Excavation Safety Program Summary

Applies to:

This program applies to all departments involved in excavation work, or where personnel must work in or around excavations greater than 4 feet deep. An excavation, by definition, is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression formed in the earth's surface by earth removal. "Grade" work not involving earth removal is not considered "excavation" work.

Requirements

Departments must designate one or more "competent persons" to oversee related work and assure program compliance. Excavations must be inspected by the competent person prior to personnel entering to ensure all applicable hazard controls have been adequately addressed.

Purpose

Environmental Health & Safety developed this program to assure the safety of employees who work in or around excavations as part of their job duties. It is also designed to protect employees, students, and the general public who work or travel in the vicinity of excavations. This program complies with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P.

Scope

This program applies to excavations formed by any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface formed by earth removal. There are minimal requirements for excavations less than four feet deep, whereas, excavations greater than four feet deep require oversight by a competent person and routine evaluation of hazards and selected controls.

Application

This program applies to excavation work on all Virginia Tech properties or being performed by Virginia Tech employees regardless of job site location.