What is required for an excavation of 5 feet or greater?

When an excavation is 5 feet or greater, a protective system to prevent cave-ins is mandated. This requirement stems from safety regulations established by occupational safety agencies, which recognize that the risk of soil collapse increases significantly at this depth. A protective system, such as trench boxes, shoring, or sloping, is designed specifically to support the walls of an excavation and provide a safe environment for workers.

The primary goal of implementing such systems is to safeguard the health and safety of workers, as cave-ins can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Therefore, it is critical for any excavation at this depth to incorporate a protective system into the work plan, ensuring that all walks and operation characteristics are managed with safety as the priority.

While monitoring air quality and training can be important in excavation works, especially in specific circumstances, the key requirement at the depth specified is the establishment of a protective system to directly address the hazard of cave-ins.