Excavation works

Preferably fixed ladders or ramps are to be used. Portable ladders and steps are to be avoided as far as possible.
If, due to circumstances, access is achieved via portable ladders, these are to be situated at least every 30 metres and are to be free of obstacles both at the top and inside the trench. They are to be anchored at the top and are to stick out at least 1 m above the trench. They are to rest at the bottom on a surface that acts as a load distributor so as to stop the ladder from becoming unstable or leaning to the side.
Whenever possible, the means of access of personnel and vehicles is to be separate, suitably signposting each of these. Otherwise, the gangway has to be planned in such a way that access for personnel is separated from the transit of vehicles by a railing.

For H ≥ 2 m, the edges of the crown of the trench are to be protected by a regulation railing that must comply with the stipulations in this respect in Spanish Royal Decree 485/1997 regarding signposting and are to run parallel to the trench in its entire length. The railing is to cordon off 1 m for the transit of personnel and 2 m for vehicles.
For H < 2 m, the means of access are to be signposted and cordoned off at a sufficient distance.
Whenever the possibility exists of persons or vehicles crossing the trench, gangways with railings on both sides are to be installed; the width of these gangways is to be at least 60 cm for pedestrians and at least 2 m for vehicles.

Avoid the accumulation of excavated material and equipment near to the edge. If, however this is inevitable, take the precautions that impede the collapse of the walls and the fall of said materials into the bottom of the trench.
The stockpiling of materials and extracted earth in cuts of H > 1.30 m is to be located no less than 2 m from the edge of the cut, or, if applicable, at the greatest possible distance established in the Health and Safety Plan.
As a general rule, the distance at which materials are to be deposited in the vicinity of trenches is to be 1.5 times the depth of the trench, with a minimum recommended distance of 2 m, in order to eliminate the pressure of the ground on the trench walls. In the case of vehicles circulating in their vicinity, this distance is to be increased to 2 times the depth of the cut, with a minimum recommended distance of 4 metres.
When vehicles circulate at a right angle to the cut, the cordoned off area is to be increased in this direction to 2 x H and no less than 4 m when reduce speed signposting is adopted.

In the case of poor visibility or during the night, trenches and pits are to be signposted by means of flashing lights, whenever the circulation of personnel or vehicles if foreseen in their vicinity.
Whenever the transit of pedestrians or vehicles is foreseen, railings have to be illuminated every 10 metres with portable points of light.
When the insides of trenches require illuminating, this is to be done by means of external lighting rigs.
If portable lighting is used inside trenches, this is to have a 24 Volt supply.

Should the risk of flooding exist, sump pumps should be installed that remove the water quickly.
After the interruption of work and especially at the start of the week, the trench shoring should be checked before authorising the renewal of work.
In rainy seasons, before starting work, the trench and the entire shoring system are to be checked especially.

Eliminate or reduce to the maximum the generation of noise inside the trench, as it may interfere with possible established alarm signals.
For H > 1.30 m, whenever there are workers inside the trench, one is to remain outside on “stand-by”.
Workers inside trenches must be duly informed and trained.
If working with sub-contractors, ensure that they also comply with safety measures.
Do not allow work at different levels inside the trench or in the vicinity of machinery.

Design & Programming