Hazards
The greatest risk in excavation work
What is a cave-in?
A man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression formed by earth removal
What is an excavation?
Clay, silty clay, and clay loam are examples of this soil type
What is Type A soil?
This protective system can be permanent or portable and is also called a trench box
What is a shield?
Daily inspections must be performed by this type of person
What is a competent person?
This hazard occurs when oxygen levels drop too low for safe breathing
What is asphyxiation?
A narrow excavation where the depth is greater than the width, but not wider than 15 feet
What is a trench?
Angular gravel, silt, and sandy loam fall under this soil type
What is Type B soil?
This system uses hydraulic, mechanical, or timber supports to prevent cave-ins
What is shoring?
Temporary spoil must be kept at least this distance from the excavation edge
What is 2 feet?
This hazard occurs when machinery operates too close to the excavation edge
What is a collapse?
Critical meeting and discussion of all job steps, hazards, PPE, and emergency procedures before the starts
What is pre- job safety meeting / JSA?
Sand, gravel, and loamy sand are classified as this soil type
What is Type C soil?
This system forms sides of an excavation that are inclined away from the cut
What is sloping?
Spoil should be placed so this natural element flows away from the excavation
What is rainwater?
This hazard involves breathing in dangerous airborne substances
What is an inhalation hazard?
This protective technique uses stair-step cuts in the excavation wall
What is benching?
This test involves pressing your thumb into the soil to estimate stability
What is the thumb penetration test?
This structure must be able to withstand a cave-in and protect employees
What is a trench shield?
Spoil must be moved away from the excavation if it will remain open longer than this time period
What is 24 hours?
This hazard may occur if equipment hits underground lines
What is a line strike?
This number needs to be called in Texas before digging
What is 811?
This tool measures soil strength using a small vane
What is a shearvane (Torvane)?
Excavations less than this depth may not require a protective system if inspected by a competent person
What is 4 feet?
If hazards are found during inspection, employees must be removed until these are taken
What are necessary precautions?