Trenching and Excavation Safety

COURSE OVERVIEW

Participants will be provided with a general understanding of the concepts of safe excavating and trenching practices. They will be provided with a clear understanding of applicable provincial regulations, standards and best practices for safe trenching and excavating work.

COURSE OUTLINE

Introduction to trenching and excavation. Background: injuries, fatalities. Review “Ontario Health & Safety Act” (excavations: parts 222 through 242). Soil types. Moisture content and weather effects. Previous excavations and foundations. Cave-ins, sloping, trench boxes, shoring, access and egress, inspection requirements, summary. Related hazards: PPE, underground lines, overhead power lines, heavy equipment, confined spaces. Emergency procedures: general, cave-ins. Quiz.

PREREQUISITE

Open.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Water distribution operators, water utility field staff, water utility construction inspectors, and water system design personnel.