Questions and Answers
What is the technique that employs a specific angle of incline on the sides of the excavation?
What is the structural support that protects against cave-ins in an excavation?
A(n) _______ is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees.
competent person
What is the term for a narrow underground excavation that is deeper than it is wide, no wider than 15 feet?
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Which of the following are OSHA's most cited violations in excavations, except?
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Structural ramps and runways must be designed by a qualified person.
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Before excavation work can begin, it is necessary to determine the location of which elements?
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Before excavation work can begin, it is necessary to determine the location of the utilities underground.
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Inspections must be made by a competent person after rainstorms and any other hazard-increasing occurrence.
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Walkways over excavations must conform to OSHA standards with guardrails over 12 feet.
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Spoils and equipment must be set at least _____ feet back from the excavation.
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Which of the following are OSHA standards for excavations?
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What is the weight of moist soil per cubic foot?
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Which soil type is the least stable?
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Type C soil cannot be benched.
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A 10-foot column of dirt could weigh up to 1,200 pounds.
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Soil cannot be Type A if it is:
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Which of the following is required for protective system equipment?
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Hydraulic shoring must be checked weekly for defective parts.
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If it is determined to be unsuitable, all equipment must be removed from service until _______ approves it for use.
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OSHA requires that all excavations in which employees could potentially be exposed to cave-ins be protected by:
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Match the following soil types with their characteristics:
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Sloping or benching for excavations greater than 20 feet deep must be designed by a registered professional engineer.
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The steepest incline of an excavation face acceptable for protection against cave-ins is called the ______.
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Benching is allowed in Type C soil.
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What provides a critical safety advantage because workers do not have to enter the trench to install them?
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Shields may be used in combination with benching and shoring.
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Any modifications to shields must be approved by the ______.
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Hydraulic shoring must be checked at least ______ for leaking hoses and/or cylinders.
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Where oxygen deficiency exists, atmospheres in the excavation must be tested before employees enter excavations greater than ______ in depth.
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Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavation-related accidents to result in worker fatalities.
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Most accidents occur in trenches _____ feet deep.
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A condition that contributes to a serious hazard during excavation operations includes:
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Fire is not considered a hazard associated with excavations.
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A competent person is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and has authorization to take prompt corrective measures.
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______ are the deadliest excavation hazards.
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It is permissible to enter an excavation to get a soil sample.
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Type C soil is the least stable soil.
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What type of soil cannot be benched?
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The primary types of protective systems are sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding.
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Spoil piles and/or equipment must be kept at least ___ feet back from the edge of the excavation.
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All excavations over ______ feet in depth must be designed by a registered professional engineer.
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Protective systems are selected and constructed by the employer, regardless of required performance criteria.
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Study Notes
Excavation Safety and Regulations
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Sloping and Shoring: Sloping involves creating an angled incline on excavation sides to prevent cave-ins, while shoring provides structural support to safeguard excavation walls.
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Competent Person: Defined as an individual who can identify hazardous conditions and has the authority to take corrective actions to ensure safety.
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Trench Definition: An excavation narrower than 15 feet (4.5 meters) and deeper than it is wide is classified as a trench.
OSHA Violations and Requirements
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Most Cited Violations: Annual inspections by a competent person are not among the most cited violations related to excavations.
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Utilities Location: Before excavation begins, determining the location of underground utilities is mandatory to mitigate hazards.
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Inspection After Rain: Inspections by a competent person are required following rainstorms or other hazard-increasing events.
Soil Types and Stability
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Types of Soil:
- Type A: Cohesive soil with high stability.
- Type B: Granular soil, less stable than Type A but more stable than Type C.
- Type C: Cohesion-less soil, least stable; cannot be benched.
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Weight of Soil: A 10-foot column of dirt can weigh up to 1,200 pounds, illustrating the heavy loads that excavations may encounter.
Protective Systems in Excavation
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Protective System Design: Any excavation over 20 feet in depth must be designed by a registered professional engineer.
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Shoring Methods: Common types of shoring include timber and aluminum shoring, with aluminum hydraulic shoring providing critical safety advantages.
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Hydraulic Shoring: Should be inspected daily for leaks or defects; modifications to equipment must be manufacturer-approved.
Safety Hazards
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Cave-ins: Represent the leading risk in excavation work, contributing significantly to worker fatalities; they are categorized as the deadliest excavation hazard.
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Fire Hazards: Contrary to some assumptions, fire is considered a significant risk associated with excavation activities.
General Safety Regulations
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Spoil Piles: Must be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation to prevent collapse.
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Soil Sampling: Entering an excavation solely to obtain soil samples is not permitted under safety guidelines.
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Protective Systems Construction: Employers are responsible for selecting protective systems but must adhere to performance criteria established by OSHA.
Safety Guidelines Summary
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Oxygen Deficiency: Excavations exceeding 4 feet in depth must be tested for oxygen levels to prevent hazardous atmospheres.
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Training and Acknowledgment: It is critical that all workers are trained to understand the risks of cave-ins and the proper use of protective systems.
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Hazardous Conditions: A competent person is crucial in identifying and correcting any unsanitary or dangerous conditions in excavation areas.
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Description
Test your knowledge on excavation techniques and safety guidelines with these OSHA flashcards. This quiz covers essential vocabulary and definitions related to excavation safety and the methods used to prevent hazards in the workplace.
