Insights into Excavation Safety – Sloping According to Tabulated Data

In past articles we have looked at the value of reading and understanding the various sections of the OSHA subpart P (Excavations) federal register. This federal register document is dated October 31, 1989. It explains the revised subpart P in detail and contains a wealth of information, much of which is not found elsewhere.

There are three primary sections to the federal register.

·?????? Introduction

·?????? 15 Issues

·?????? The revised standard with explanations

There is other information as well, but these sections are the most helpful in my opinion. In this article I would like to look at issue number 10.

The 15 issues in the federal register are questions that the authors of subpart P put forth in an effort to solicit public opinion as they revamped the (1970) excavation standard. The issues, public response, and their final decisions are worth reviewing.

To fully appreciate what issue number 10 is addressing, it is helpful to understand the present sloping and benching options as outlined in 1926.652 (b) of the revised standard (1989).

These options are:

Option 1 - 1926.652 (b)(1) – Skip soil classification and slope the excavation according to the guidelines in Appendix B for Type C soil. Which means, slope the excavation on a 34-degree angle. No benching allowed with this option.

Option 2 - 1926.652 (b)(2) – First classify the soil using Appendix A, then using that information slope or bench as directed in Appendix B.

Option 3 - 1926.652 (b)(3) – Slope or bench the excavation using other tabulated data. Tabulated data is defined as “Tables and charts approved by a registered professional engineer and used to design and construct a protective system.”

Option 3 is what this article addresses, which is why it is in bold type.

Option 4 - 1926.652 (b)(4) – Any sloping or benching system not utilizing the options in the above (b)1, (b)2, or (b)3, and is designed by a registered professional engineer. Note that this option is often referred to in the industry as “site-specific” engineering.

Now back to issue 10.

When formulating the new subpart P, the authors posed the question about a new idea of tabulated data for sloping in issue number 10. The public response, the discussion, and the authors’ determination can be found on page 45905 and 45906 of this federal register.

To clarify what this option entails, instead of using option 1 or 2 which are based in Appendix B, one could retain the services of a registered professional engineer to design sloping and benching tabulated data.

Here is the 3rd option in its entirety from subpart P

(3) Option (3)—Designs using other tabulated data.

(i) Designs of sloping or benching systems shall be selected from and be in accordance with tabulated data, such as tables and charts.

(ii) The tabulated data shall be in written form and shall include all of the following:

(A) Identification of the parameters that affect the selection of a sloping or benching system drawn from such data;

(B) Identification of the limits of use of the data, to include the magnitude and configuration of slopes determined to be safe;

(C) Explanatory information as may be necessary to aid the user in making a correct selection of a protective system from the data.

(iii) At least one copy of the tabulated data which identifies the registered professional engineer who approved the data, shall be maintained at the jobsite during construction of the protective system. After that time the data may be stored off the jobsite, but a copy of the data shall be made available to the Secretary upon request.

As far as application of this option, I have seen some pipeline companies use this option because it can be a tailored (customized) solution, instead of the “one size fits all” that characterizes Appendix B. The benefit is more efficient sloping and benching without sacrificing safety.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief exploration into excavation safety. For more information on this as well as other excavation safety topics, please visit www.trenchandexcavationsafety.com

Thank you

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