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OSHA.gov Working safely in trenches

Do NOT enter an unprotected trench!

Each employee in a trench shall be protected from a cave-in by an adequate protective system.		 Safety Tips


Some of the protective systems for trenches are:
• Sloped for stability; or Sloped for stability
• Cut to create stepped benched grades; or Cut ot create stepped benched grades
• Supported by a system made with posts, beams, shores or planking and hydraulic jacks; or Supported by posts, beams shores or planking and hydraulic jacks
•Supported by a trench box to protect workers in a trench. Supported by trench boz
Additionally, excavated or other materials must be at least 2 feet back from the edge of a trench; and Excavated or other materials must be at least 2 feet back from the edge of a trench
A safe means of egress shall be provided within 25 feet of workers in a trench. A safe means of egress shall be provided within 25 feet of workers in a trench.

For more complete information:
OSHA.gov
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov    (800) 321-OSHA
TTY (877) 889-5627

OSHA 3243-03R-05
 
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 Page last updated: 05/17/2005