21 Questions
Which type of trenching is used to protect workers in an excavation or trench?
Straight cut trenching with shoring
What should be done prior to the commencement of any trenching?
Notify and locate utility companies
Where should access to the excavation be from?
The upwind side
What is the purpose of a ground disturbance permit for excavation or trenching?
All of the above
Which of the following is NOT a hazard associated with ground disturbance, excavation, and trenching?
Formation of a toxic or explosive atmosphere
What is the definition of a trench?
An excavation that is less than 3.7 m wide at the bottom, over 1.2 m deep, and of any length
What are the methods used to protect workers from the caving in, sloughing, or collapsing of walls or sides in an excavation or trench?
Shoring or sloping
Which of the following is NOT a hazard associated with ground disturbance, excavation, and trenching?
Caving in of walls or sides
What is the purpose of shoring in an excavation or trench?
To support the walls or sides
What is the definition of ground disturbance?
Any work, operation, or activity that results in a disturbance or displacement of the earth to a depth greater than 30 cm
What is the purpose of a ground disturbance permit for excavation or trenching?
To comply with OH&S Regulation and company procedures
When heavy equipment and structures are located near the trench, what should be done?
Consult a professional engineer
What should be done if overhead power lines are close to the excavation?
Protect or remove the power lines
What should be done to ensure the trench is free of toxic or explosive gases?
Use a monitor capable of detecting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and the lower explosive limit (LET) of a hydrocarbon gas or vapor
Which of the following is NOT a hazard associated with ground disturbance, excavation, and trenching?
Caving in of walls or sides
What is the purpose of a ground disturbance permit for excavation or trenching?
To secure or mitigate hazards associated with ground disturbance, excavation, and trenching
What is the definition of ground disturbance?
Any work, operation, or activity that results in a disturbance or displacement of the earth to a depth greater than 30 cm
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for workers in an excavation or trench?
Temporary protective structures shall be designed by a professional engineer
What is the purpose of a ground disturbance permit for excavation or trenching?
To ensure that the work involving a disturbance of the ground does not result in any injury or loss of life to workers
What should be done to protect overhead power lines close to the excavation?
They should be protected or removed
Which type of trenching is NOT used to protect workers in an excavation or trench?
Trenching with straight sides
Study Notes
Hazards and Procedures for Excavation
- An excavation is any cut, cavity, trench, or depression resulting from rock or soil removal.
- A trench is an excavation less than 3.7m wide at the bottom, over 1.2m deep, and of any length.
- Ground disturbance is any work that results in a disturbance or displacement of the earth greater than 30 cm.
- Hazards associated with excavation include collapsing walls, contact with buried services, confined spaces, and falling objects.
- Excavation methods such as shoring or sloping are used to protect workers from collapsing walls.
- Shoring involves using aluminum, steel, or wood panels to support walls or sides of an excavation.
- Sloping involves cutting back the excavation wall at an inclined angle away from the work area.
- Trenching methods to protect workers include straight cut trenching with shoring and open cut trenching with proper sloping on the sides.
- Ongoing observation of soil conditions is necessary due to variations caused by weather and time.
- Prior to trenching, utility companies must be notified and utilities located, with protection or removal of overhead power lines if necessary.
- All underground lines must be hand-exposed under the direction of the supervisor.
- Workers in or around an open excavation or trench must follow a written ground disturbance or excavation permit to ensure safety and prevent harm to workers, the environment, and buried services or adjacent structures.
Test your knowledge on excavation hazards and procedures with this quiz. Learn about common excavation definitions and permits while ensuring your understanding of safety precautions.
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