Excavation Safety

is crucial for protecting workers and

preventing accidents on construction
sites.
Excavation Safety
Guidelines
Safety Requirements Prior to Excavation
 Check excavation permit.
 Locate and protect underground installations.
 Remove surface hazards.
General Requirements Prior to Excavation
• Evaluate soil conditions.
• Design and implement protective systems.
• Identify potential utility contact points.
• Test oxygen levels and hazardous gases.
• Determine safe entry and exit points.
Spoils Management
• Keep spoils away from excavation edges.
• Install retaining devices.
• Divert water away from excavation.
Access and Egress
• Provide stairways, ladders, or ramps.
• Ensure structural member stability.
• Proper width and railing for surface crossings.
Working Surface
• Keep excavation free of water.
• Provide workers with appropriate footwear.
Underground Utilities
• Locate and protect underground facilities.
• Support, protect, or remove installations in open excavations.
Protective Systems
• Design and implement systems to protect against cave-ins.
• Consider soil classification, depth, water content, weather, and
nearby operations.
• Properly install and remove support systems.
• Regularly inspect excavation and protective systems.
Hazards of Excavation Works
• Cave-ins, lack of oxygen, accidental utility damage, collapse due
to nearby machinery, inhalation of toxic materials, water
accumulation, and falling objects.
Managing Harmful Dust, Gases, and Fumes
• Implement measures to remove contaminants.
• Properly manage internal combustion engine exhaust.
Types of Soils and Maximum Allowable
Slopes
• Slope configurations based on soil type and depth.
a. Type A Soil (Stable Soil)
b. Type B Soil (Moderately Stable Soil)
c. Type C Soil (Unstable Soil)
• Implement protection systems accordingly.
Causes of Soil Collapse
• Inadequate protection systems.
• Stress loading.
• Excavated materials too close to trench.
• Failure to inspect trench regularly.
Shoring and Timbering
• Support walls of excavations to prevent collapse.
• Design and approval requirements for deeper excavations.
• Maintain clear berm around excavated material.