The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that more than
two workers are killed each month nationwide in trench collapses. To minimize the potential for a collapse, OSHA identifies several methods for promoting workplace safety in trenches. When working around an excavated
trench, keep excavation spoils and equipment at least two feet from the edge of the trench. Also, an escape path must be provided for every 25 feet of trench. This allows for a quick exit by workers in the event of a problem. A competent worker should inspect trenches daily and whenever conditions change. OSHA defines a competent person as someone who is: OSHA Quick card: Working Safely in Trenches Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds March 2016Resources
Competent Person
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
Natural Resources Conservation Service
The term "Competent Person" is used in many OSHA standards and documents. An OSHA "competent person" is defined as "one who is capable of
identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them" [29 CFR 1926.32(f)]. By way of training and/or experience, a competent person is knowledgeable of applicable standards, is capable of
identifying workplace hazards relating to the specific operation, and has the authority to correct them. Some standards add additional specific requirements which must be met by the competent person. Standards There are currently no specific OSHA standards regarding competent persons. More » Additional Resources Provides links and
references to additional resources related competent persons. More »Competent Person
Overview
"PPE for eyes, face, head, and extremities; protective clothing; respiratory devices; and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact."
Tanks, manholes, work spaces, truck tanks, vessels, vaults, tank cars, sumps, silos, pools, pipes, bins, pits, under trailers, etc.
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