Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
(OP)
I am planning an addition to my home. My lot slopes to the back, so I am contemplating installing a 3-sided basement with access from the street. Due to site limitations, I do not have alot of room to accommodate the side slopes. So I am planning to excavate to get a working area, form up my walls with ICF block, then pour. All of the work will be done from the inside of the proposed walls, or from the outside at the top level without going into the excavation. (bracing, etc.)
So...
1. Is this a trench ? (see attachment)
2. Does OSHA apply if I have no employees and am doing the work myself ?
I know that OSHA has soils grades ABC, but my geotech report says that I can excavate vertically for 6'...
So...
1. Is this a trench ? (see attachment)
2. Does OSHA apply if I have no employees and am doing the work myself ?
I know that OSHA has soils grades ABC, but my geotech report says that I can excavate vertically for 6'...





RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
Check with your state requirements...they might have a trench law (mine does).
While OSHA doesn't apply, they still have some slope vs. materials guidelines that are reasonable and you could check again your angles.
This would probably not fit the definition of a "trench" but the potential for slope stability issues is there.
RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
This does come into a defined(confined space or restricted access space) for human occupancy
if this is anything deeper than 5' below grade and the shoring (side's sloping) does not allow quick/safe entry and/or Egress.
Other Forum Giants may further Guide indeed!
Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)
RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
If you want to follow the letter of the law, which has been pointed out that you are not covered by, then excavate down 5 feet instead of 6 feet, then dig a 1 foot deep trench where the wall will be. Form it up, pour, then dig out the remaing 1 foot inbetween the walls.
RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)
RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
RE: Is this a trench & does OSHA apply ?
Unless you are digging out farther than 15 feet from a wall than it is a trench.