MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.

Post Box No. 24

Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

EXCAVATION/TRENCH/SHORING PLAN

North Riyadh Bulk Plant New OME Building

Fire Water Line Excavation beside X-56 New OME Building

Prepared By: Checked By:

Ezaganie Malcampo Jose Osumo

HSE Project Manager

Mastoura Co. CRDD Project

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 MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.
Post Box No. 24
Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

1. EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHING AND SHORING

Accidents due to cave-in can occur for excavations which are not shored or otherwise
supported. Even rock that looks solid from a cursory inspection can collapse without
warning. The sides of an excavation may need to be suitably shored, benched or sloped
back to a safe angle of repose, depth, and soil composition.

Other types of excavation accidents are caused by contact with underground pipes and
cables, by falls of equipment and persons, by Persons being struck by excavating
equipment, and by hazardous atmospheres

DEFINITIONS:

1. Excavation

Any man-made cavity or depression in the earth’s surface, including its sides, walls, or
faces, formed by earth removal, and producing unsupported earth conditions by reason of
the excavation

2. Trench Excavation

A narrow excavation made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater
than the width, but the width of a trench is not greater than 4.5meters (15 feet).

3. Accepted Engineering and Construction Practices

Plans for excavations and protective system methods shall be submitted to Loss Prevention
before work start up.

4. Protective systems

Methods used to protect employees from cave-ins, from materials that could faller roll into
the excavation onto the workers or from collapse of adjacent structures. Protective systems
include supports, sloping and benching, shield sand other means to protect workers.

5. Shoring

Hydraulic, timber or mechanical systems that support the sides of an excavation, designed
to prevent cave-ins.

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 MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.
Post Box No. 24
Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

6. Hydraulic Shoring

A pre-engineered support system of aluminum hydraulic cylinders (cross-braces) used with

vertical rods (uprights) or horizontal rods designed specifically to support side walls of an
excavation to prevent cave-in.

7. Benching

A method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavation the sides of an excavation

to form one or a series of horizontal steps, with a vertical rise between steps.

8. Sloping

A method of excavating in which the sides of an excavation are laid back to a safe angle to
prevent cave-ins. (The safe angle required varies with different types of soil, exposure to
the elements and superimposed loads. There is no single angle of repose. Soil classification
must be identified to select safe sloping and benching methods.)

9. Soil Classification System

A method of categorizing soil and rock deposits as types A, B, and C in decreasing order of
stability. Soil type is determined by analysis of the soil’s properties and how it performs
under exposure to the elements and super imposed loads.

Type A:

Cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 ton per square foot (tc)
(144kPa) or greater are classified as Type A. Examples of cohesive soils are: clay, silky
clay, sandy clay, clay loam and in some cases, silky clay loam and sandy clay loam.
Cemented soils such as caliches and hardpan are also considered Type A. However, no soil
is Type A if one or more of the following conditions are true:

 The soil is fissured.

 The soil is subject to vibration from heavy traffic, driving, or similar effects.
 The soil has been previously disturbed.
 The soil is part of a sloped, layered system where the layers dip into the excavation
on a slope of four horizontal to one vertical (4H: 1V) or greater.
 The material is subject to other factors that would require it to be classified as a less
stable material.

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 MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.
Post Box No. 24
Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Type B:

Soils classified as Type B are:

 Cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength greater than 0.5tsf (48 kPa)
but less than 1.5 tsf (144 kPa).
 Granular cohesion less soils including angular gravel (similar to crushed rock), silt,
silt loam, sandy loam and, in some cases, silky clay loam and sandy loam clay.
 Previously disturbed soils except those which would otherwise be classed as Type
C soil.
 Soil that meets the unconfined compressive strength or cement action requirements
for Type A, but is fissured or subject to vibration.
 Dry rock that is not stable.
 Material that is part of a sloped, layered system where the layers dip into the
excavation on a slope less steep than four horizontal to one vertical (4H: IV) but
only if the material would otherwise be classified as Type B.

Type C:

Soils classified as Type C are:

 Cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of 0.5 tsf (48kPa) or less.
 Granular soils including gravel, and loamy sand.
 Submerged soil or soil from which water is freely seeping.
 Submerged rock that is not stable.
 Material in a sloped layered system where the layers dip into the
 Excavation or a slope of four horizontal to one vertical (4H: IV)

10 Trench Boxes:
A structure that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by cave-ins, and in the
process, protects employees inside the structure. (Plans for trench boxes are to be submitted
to Loss Prevention.)

2. Before Work Starts

In order to begin excavation work with minimum risk to men, plant and equipment and to
enable the work to proceed without interruption, the following factors must be considered
well before the job starts:

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 MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.
Post Box No. 24
Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

1. Size and purpose of the excavation. ( shall be added Drawing/documents model drawing
IFC and approved excavation sketches to be used by site personnel for carrying out the
work.)
2. Nature of the ground including the proximity of made-up ground.
3. Stability of adjacent Structures.
4. Position of underground obstructions such as pipes, electric cables, and utilities.
5. Weather and soil moisture conditions, especially high water table.
6. Sources of soil vibrations (highway traffic, railroads, machinery, etc.).
7. Adjacent roads and footpaths.
8. Method of excavation.
9. Excavation plan submitted to Loss Prevention.

Consideration of these factors will indicate the safety measures which must be
implemented to proceed with the job and whether the sides of the excavation can be sloped
and benched to a safe angle or whether other protective systems will be required. It is
important to provide adequate and suitable protective systems for use whenever excavation
work is to be carried out to a depth of 1.5 meters (5 feet) or more. Excavation work to a
depth of less than I.5 meters (5 feet) may also require protective systems.

3. Excavation near Saudi Telephone Cables

To avoid disruptions of service and unnecessary costs which result from the accidental
cutting of Government telephone cables by contractors working on Saudi Aramco projects,
proponents should urge their contractors to inquire about the location of such cables prior
to excavation. Contractors may contact the Saudi Telephone Cable Locator Division on
telephone no. 843-3247 during normal Government working hours or telephone no. 906 at
any hour. Subsequently, they may be required to submit a written application to the Saudi
Telephone Cable Locator Division providing a site plan of the proposed excavation and
stating when it will be done. Contractor letters may be addressed to the Director, Dammam
Area Communications, Ministry of Telegraph Post and Telephone, Dammam.

Saudi Aramco proponent inquiries may be addressed to the Contractor Liaison Division of
Government Affairs, telephone 874-1461 (Corporate Advisor, Contractor Liaison/GAO).

4. Underground Obstructions (Excavation)

a) All excavations and back filling will be made in accordance with SAUDI
ARAMCO requirement.

Shoring will be provide, if there is a possibility of a collapse and the depth reaching
such that the men working be buried or trapped. Shoring strengths must meet the

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 MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.
Post Box No. 24
Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

requirements outlines in SACSM tables on pages 118-123 for minimum bracing and
strength requirements. Minimum bending strengths begin at 850 psi

All excavations will be checked daily and specially after rainstorms.

If steeping or benching is to utilized plans will be designed be a “Soils Engineer”
for submission through channels and approval by the LPD.

b) Only excavating / backfilling equipment allowed within 2m (6.5 ft) of the

excavation and the following clearances maintained (unless properly designed
shoring is used);
 Vehicles/ cranes/heavy equipment more than the depth of excavation away
from excavation (2m minimum).
 Scaffold posts 1.5 times the depth of excavation away.

c) Excavations are required at site for

1. Pipe Line trench excavation
2. Cable trench excavation.
3. Structural foundation excavation.
d) The following precautions will be taken during excavation:
 Whenever of underground piping, cables, vessels or structure is known or
suspected mechanical excavation will not be used until all such obstruction
has been exposed by hand digging for 3m in all lateral directions.
 Whenever there is likelihood of a collapse of the side of an excavation, the
sides shall be shored or sloped to a safe angle.
 Materials will be placed a minimum of 2M the excavation, sufficiently away
to prevent the danger of failing in. If loading occurs spoils will be
immediately removed from the area.
 Suitable stop blocks will be used where vehicles or equipments tip material
into an excavation.
 Persons will not be permitted to work in any place where they could be
struck by any part of mechanical equipment.
 Tests will be conducted where there is reason to suspect presence of
hazardous atmosphere in an excavation.
 Whenever there is likelihood of persons, equipment of vehicle falling
excavation will be properly marked and barricaded.

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 MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.
Post Box No. 24
Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

5. General Precautions

5.1 Shoring Protective Systems

As soon as an excavation reaches a depth of 1.2 meters (4 feet) or soil banks are greater
than 1.5 meters (5 feet), suitable shoring shall be installed or the sides sloped back to a safe
angle. Shoring may be of timber or any other suitable material, such as steel sheet piling.

The determination of the angle of slopes, benches, or the choice and design of other
protective systems shall be based on evaluation of pertinent factors such as: type of soil
(Type A, B, or C), depth of cut; possible variations in water content of the material while
the excavation is open; anticipated changes in materials from exposure to air, sun, or water;
loading imposed by structures, equipment, overlying material, or stored material; and
vibrations from equipment, blasting, traffic, or other sources.

Excavations shall not be sloped at an angle greater than one and one-half horizontal to one
vertical (34’ measured from the horizontal). Plans for sloping and benching systems shall
be sent to Loss Prevention for review.

Shoring systems shall be designed by a qualified person and meet accepted engineering
requirements. Materials used shall be in good serviceable condition, and timbers shall be
sound, free from large or loose knots, and of proper dimensions

Personnel Protection

5.2 Portable trench boxes or sliding trench shields may be used for the protection of
personnel in lieu of a shoring system or sloping. Where such trench boxes are used, the
design shall be approved by Saudi Aramco Consulting Services Department.

Trench boxes shall be designed, constructed and maintained to provide protection equal to
or greater than the sheeting or shoring required.

Shields shall be installed in a manner to restrict lateral or other movement of the shield and
be capable of withstanding any sudden application of lateral loads

Shields shall be extended above the excavation to protect employees working inside the
shields and when entering or exiting the areas protected by shields.

Employees shall not be allowed inside the shielded areas whenever shields are being
installed, removed or moved (see Figure II.7)

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 MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.
Post Box No. 24
Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

5.3 Inspection

All parts of an excavation, including the shoring, shall be inspected every day by a
competent person to ensure that there is no danger of collapse and all observations shall be
noted in the site safety log book.

5.4 Clearance

In order to provide a safe footing at the edge, and to prevent spoil falling into an
excavation, a clear space at least 0.6 meter (2 feet) wide shall be maintained on all sides.

5.5 Mechanical Excavator

Men shall not be permitted to work underneath loads or in places where they could be
struck by any part of a mechanical excavator.

5.6 Walkways

Shields shall be installed in a manner to restrict lateral or other movement of the shield and
be capable of withstanding any sudden application of lateral loads. Shields shall be
extended above the excavation to protect employees working inside the shields and when
entering or exiting the areas protected by shields. Employees shall not be allowed inside the
shielded areas whenever shields are being installed, removed or moved. Where employees,
equipment, or members of the public are required or permitted to cross over an excavation,
a close planked bridge or walkway with standard guard rails shall be provided and kept
clear of excavated materials or other tripping hazards. No sidewalk shall be undermined
unless properly shored

6. Access and Egress

Safe means of getting into and out of an excavation shall be provided at intervals not
exceeding 7.5 meters (25 feet). Ladders shall conform to the requirements set out in
Section 9.2, be placed at an angle of 7S’, and extend at least 0.9 meter (3 feet) above the
stepping-off point. Ladders shall be securely fixed.

6.1 Hazardous Atmospheres and Materials

6.1.1 Ventilation

Where there is reason to suspect oxygen deficiency or the presence of a hazardous

atmosphere in an excavation, gas tests must be carried out by a qualified person.

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 MASTOURA FOR TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY LTD.
Post Box No. 24
Rahima – 31941
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Where necessary, mechanical ventilation shall be used, or other appropriate

precautions shall be taken before men enter.

Note: Toxic, oxygen and flammable gas tests are.to be conducted before entering
hazardous excavations in Restricted Areas.

6.1.2 Hazardous Atmospheres

Prior to entry into excavations greater than four feet deep, or confined spaces, a
work petit shall be issued. Gas tests shall verify that the oxygen level is 20-21’3,
combustible gases 0.0 LEL, and H2S is 0 ppm. For elevated levels of gases tested
follow requirements of GI 2.100. Corrective measures may include use of air
movers, identification and isolation of sources from fuel lines, sewers, open tanks or
other measures to return the breathing atmosphere to normal readings. Subsequent
testing is required to monitor the area during the work so appropriate precautions
can be taken as necessary.

 Precautions shall be taken to prevent employee exposure to an atmosphere

containing a concentration of any flammable gas above its lower explosive
limit (LEL).
 For an atmosphere with a concentration of any flammable gas below its
lower explosive limit (LEL), use the guidelines given in GI 2.100 (Work
Permit System) as shown below:

 Above 0.0 LEL - No hot work permitted

 0.05 LEL to 0.5 LEL - Breathing apparatus must be used(type What)
 Above 0.5 LEL - No entry permitted

 When controls are used that are intended to reduce the level of atmospheric
contaminants to acceptable levels, testing shall be conducted as often as
necessary to ensure that the atmosphere remains safe.

6.1.3 Emergency Rescue Equipment

 Emergency rescue equipment, such as breathing apparatus, a safety harness and

line, or a basket stretcher, shall be readily available where hazardous atmospheric
conditions exist or may develop during work in an excavation. This equipment shall
be attended by a standby man outside the trench when in use.

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KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

 Employees entering bell-bottom pier holes, or other similar deep and confined
footing excavations, shall wear a harness with a lifeline attached to it. The lifeline
shall be separate from any line used to handle materials, and shall be individually

Attended at all times while the employee wearing the lifeline is in the excavation.
Mechanical devices shall be available to lift incapacitated employees from
excavations.

 Exhaust Gases
Where an internal combustion engine is used in an excavation, special precautions
must be taken to ensure that exhaust gases are discharged so as not to be a hazard to
men working in the excavation.

 Organic Lead

Where the presence of buried organic lead (TEL) sludge, asbestos or any other
hazardous chemical is known or suspended, whether in a Restricted area or not,
excavation work shall not be started (or continued) until the Industrial Hygiene
Services and Loss Prevention Departments have identified the hazard and specified
the precautions to be taken and a new work permit has been issued.

7. Edge Protection, Markers and Fixed Lighting

Whenever it is necessary to place or operate power shovels, derricks, trucks, materials, soil
banks or other heavy objects on a level above and near 80 excavation, the side of the
excavation shall be sheet-piled, shored, and braced as necessary to resist the extra pressure
due to such superimposed loads. When mobile equipment is utilized or allowed adjacent to
excavations, substantial stop logs or barricades shall be installed. If possible, the grade
should be away from the excavation. If men or vehicles are in the vicinity after dark, fixed
warning lights shall be used to mark the limits of the work.

8. Roads, Streets, and Sidewalks

Excavation work in roads, streets, and sidewalks shall not be undertaken without the prior
approval of the relevant authorities (See Section 11.1, Work Permit System). Excavation
work on public highways will have to be cleared in advance with Government Affairs and
any special measures that they might specify must be implemented.

9. Backfilling

Backfilling and removal of trench supports shall be accomplished first by backfilling up to

a level allowing for the removal of the lower braces. Another layer of backfill shall be
positioned in the trench to the next layer of braces to be removed. Removal of trench
supports shall progress together with the backfill from the bottom of the trench. In unstable

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soil, ropes shall be used to pull out the jacks or braces from above after employees have
cleared the trench. All excavations shall be backfilled and consolidated, and the surface
shall be left in good condition as soon as is practicable.

10. Borrow Pits

Location of borrow pit boundaries (i.e., residential, industrial plants, substations, highways,
etc) shall be located at the distance noted in SAES-A-111.

10.1 A separate traffic flow plan is required to keep pedestrian traffic away from vehicle
traffic areas. Traffic is strictly prohibited in borrow pit areas signs in Arabic and English
shall be posted in roped-off areas, warning personnel to stay out of borrow pits.

10.2 Dust concentration, noise levels, and security fencing associated with borrow pit
operations shall be in accordance with Saudi Aramco Safe Operating Procedures.

10.3 Hydraulic Shoring for Trenches

Hydraulic shoring is provided as a method of protection against cave-ins intrenches

that do not exceed 20 feet (6.1 m) in depth. Trench depths exceeding20 feet (6.1 m)
require Loss Prevention review.

It is not intended that the aluminum hydraulic specifications apply to every situation
that may be experienced in the field. These data were developed to apply to the
situations that are most commonly experienced in current trenching practice.
Situations that are not covered require specific designs for specific applications and
will be subject to Loss Prevention review.

10.4 Timber Shoring for Trenches

Timber shoring is provided as a method of protection from cave-ins in trenches that

do not exceed 20 feet (6.lm) in depth. Loss Prevention requirements must be used
when timber shoring protective systems are designed.

SOIL OR ROCK TYPE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SLOPES

(H:V) [1] FOR EXCAVATIONS LESS
THAN 20 FEET DEEP [3]
STABLE ROCK VERTICAL (90˚)
TYPE A [2] 3/4 : 1 (53˚)
TYPE B 1 : 1 (45˚)
TYPE C 1-1/2 : 1 (34˚)

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Notes:

1. Numbers shown in parentheses next to maximum allowable lopes are angles

expressed in degrees from the horizontal. Angles have been rounded off.

2. A short term maximum allowable slope of 1/2H : 1V (63O) is allowed in

excavations in Type A soil that are 12 feet (3.67 m)or less in depth. Short-term
maximum allowable slopes for excavations greater than 12 feet (3.67 m) in depth
shall be 3/4H : 1V (53”).

3. Sloping or benching for excavations greater than 20 feet deep shall be reviewed by
Loss Prevention.

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