Course
Content
This course focuses on OSHA standards and on the safety aspects of excavation and trenching. Students are introduced to practical soil mechanics and its relationship to the stability of shored and unshored slopes and walls of excavations. Various types of shoring (wood timbers and hydraulic) are covered. Testing methods are demonstrated and a one-day field exercise is conducted, allowing students to use instruments such as penetrometers, torvane shears, and engineering rods. Minimum contact hours: 21.
Course
Topics
• Soil classification
• Protective systems
• Sloping and benching
• Timber shoring for trenches
• Alternatives to timber shoring
• Shield installation and removal
• Handling an OSHA inspection
• Inspection procedures for enforcing the excavation standard
