Or. Admin. R. 437-004-3100

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 6, June 1, 2024

Section 437-004-3100 - Excavation

(1) Definition. Excavation -- A man-made cut, hole, pit, trench or depression in the earth.

NOTE: Before any digging you must comply with Oregon's "Call Before You Dig" law. Call 1-800-332 -2344.

(2) Five feet or more. Employees must not enter any excavation 5 feet or deeper unless protective systems are in place to protect from cave-in or sloughing.

(3) Less than 5 feet. Employees must not enter any excavation less than 5 feet deep when the sides are losing their shape, are loose or show other signs of being unstable unless protective systems are in place to protect from cave-in or sloughing.

(4) Strength. Systems installed in the excavation must be strong enough and engineered to provide protection from hazards of the particular excavation.

(5) Design. Systems must be as follows:

(a) Designed by a registered professional engineer.

(b) Designed using the manufacturer's or other tabulated data.

(6) Follow instructions. When using manufactured systems, follow the instructions and do not exceed the limitations of the system.

(7) System size. Systems must extend from the bottom of the excavation to at least the top edge.

(8) Sloping. Sloping is an acceptable system to protect workers. Sloping must be at a ratio of at least 1 1/2 to 1. That means a horizontal setback of 1 1/2 feet for every 1-foot of trench depth.

(9) Access/Exit. There must be a safe way, such as a ladder or steps, to get into and out of excavations 4 or more feet deep. In trenches, these exits must be at least every 25 linear feet.

(10) Water. Workers will not enter excavations where there is accumulating water, either from ground seepage or surface run-off, unless there are adequate protections from hazards caused by the water.

(11) Inspect daily. A person familiar with these rules and the work must inspect all excavations daily, before workers enter or reenter.

(12) Spoils and equipment. Keep soil and material removed from the excavation (spoils) at least two feet away from the edge of the excavation or restrained. Equipment that could roll or fall into the excavation must also be at least two feet back or restrained.

Or. Admin. R. 437-004-3100

OSHA 4-1998, f. 8-28-98, cert. ef. 10-1-98; OSHA 9-2006, f. & cert. ef. 9-22-06

Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 - 654.295