities, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, overhead utility lines, surface drainage, substructures and superstructures, excessive noise laws, environmental impact laws, medical and/or emergency response facilities, potential for hazardous atmosphere, communications and back-up availability, and normal amounts of vibration in the area.
Dewatering as required to sustain a dry excavation must be initiated and maintained while work is being performed.
Persons working in or around an excavation must be alert to any unnatural or suspicious changes in the excavation. Any observation or concern must be reported to their immediate supervisor immediately. Such concerns may include cracks in walls or surface, water seepage, suspicious odors, change in surrounding vibrations, incoming drainage, etc.
Prior to starting any work in the excavation area, the immediate supervisor (designated Competent Person) shall inspect the excavation for possible hazards and to see that all safety regulations are met. Additional inspections will be made throughout the day as required by changing conditions and at the beginning of each new work day or work shift. Each inspection is to be documented by the designated Competent Person using the appropriate company form, or as may be adequate on the project’s complete daily field report. Any separately completed forms must be turned in to the Safety Department on a regular basis.
The immediate supervisor (Competent Person) must remain in the general vicinity of any excavation in which persons are working. Should the designated Competent Person find it necessary to leave, they must designate a qualified person as Competent Person. This designee must have a working knowledge of the trenching and excavation regulation, be able to identify existing and potential hazards associated with the operation, and have authority to take immediate corrective measures. Should no such person be available, work within the excavation must be halted until the Competent Person returns.
At the end of the work shift or when the work area must be left unattended at any time, the immediate supervisor shall perform a walk-around inspection of the area assuring that no hazardous or unsafe conditions are left exposed or unprotected.
Carter & Carter policy requires that all field employees wear a safety vest at all times when performing any activities on any jobsite not inside a building structure. In any event and at a minimum, employees working on or near a public roadway must wear a safety vest. Refer to section 3.25.2b for requirements.
Where a condition exists that vehicular traffic poses a potential hazard to persons working in or around an excavation, adequate barricades, signage, earthen berms, signalmen, barriers, etc. must be provided that would best control the hazard.
The Safety and Health Manager must be informed of any proposed excavation in excess of 20 ft. deep in order to allow for the proper engineering or optional protection system(s) to be planned and implemented.
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