3000 Ferrell Park Cove Russell B. Swanson, Director Other things to watch out for: Heavy equipment parked on edge of excavation. Answer The competent person has the responsibility for considering these factors and for determining the appropriate protective system. If a trench shield is used inside a sloped excavation the 20-ft rule still applies. Appendix B Sloping and Benching is essentially OSHA’s tabulated data for open cut trenching and all provisions of the data must be adhered to. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. An employer also has the option to have its sloping system approved by a registered professional engineer under §1926.652(b)(4). ", OSHA agrees with the many commenters who recommended that, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. The introductory paragraph preceding the flowcharts in Appendix F explains that "[t]he following figures are a graphic summary of the requirements contained in Subpart P for excavations 20 feet or less in depth. Sloping or benching for excavations greater than 20 feet deep must be designed by a registered professional engineer Maximum allowable slope The steepest incline of an excavation face that is acceptable for the most favorable site conditions as protection against cave-ins and is express as the ratio of horizontal distance to vertical rise is called A competent person may require a protective system in excavations less than 5 feet deep if there is a potential for a cave-in. Background . Since the standard does not list specific sloping criteria for an excavation with a depth greater than 20 feet, your MTD cannot meet all Subpart P requirements by simply stating that you must "slope in accordance with OSHA requirements." We apologize for the delay in responding. [ Back to text ], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Directorate of Construction, *[This letter has been modified (non-substantive changes) on May 31, 2018, and reflects current OSHA regulations and policies. . Trench Safety and Supply, Inc. Answer OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Water in, or seeping into excavation. “A protective system is not required to be utilized in an excavation unless it is at least five (5) feet … During the rulemaking, the issues of deep excavations and the use of RPEs were addressed together. Memphis, TN 38116 Appendix B, Table B-1 "Maximum Allowable Slopes" states in Note 3: Since the standard does not list specific sloping criteria for an excavation with a depth greater than 20 feet, your MTD cannot meet all Subpart P requirements by simply stating that you must "slope in accordance with OSHA requirements." If the employer chooses to reply on this option, then, under §1926.650(b), that engineer must be registered in the state where the work will be performed. All excavations or trenches of 4' or greater in depth shall be appropriately benched, shored, or sloped according to the procedures and requirements set forth in OSHA's Excavation standard, 29 CFR 1926.650,.651, and.652. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Any excavation over 20 feet deep automatically requires the use of a PE. The issues were addressed extensively in the Preamble under Issue 2 (at volume 54 of the Federal Register, pages 45898-45902, Oct. 31, 1989) and again regarding §1926.652(b) and (c) (at 54 FR 45929-45932). ], 1The requirements in the appendices, where they are applicable, are mandatory. Question (1): Scenario: A combination of trench shields and sloping is used, as follows: In this scenario, is it sufficient to slope in accordance with the manufacturer's tabulated data (which says to slope "in accordance with OSHA requirements"), or does Subpart P require that a registered professional engineer (RPE) specify and approve a specific sloping scheme for this particular project? Option 4, under §1926.652(c)(4) â support systems, shield systems, and other protective systems not using options 1 through 3 must be designed by a registered professional engineer. Protective systems for excavations more than 20 feet deep The basic methods for protection from cave-ins are sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding. The four options are as follows: Note that Option 1 applies to timber and aluminum hydraulic shoring, and not to trench shields. John M. Maas Trenches with a depth of 5 feet (1.5 meters) or greater need a protective system unless the entire excavation is in stable rock. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. Question (2): Same Scenario as above: If I rely on a RPE to design and approve a sloping and benching system, in what state must the RPE be registered? All such excavations must have a maximum allowable slope of 1 1/2:1. NOTE: Protective systems for excavations over 20 feet in depth must be designed by a registered professional engineer. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. • Excavations over 20 feet deep, must be evaluated by a registered professional engineer for design and protective soil support systems or if shoring devices are used in a manner that differs from OSHA requirements. As such, there is no requirement that a professional engineer be registered in any specific state, so long as they are approving manufacturer's tabulated data used in interstate commerce. * Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. This is in response to your letter dated June 16, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Protective systems must have the capacity to resist all loads without failure. You ask about the requirements in OSHA's excavation standard (29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart P). We apologize for the delay in providing this response. Option 1, under §1926.652(c)(1) -- timber shoring systems constructed to the requirements of Appendices A and C; or aluminum hydraulic shoring designs constructed to the requirements of Appendices D or §1926.652(c)(2); Option 2, under §1926.652(c)(2) -- support systems, shield systems, or other protective systems designs drawn from manufacturer's tabulated data and in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, recommendations, and limitations; Option 3, under §1926.652(c)(3) -- support systems, shield systems, or other protective systems designs based on tabulated data approved by a registered professional engineer; or. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Dear Mr. Dow: These slopes must be excavated to form configurations similar to those for Type C soil, as described in Appendix B of the standard. As such, there is no requirement that a professional engineer be registered in any specific state, so long as they are approving manufacturer's tabulated data used in interstate commerce. A slope of this gradation or less is safe for any type of soil. All excavations 20 feet or less in depth which have vertically sided lower portions must be shielded or supported to a height at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side. We have paraphrased your questions as follows: Since the standard does not list specific sloping criteria for an excavation with a depth greater than 20 feet, your MTD cannot meet all Subpart P requirements by simply stating that you must "slope in accordance with OSHA requirements." In the appendices, it is repeatedly stated that the details and examples in the appendices are limited to depths of 20 feet, and that an RPE is required for excavations greater that 20 feet deep. If there is anything less than 5 feet, it is up to a competent person’s discretion to determine if there is a need for a protective system. A PE is also required when there are heavy surcharges close to the excavation. [54 Federal Register at 45902]. To assure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Answer Protective systems for excavations more than 20 feet in depth must be designed by a registered professional engineer in accordance with §1926.652(b) and (c)." Simple Slope; All excavations 20 feet or less in depth which have vertically sided lower portions shall be shielded or supported to a height at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side. Exceptions: Drawings for the support of excavation are not required for an excavation: . These devices must be located within 25 feet (7.6 meters) of all workers. All benched excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1:1 and maximum bench dimensions as follows: Simple Slope Subdivision P P-27 Registered professional engineer approval requirements for manufactured trench protection systems deeper than 20 feet. Protective systems for excavations more than 20 feet in depth must be designed by a registered professional engineer in accordance with §1926.652(b) and (c). a. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. A second design method, which can be applied for both sloping and shoring, involves using tabulated data, such as tables and charts, approved by a registered professional engineer. Options 2 through 4 are applicable if a trench shield is to be used. Excavations or trenches 20 feet deep or greater must have a protective system designed by a registered professional engineer. The sides of all excavations in which employees are exposed to danger from moving ground shall be guarded by a support system, sloping or benching of the ground, or other equivalent means. Sloping or benching for excavations greater than 20 feet deep shall be designed by a registered professional engineer. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Note that Option 1 applies to timber and aluminum hydraulic shoring, and not to trench shields. Footnote 3 clearly states that that excavations greater than 20-ft in depth must be engineered. Under §1926.652(a) a professional engineer registered in any state who approves designs for tabulated data is considered as being "registered" within the meaning of §1926.650(b). Section 1926.650(b) defines "registered professional engineer" as: Under §1926.652(a) a professional engineer registered in any state who approves designs for tabulated data is considered as being "registered" within the meaning of §1926.650(b). (Those standards are codified in Subpart P of 29 CFR Part 1926 (§1926.650 et seq.). Russell B. Swanson, Director How to properly install wiring for a 24v Minn Kota Trolling Motor with a Circuit Breaker! [341 (a) (1)] Sloping or benching for excavations greater than 20 feet deep was designed by a professional engineer. December 22, 2003 [Reviewed May 31, 2018] [Back to Text], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Oregon OSHA's excavation standard requires that a registered professional engineer design the protective systems for excavations more than 20 feet deep; of course, most shoring and shielding systems manufactured today are designed by registered … Under that paragraph [(c)], employer can choose among four options for the design of support systems, shield systems, and other protective systems. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. This cut-off at 20 feet is based on the agency's determination in the rulemaking for the current version of Subpart P that deeper excavations constitute greater hazards than shallow ones. In situations where the potential for a hazardous atmosphere exist inside an excavation, such as those listed above, Federal OSHA’s excavation standard 1926.651(g) requires that the atmosphere be tested before employees enter excavations greater than four (4) feet in depth. Deep Excavation, 20 feet deep. This can be accomplished through sloping, shoring, or shielding. Stockpiles near edge of excavation. All simple slope excavations 20 feet (6.11 meters) or less in depth must have a maximum allowable slope of 1.5:1. 3. rare). We hope you find this information helpful. ], 1 §1926.652(a) considers a professional engineer who approves designs for tabulated data as being "registered" within the meaning of §1926.650(b). The introductory paragraph preceding the flowcharts in Appendix F explains that "[t]he following figures are a graphic summary of the requirements contained in Subpart P for excavations 20 feet or less in depth. c.No, because the trench is less than five feet deep. For an employer to use tabulated data for a sloping system for an excavation beyond the parameters listed in appendices A and B of Subpart P, a specific sloping design must be included and approved by a registered engineer. Soil layers that slope into the excavation. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. 2. Sincerely, A registered professional engineer must design protective systems for all excavations that are more than 20 feet deep. Specifically, does this requirement apply even if the employer uses a manufactured trench shield consistent with the manufacturer's limitations and instructions? All benched excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1:1 and maximum bench dimensionsas follows: Single Bench Multiple Bench. Dear Mr. Maas: . The shield is used in accordance with the MTD. Directorate of Construction, *[This letter has been modified (non-substantive changes) on May 31, 2018, and reflects current OSHA regulations and policies. Adequate protective systems will be utilized to protect employees. The sloping designs listed in the Appendices apply to excavations that are less than 20 feet. Green Bay, WI 53404-5017 This is in response to your August 13, 2002, letter faxed to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding OSHA's construction standards for excavation. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020. OSHA made the determination that excavations deeper than 20 feet require a registered professional engineer to design the protection: OSHA agrees with the many commenters who recommended that excavations . This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Re: Whether an excavation contractor is required to get the approval of a registered professional engineer when using a manufactured trench protection system under §1926.652(c)(2); Subpart P; excavations; registered professional engineers; trench shields Mr. David V. Dow Anything over 20 ft deep needs to be engineered. Speed Shore Corp. 14. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. Part 1926 Subpart P (Excavations) §1926.652(a) states: In your scenario you state that Manufacturer's Tabulated Data (MTD) "says to slope in accordance with OSHA requirements" and that it "meets all Subpart P requirements." Note: Excavations over 20 feet deep require the use of a professional engineer. All excavations 20 feet or less in depth which have vertically sided lower portions that are supported or shielded shall have a maximum allowable slope of ¾:1. A copy of this documentation must remain on site. A Cal/OSHA permit has been obtained for any trenching or excavating job over 5 feet deep if workers will enter. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impact a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. [1541.1 (b) and Appendix B] In addition to causing expensive damage to municipal infrastructure, hitting utility … Under the manufacturer’s tabulated data ("MTD"), the trench shields have a depth rating equal to or greater than D, MTD says to slope "in accordance with OSHA requirements" when sloping is used in conjunction with these shields. Those options not only include utilizing support systems drawn from tabulated data but using a sloping system designed by a registered professional engineer as well. (1) Protective systems for excavations more than 20 feet in depth must be designed by a registered professional engineer in accordance with §1926.652(b) and (c)." Slope it or bench it. Where a manufacturer's system is used at a depth deeper than 20 feet, as long as its use at the depth in question is consistent with the manufacturer's tabulated data, specifications, recommendations and limitations, the standard does not require the excavation contractor to obtain an approval from an RPE. – Vertically sided lower portion. However, as illustrated in your schematics, your excavation (D) is greater than 20 feet deep. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. 8 To assure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. If the excavation is to be over 20 feet deep, it must be designed by a registered professional engineer who is registered in the state where work will be performed. Title 29 CFR 1926.652(a) provides employers with the ability to choose from four options listed under §1926.652(b) in order to protect employees working in excavations. As such, there is no requirement that the professional engineer be registered in any specific state, so long as they are approving manufacturer's tabulated data. a.Yes, because all excavations require a protective system. This translates to a 0.75H: 1V incline and is shown below. Excavation has to be 1.5 times wider than it is deep. Registered professional engineer approval requirements for combination trench shield and sloping system trenches with a depth greater than 20 feet. The requirements in §1926.652(c)(2) through (4) are supplemented with additional requirements in the text, tables, and illustrations in the appendices to Subpart P.1 As you noted, Appendix F states that a registered professional engineer (RPE) must design protective systems for excavations deeper than 20 feet. TYPE A: Simple Slope- All simple slope excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of 3/4 to 1.TYPE A: Simple Slope (Short-Term)- Exception: Simple slope excavations which are open 24 hours or less (short term) and which are 12 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1/2 to 1. As you noted, Appendix F states that a registered professional engineer (RPE) must design protective systems for excavations deeper than 20 feet. (from OR-OSHA’s publication titled, “Excavations” Pub. With respect to the use of Option 2 under §1926.652(c)(2), it is presumed that the manufacturer has had its tabulated data and specifications, recommendations, and limitations approved by an RPE. . Use of Option 2 Sincerely, January 16, 2003 [Reviewed May 31, 2018] Section 1926.652(b) states in part: Section 1926.650(b) defines "tabulated data" as: It is permissible to use manufacturer's tabulated data to create a sloping system so long as the tabulated data was approved by a registered professional engineer. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. All simple slope excavations 20 feet (6.11 meters) or less deep should have a maximum allowable slope of 1-1/2:1. b.Yes, because if a registered engineer or competent person identifies a potential hazard in any excavation, a protective system must be used. We have paraphrased your question as follows: In the appendices, it is repeatedly stated that the details and examples in the appendices are limited to depths of 20 feet, and that an RPE is required for excavations greater that 20 feet deep. Options 2 through 4 are applicable if a trench shield is to be used. The Agency has revised this final rule to reflect these concerns." We hope you find this information helpful. Surcharges can include heavy equipment, stockpiled equipment, roads, bridges, buildings, etc. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. Trenching and Excavation Operations ©HMTRI 2000 Page 50 Trenching REV1 For multiple bench systems in TYPE A soil and trench depth of less than 20 feet, the steepest maximum allowable slope is 53 degrees from the horizontal. The use of either of these two categories of protective systems requires the choice of one of four design options. •20 feet or less in depth. Also, paragraph (a) (scope of Appendix D), states that "This appendix contains information that can be used when aluminum hydraulic shoring is provided as a method of protection against cave-ins in trenches that do not exceed 20 feet (6.1 m) in depth." OSHA standards require safe access and egress to all excavations, including ladders, steps, ramps, or other safe means of exit for employees working in trench excavations 4 feet (1.22 meters) or deeper. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 2304 Bel-Aire Court Following OSHA’s excavation standard (1926.52) for protecting workers and ensuring all trenches and excavations are sloped/benched, shielded or shored. Hitting utility lines. For an employer to use tabulated data for a sloping system for an excavation beyond the parameters listed in appendices A and B of Subpart P, a specific sloping design must be included and approved by a registered engineer. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. * Protective systems shall have the capacity to resist all intended or expected loads. Section 1926.652(c) contains requirements for the design of the various types of support methods for trenches and excavations -- support systems, shield systems and other protective systems. failure all loads that are intended or could reasonably be expected to be applied or transmitted to the system. – All such excavations shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1:1 for the upper portion. General Trenching and Excavation Rules For example, in Appendix B, note 3 to Table B-1, "Maximum Allowable Slopes," states that "[s]loping or benching for excavations greater than 20 feet deep shall be designed by a registered professional engineer. All excavations 20 feet or less in depth which have vertically sided lower portions shall be shielded or supported to a height at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side. Specifications for sloping and benching, when used as methods of protecting employees working in excavations from cave-ins, are provided in this section. All simple slope excavations 20 feet or less in depth shall have a maximum allowable slope of 1 1 / 2:1. Any excavation over 20 feet deep automatically requires the use of a PE. – Must be shielded or supported to a height at least 18 inches above the top of the vertical side. Sloping or benching for excavations greater than 20 feet deep shall be designed by a registered professional engineer. A PE is also necessary when there are heavy surcharges,such as heavy … Re: Whether a sloping system used in conjunction with trench shields in an excavation that exceeds 20 feet in depth must be approved by a registered professional engineer; whether that engineer must be registered in the state where the excavation work is taking place. A registered professional engineer must design protective systems for excavations over 20 feet … Some appendices in other OSHA standards are designated as "non-mandatory," but the appendices to Subpart P are not so designated. #440-2174 (6/06)). deeper than 20 feet . If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020. Question: Does the excavation standard (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P) require that a registered professional engineer design the trench support system whenever the excavation is deeper than 20 feet? require the expertise of an engineer in all cases. 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