Field Safety Module # 2 – Confined Space and Excavation

SY 2021-2022

Field Safety Module # 2 Confined Space and Excavation 1

 SECTION ONE

Introduction

A. Atmospheric hazard – A potential danger in the air or a condition of poor air quality.

B. Combustible – Air or materials that can explode and cause a fire.

C. Competent person – A person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable

hazards in the area or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or

dangerous to employees and who has the authority to take prompt corrective

measures to fix the problem.

D. Confined Space – Spaces on a job site are considered confined when they are

large enough to enter and perform work, but have limited or restricted means of entry

and exit. Confined space are not designed for continuous occupancy.

E. Hypothermia – A life-threatening condition caused by exposure to very cold

temperature.

F. Non-permit confined space (NPCS) – A work space free of any atmospheric,

physical, electrical, and mechanical hazards that can cause death or injury.

G. Oxygen-deficient – An atmosphere in which there is not enough oxygen. This is

usually considered less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume.

H. Oxygen-enriched – An atmosphere in which there is too much oxygen. This is

usually considered more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume.

I. Permit-required confined space (PRCS) – A confined space that has real or

possible hazards. These hazards can be atmospheric, physical, electrical or

mechanical.

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 J. Qualified person – A company – approved or otherwise designed individual that

has confined space training. The qualified person tests the air in a confined space

for oxygen content, explosive gases or vapors, and toxic chemicals before worker

entry.

K. Zero-entry state – The elimination or neutralization of any residual energy in a

system.

Section 1.0.0 Safety Requirements for Working in Confined Spaces

A. OSHA defines a confined space as any space that meets the following conditions:

B. Is large enough and configured in such a way that an employee can enter and

perform assigned work

C. Has limited or restricted means of entry and exit

D. Is not designed for continuous occupancy

E. Some of the confined spaces you may work in include the following:

Manhole, Boilers, Trenches, Sewers, Underground utility vaults, Pipelines,

Pits, Air ducts, and Process vessels.

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Section 1.1.0 Confined Space Classifications

A. The two classifications are non-permit and permit-required.

Section 1.1.1 Non-permit Confined Space (NPCS)

A. A non-permit confined space (NPCS) is a work space free of any atmospheric,

physical, electrical, and mechanical hazards that can cause death or injury.

Section 1.1.2 Permit-required Confined Space (PRCS)

A. A permit-required confined space (PRCS) is a confined space that has real or

possible hazards. These hazards can be atmospheric, physical, electrical, or

mechanical.

B. No one may enter a confined space unless they have been properly trained and

have a valid entry permit.

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Section 1.2.0 Confined Space Entry Permit

A. Entry permit must include the following:

→ A description of the space and the type of work that will be done.

→ The date the permit is valid and how long it lasts.

→ Results for all atmospheric testing including oxygen, toxin, and flammable

material levels.

→ The name and signature of the entry supervisor.

→ A list of all workers, including supervisors, who are authorized to enter the site.

→ The means by which workers and supervisors will communicate with each other.

→ Special equipment and procedure that are to be used during the job.

→ Other permit needed for work done in the space such as welding.

→ The contact information for the emergency response rescue team.

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Section 1.3.0 Hazards Associated with Working in Confined Space.

Section 1.3.0 Atmospheric Hazards

A. When the oxygen in a confined space is reduced, it becomes harder to breathe.

Too much oxygen in a confined space is a fire hazard and can cause explosions.

B. Air in a confined space becomes combustible when chemicals or gases reach a

certain concentration. A spark or flame will cause an explosion in a combustible

atmosphere.

C. The toxins associated with products used in a confined space will be found on the

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) attached to the entry permit. Some toxins, such as carbon

monoxide, cannot be detected by sight or smell.

D. Various instruments are used to test and monitor confined-space atmospheres.

Atmospheric tests must be done in a specific order.

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Section 1.3.2 Physical Hazard

A. Electric shock can occur when power tools and line cords are used in an area

where there are wet floors or surfaces.

B. Purging happens when toxic, corrosive, or natural gases enter and mix with the air

in a confined space

C. Materials or equipment can fall into confined spaces and strike workers.

D. Engulfment occurs when a worker is buried alive by a liquid or material that enters

a confined space.

E. Confined spaces that are too hot or too cold can be hazardous to workers. Another

temperature-related hazard in a confined space is steam

F. Noise in a confined space can be very loud. This happens because the size of the

space is small and sound bounces off the walls.

G. Workers can get seriously hurt by slips and falls on slick or wet surfaces

H. Workers can get struck or trapped by moving parts such as augers or belts.

Section 1.4.1 Duties of Entrants

A. Make sure they have a valid entry permit.

B. Know the atmospheric, fire, and toxic contamination hazards.

C. Use the specified personal protective equipment, including face and eye

protection, gloves, aprons, and coveralls as required.

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 D. Stay in contact with the attendant to make sure they are being monitored and can

be told to evacuate, if needed.

E. Alert the attendant when warning signs or symptoms of exposure exist.

F. Know how to escape when necessary.

G. Exit the space immediately upon hearing an evacuation alarm or if an uncontrolled

hazard is detected within the space

Section 1.4.2 Attendants

The duties of a confined-space attendant include the following:

A. Set up station at the exit of the confined space.

B. Keep count of the personnel inside.

C. Know what work is allowed or disallowed in the space.

D. Know how to monitor for safety.

E. Test the atmosphere remotely using a probe and recognize safe and unsafe levels.

F. Maintain contact with entrants and be able to recognize symptoms of physical

distress.

G. Order evacuation when problems occur.

H. Know how to call rescuers and use the alarm system.

I. Refuse entry to unauthorized personnel.

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 J. Never enter the space for rescue attempts.

Section 1.4.3 Entry Supervisor

The duties of an entry supervisor include the following:

A. Authorize and oversee entry.

B. Be well trained in entry procedures.

C. Know the hazards of the confined space.

D. Make sure entry permits are correct and complete.

E. Make sure that proper lockout/tagout procedures are performed.

F. Make sure that all equipment required for entry is available and understand how it

works.

G. Make sure that workers understand the job.

H. Know rescue plans and rescue workers.

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 I. Be responsible for canceling entry authorization and terminating entry when

unacceptable conditions are present or when the job is completed.

J. Evaluate problems and recognize when re-entry is safe.

K. Ensure that explosion-proof equipment is used.

L. Notify all workers in the area or facility that work is being done in a confined space.

Section 1.4.4 Rescue Workers

Rescue workers have a responsibility to do the following:

A. Know the hazards of the confined space.

B. Know the proper use of personal protective and rescue equipment, including

respirators.

C. Practice rescue operations and know how to perform rescues.

D. Be trained in first aid and CPR.

E. Know the company’s confined-space rescue program.

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Section 1.5.0 Safegusrds required When Working in a Confined Space

A. Continuous monitoring and testing by a qualified person

B. Continuous ventilation

C. PPE as listed on the entry permit

D. Additional controls including traffic management, barriers and barricades, and

lockout/tagout (LOTO) of all energy sources

E. Effective communications between entrants and attendant

F. Specialized training for each member of the team

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 SECTION TWO

EXCAVATIONS
Introduction:

A. Angle of repose – The greatest angle above the horizontal place at which a

material will adjust without sliding.

B. Benching – A method of protecting workers from cave-ins by excavating the sides

of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps usually with

vertical or near vertical surfaces between levels.

C. Carbonation – A chemical process in which carbon accumulates and cause a

breakdown of surrounding minerals such as dirt.

D. Compression strength – The ability of soil to hold a heavy weight.

E. Cross braces – The horizontal member of a shoring installed perpendicular to the

sides of the excavation the ends of which bear against either uprights or walers.

F. Hydration – A chemical process in which water or liquids accumulates and cause

a breakdown of surrounding minerals such as dirt.

G. Oxidation – A chemical process in which oxygen accumulates and causes a

breakdown of surrounding minerals such as dirt.

H. Protective system – A method of protecting employees from cave-ins from

material that could fall or roll from an excavation face or into an excavation or from

the collapse of adjacent structures. Protective systems include support systems,

sloping and benching systems and shielding syatem.

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 I. Shield – A structure that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in

and thereby protect employees within the structure. Shields can be permanent

structures or can be designed to be portable and moved along as work progresses.

Additionally shield can be either pre-manufactured.

J. Shoring – A structure such as metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber shoring

system that supports the sides of an excavation and is designed to prevent cave-

ins.

K. Subsidence – A depression in the earth that is caused by unbalanced stresses in

the soil surrounding as excavation.

L. Upright – The vertical members of a trench shoring system placed in contact with

the earth and usually positioned so that individual members do not contact each

other.

Section 2.0.0 Safety Requirements for Working in Excavations

F. During an excavation, earth is removed from the ground, creating trench. The soil

that is removed from the ground is called spoil.

G. When the earth is removed from the ground, extreme pressures may be generated

on the trench walls. If the walls are not properly secured by shoring, sloping, or

shielding they will collapse.

H. The collapse of unsupported trench walls can instantly crush and bury workers.

I. One cubic yard of earth weighs approximately 3,000 pounds—the weight of a

small car.

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Section 2.1.1 Soil Hazards

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Section 2.1.2 Conditions that can lead to trench failure collapse

A. Disturbed soil from previously excavated ground.

B. Trench intersections where large corners of earth can break away.

C. A narrow right – of – way causing heavy equipment to be too close to the edge to

the trench.

D. Vibrations from construction equipment, nearby traffic, or trains.

E. Increased subsurface water that causes soil to become saturated, and therefore

unstable.

F. Drying of exposed trench walls that cause the natural moisture that binds together

soil particles to be lost.

G. Inclined layers of soil dipping into the trench, causing layers of different types of soil

to slide one upon the other and cause the trench walls to collapse.
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Section 2.2.0 Safeguards Required When Working in an Excavation

A. Never enter an excavation without the approval of a competent person on site.

B. Inspect the excavation daily for changes in the excavation environment, such as

rain, frost, or severe vibration from nearby heavy equipment.

C. Never enter an excavation until the excavation has been inspected and any

required permits have been secured.

D. Wear protective clothing and equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses,

work boots, and gloves. Use respirator equipment if necessary.

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 E. Wear traffic warning vests that are marked with or made of reflective or highly

visible material if you are exposed to vehicle traffic.

F. Get out of the trench immediately if water starts to accumulate in the trench.

G. Do not walk under loads being handled by power shovels, derricks, or hoists.

H. Stay clear of any vehicle that is being loaded.

I. Be alert. Watch and listen for possible dangers.

J. Do not work above or below a co-worker on a sloped or benched excavation wall.

K. Barricade access to excavations to protect pedestrians and vehicles.

L. Check with your supervisor to see if workers entering the excavation need

excavation entry permits.

M. Ladders and ramps used as exits must be located every 25' in any trench that

is over 4' deep.

N. Make sure someone is on top to watch the walls when you enter a trench.

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 O. Make sure you are never alone in a trench. Two people can cover each other’s

blind spots.

P. Keep tools, equipment, and the excavated dirt at least 2' from the edge of the

excavation.

Q. Make sure shoring, trench boxes, benching, or sloping are used for excavations and

trenches over 5' deep.

R. Stop work immediately if there is any potential for a cave-in. Make sure any

problems are corrected before starting work again.

Section 2.2.1 Ladders

A. Ladder side rails must extend a minimum of 3' above the landing.

B. Ladders must have nonconductive side rails if work will be performed near

equipment or systems using electricity.

C. Two or more ladders must be used where 25 or more workers are working in

an excavation in which ladders serve as the primary means of entry and exit or

where ladders are used for two-way traffic in and out of the trench.

D. All ladders must be inspected before each use for signs of damage or defects.

E. Damaged ladders should be labeled Do Not Use and removed from service

until repaired.

F. Use ladders only on stable or level surfaces.

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 G. Secure ladders when they are used in any location where they can be displaced by

excavation activities or traffic.

H. While on a ladder, do not carry any object or load that could cause you to lose

your balance.

I. Exercise caution whenever using a trench ladder.

Section 2.3.0 Procedures Used in Trench Shoring, Sloping, and Shielding.

A. Shoring a trench supports the walls of the excavation and prevents their movement

and collapse. Shoring also stops the shifting of adjacent soil containing buried

utilities or on which other structures are built.

B. Trench shields provide no support to trench walls or surrounding soil, but for specific

depths and soil conditions, will withstand the side weight of a collapsing trench wall.

C. Sloping an excavation means cutting the walls of the excavation back at an angle to

its floor.

Section 2.3.1 Shoring System

A. Shoring uses metal or timber uprights, walers, and cross braces to support walls.

B. All shoring must be installed from the top of the trench, never from within it.

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Section 2.3.2 Shielding Systems

A. Shields can be permanent structures or portable and moved along as work

progresses. The shielding system is also known as a trench box or trench shield.

B. Trench shields are typically placed in an excavation and backfilled.

If the trench will not stand long enough to excavate for the shield, the shield can be

placed high and pushed down as material is excavated.

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Section 2.3.3 Sloping System

A. Sloping is accomplished by inclining the sides of an excavation. The angle of incline

varies according to such factors as the soil type, environmental conditions of

exposure, and nearby loads.

B. There are three general classifications of soil types, and one type of rock. For each

classification of soil type, OSHA defines maximum angles for the slope of the walls,

Section 2.4.0 Sloping Requirements for Different Soil Types

A. Stable rock refers to natural solid mineral matter that can be excavated with vertical

sides and remain intact while exposed.

B. Stable rock includes solid rock, shale, or cemented sands and gravels.

Section 2.4.2 Type A Soil

A. Type A soil refers to cohesive soils with a compression strength of at least 1.5 tons

per square foot. It can be sloped up to an angle of ¾ horizontal to 1 vertical.

B. Type A soils include clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clay loam, and cemented soils,

such as hardpan.

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 C. Soil that is fissured; can be affected by vibration; or has been previously disturbed

CANNOT be classified as Type A.

D. Short-term excavations in Type A soil can use a greater slope of ½ horizontal to 1

vertical.

Section 2.4.3 Type B Soil

A. Type B refers to cohesive soils with a compression strength of greater than 0.5 ton

per square foot but less than 1.5 tons per square foot. It has a maximum allowable

slope of 1 horizontal to 1 vertical.

B. Type B soils include angular gravel, silt, sandy loam, unstable rock, and any

unstable, fissured, or previously disturbed Type A soils.

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Section 2.4.4 Type C Soil

A. Type C soil is the most unstable soil type, and refers to cohesive soil with a

compression strength of 0.5 ton per square foot or less. Excavations made in Type

C soils have a maximum allowable slope of 11⁄2 horizontal to 1 vertical.

B. Type C soils include gravel, loamy soil, sand, any submerged soil or soil from

which water is freely seeping, and unstable submerged rock.

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