Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001B Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1): Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems were not made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. Inspections were not conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. a) For the trench excavated approximately 70 feet from south to north on the back yard of the residential site, the employer did not ensure a "competent person" inspected trenches and excavations prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Employees were working to install a sewer line in an excavation at a depth ranging from 6.8 to 9.0 feet. Employees did not have the protection of sloping, benching and/or engineering controls such as a trench box throughout the sewer installation. Inspections were not completed for the potential cave-in hazards on the site. b) For the trench excavated approximately 8 feet from east to west on the back yard of the residential site, the employer did not ensure a "competent person" inspected trenches and excavations prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Employees were working to install a sewer line in a trench at a depth ranging from 9.7 to 10.4 feet. Employees did not have the protection of sloping, benching and/or engineering controls such as a trench box throughout the sewer installation. Inspections were not completed for the potential cave-in hazards on the site. Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.