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Page 7 of 22 <br /> <br />THE EXCAVATION OF TRENCHES AND PITS <br /> <br />HAZARD HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES <br />➢➢ Persons falling into a <br />trench or pit. <br /> <br />➢➢ The area around the open trench or pit must be <br />protected using self-supporting guardrails located <br />between 5 ft and 6 ft from the edges thereof (for <br />depths of 6 ft and over). Shallower excavations must be <br />protected using barrier tape or another suitable <br />marking system. <br />➢➢ 20 inches wide wooden or metal boardwalks fitted with <br />solid regulation handrails must be used to cross the <br />earthworks. <br />➢➢ All workers and site personnel must climb down into <br />and up out of the earthworks by way of solid and <br />securely fastened hand ladders that protrude at least 3 <br />feet above the edge of the trench or pit, to which they <br />must also be securely anchored. <br /> <br /> <br />➢➢ The sides of a trench or <br />pit collapsing. <br /> <br />➢➢ In order to prevent the risk of materials falling into the <br />trenches or pits or of these collapsing due to excess <br />pressure, nothing must be piled or stacked within 2 feet <br />of the edges of them. <br />➢➢ In the presence of rain or of a high-water table, the <br />behavior of the retaining slopes must be monitored in <br />order to prevent the earthworks from collapsing on top <br />of those working in them. Any accumulated water must <br />be bailed out as soon as possible. <br />➢➢ If there is any risk of a trench or pit collapsing or a <br />retaining slope slipping, those working in it must be <br />ordered to abandon it immediately and the area must <br />be cordoned off so as to prevent any accidents. <br />➢➢ In the event of shoring up of earthworks being required, <br />it must be carried out in accordance with the express <br />directives issued by project management. If this is the <br />case, the condition of the struts and reinforcements <br />must be checked on a daily basis by personnel qualified <br />to do so. <br /> <br /> <br />➢➢ Vehicles or machinery <br />falling into a trench or <br />pit. <br /> <br />➢➢ Wherever trenches or pits are located close to <br />vehicle/machinery transit routes, the former must be <br />protected using continuous steel crash barriers that are <br />strong enough to prevent any vehicle/machine from