Excavation and Trench Safety Online Training

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Get trained to comply with OSHA trench standards to maintain a safe work environment. Covers trench requirement, hazardous scenarios, and more.

In-line with OSHA requirements
100% online course
Downloadable certificate included

Duration: 3 Hour(s)

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About

The fatality rate for excavation work is 112% higher than general construction. Proper safety training can significantly reduce this number. Our online Excavation and Trench Safety training course is regulation-aligned and meets OSHA's classroom training requirements. It covers everything to guarantee your competency such as soil classification, protective systems and equipment, atmosphere, and common hazards.

This course includes practice questions for the final written exam and an OSHA-mandated checklist for employers to follow when conducting the practical exam.

This course is aligned with OSHA standard training requirements to cover:

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 – Construction Industry
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P
- 29 CFR 1926.650-Scope, Application, and definitions
- 29 CFR 1926.651- Specific Excavation Requirements
- 29 CFR 1926.652- Requirements for protective systems
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App A- Soil Classification
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App B- Sloping and Benching
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App C- Timber Shoring for Trenches
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App D- Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring for Trenches
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App E- Alternatives to Timber Shoring
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App F- Selection of Protective Systems
- 29 CFR 1926.20, General Safety and Health Provisions, training
- 29 CFR 1926.21, Training and Education

Outline

Topics Covered

Soil Classification & Types
Shoring Systems – Hydraulic, Timber, Etc.
Trench Collapse Types
General Trench Requirements
OSHA Regulations (29 CFR § 1926 Sub-part P)
Hazardous Scenarios
Much More!

What You’ll Learn

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

Recognize the background and importance of excavation techniques.
Be able to define various types of excavations.
Understand the relationships between various soil types.
Understand the meanings of stratigraphy, competent soil, and incompetent soil.
Recognize the possible hazards that excavations may provide.
Recognize the many kinds of soil.
Understand the fundamentals of identifying soil.
Know how and when shoring systems need to be put in place.
Recognize the proper type of material to employ for shoring systems.
Understand when and how to use shielding during excavations.
Understand how to take down support systems and handle spoils.
Understand the obligations placed on individuals who deal with excavations.
Learn the practices required to operate safely near excavations on the job.

FAQs

How Long Will It Take to Complete the Course?

Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 90 – 120 min.

Who Should Take This Excavation and Trench Safety Course?

This course is designed for employees and supervisors.

Does This Course Meet OSHA Requirements?

This course is aligned with OSHA standard training requirements to cover:

29 CFR 1926 Subpart P
29 CFR 1926.650-Scope, Application, and definitions
29 CFR 1926.651- Specific Excavation Requirements
29 CFR 1926.652- Requirements for protective systems
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App A- Soil Classification
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App B- Sloping and Benching
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App C- Timber Shoring for Trenches
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App D- Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring for Trenches
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App E- Alternatives to Timber Shoring
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P App F- Selection of Protective Systems
29 CFR 1926.20, General Safety and Health Provisions, training
29 CFR 1926.21, Training and Education

Why Do I Need Trench Safety Training?

Trenches are widespread on construction sites worldwide, and excavation is an important aspect of building operations. Excavation work has a 112% higher fatality rate than general construction, according to OSHA. That is why anyone working in or near trenches must be trained.

Did You Know This About Trench Safety?

The most common cause of injury in trenches is collapse. Collapse happen due to inadequate safety training in soils, weather conditions, and proper shoring measures. When combined with large construction machines, collapse can be disastrous. Our online classes and training help individuals become OSHA compliant and prevent costly mistakes, ensuring a safer working environment.

What are OSHA Requirements for Trenches?

Special guidelines from OSHA can be found in 29 CFR 1926.652–29 CFR 1926.650. According to these principles, ensuring the safety of workers comes first. Inspection, protection systems, and excavation design are the three primary regulations that guarantee safety.

What is Trench Safety?

Due to the high risk of cave-ins and other potentially deadly incidents, OSHA has strict guidelines to ensure worker safety in and around trenches and holes. We refer to this set of best practices as "trench safety," and it includes these rules and other guidance.

What are OSHA’s Three Principles for Trench Safety?

One of three principles must be applied when planning or building a trench for human access to minimize cave-ins: the walls should be benched or sloped, shored with support, or shielded by trench boxes.

How Can We Be Safe Around Trenches?

Not only is the trench designed with safety in mind, but employees ensure their own safety during entry and exit, keeping potential risks at bay. It is inspected before entry and workers should be cautious in threatening weather or standing water.