N.H. Admin. Code § Lab 1403.19 - Excavating and Trenching

The employer shall ensure compliance with the following requirements:

(a) Before excavation, underground utilities shall be identified and marked, and utility companies contacted to determine if there are underground utility installations in the area;

(b) A competent person as defined in Lab 1402.01 shall inspect and evaluate the condition of all trenches and excavations prior to permitting an employee to enter;

(c) The inspection shall be performed at the beginning of each day and at least 4 times during the workday thereafter, and include the following:

(1) Attention shall be given when adverse weather conditions might affect the condition of the excavation or trench; and

(2) If evidence of possible cave-ins or slides is apparent, all work in the excavation shall cease until the requirement of (d) below have been met to safeguard the employees;

(d) The walls and faces of trenches 5 feet or more deep, and all excavations, in which employees are exposed to danger from moving ground or cave-in shall be guarded by a trench protective system, or sloping of the ground;

(e) In excavations which employees might be required to enter, excavated or other material shall be stored and retained at least 2 feet or more from the edge of the excavation;

(f) Trenches 4 feet deep or more shall have an adequate means of exit such as ladders or steps in the protected area of the trench. The exit shall be located so as to require no more than 25 feet of lateral travel; and

(g) Excavations near retaining walls, utility poles and other objects that are supported by compacted soil shall be supported at all times to prevent their collapse or undermining.

Notes

N.H. Admin. Code § Lab 1403.19

#4118 eff 8-22-86, EXPIRED: 8-22-92

New. #6684, eff 2-4-98, EXPIRED: 2-4-06

New. #8606, INTERIM, eff 4-12-06, EXPIRED: 10-09-06 (formerly Lab 1403.23)

New. #8796, eff 1-11-07

Amended by Volume XXXV Number 18, Filed May 7, 2015 , Proposed by #10809, Effective 4/9/2015, Expires4/9/2015.