Professional Documents
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Procedure Manual
PURPOSE
SCOPE
DEFINITIONS
Authorized person for underground testing – the person(s) designated by the project
superintendent to identify underground utilities using a combination of blue prints and
underground testing equipment. This individual shall coordinate excavation activities
with the client (as applicable) and outside utility companies. Several individuals (such as
the piping superintendent, electrical superintendent, equipment superintendent, and field
engineer) may serve as authorized persons as necessary.
REQUIREMENTS
A designated competent person shall be onsite at all times during which excavation
activities are conducted.
1. Before any excavation can be made, an Excavation Permit (Form 17-01) must be
completed by the foreman with input from the authorized person for underground
testing (utility identification) and the excavation competent person. Appropriate
client approval is also necessary where required by client regulations.
3. All excavations over 5 feet deep shall be shored, sloped, or benched as required.
Excavations and the work scheduled to be performed in the excavation shall be
evaluated by the competent person to determine if the shoring, sloping, or
benching needs to begin at a depth less than 5 feet.
5. All spoils must be placed a minimum of 3 feet from the edge of the excavation.
Loose soil or rocks shall be removed from the sides of excavation walls.
8. During rainy weather, work in excavations shall cease until the excavation
competent person has evaluated the excavation and the effect the rain is having.
The excavation competent person will need to maintain a regular inspection
schedule during the rain if employees will continue to work in the excavation.
Depending on the amount of rain falling, the duration of the rainfall and the soil
type, the competent person may need to maintain continuous observation of the
excavation condition.
9. For all excavations 4 feet in depth or greater, the potential for a hazardous
atmosphere must be evaluated. If potential atmospheric hazards exist, then the
atmosphere in the excavation must be tested. This test will be performed by the
EH&S professional or his or her designee. Indications of the potential for a
hazardous atmosphere include, but are not limited to: gas lines, sewer lines,
proximity to emissions sources for H2S, SO2, CO, and other gases that are
heavier than air.
11. The competent person responsible for the crew working in the excavation must
inspect the excavation throughout the work period and stop operations when
unsafe conditions exist.
12. The number of workers in the excavation shall be limited to the number needed
to perform the work.
13. Water shall not be allowed to accumulate in excavations at any time. Pumps,
drains, or other means shall be used to remove water constantly.
TRAINING
Employee Training
RECORDKEEPING
A copy of the Excavation Permit (Form 37-01) and Daily Inspection Forms (37-02) shall
be maintained at the site.
Records of training of employees are maintained in the Project Office and the Corporate
Safety Director’s Office.