Registered professional engineer approval requirements for manufactured trench protection systems deeper than 20 feet.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

January 16, 2003 [Reviewed May 31, 2018]

John M. Maas
2304 Bel-Aire Court
Green Bay, WI 53404-5017

Re: Whether an excavation contractor is required to get the approval of a registered professional engineer when using a manufactured trench protection system under §1926.652(c)(2); Subpart P; excavations; registered professional engineers; trench shields

Dear Mr. Maas:

Permissibility of using average excavation depth to determine protective system requirements for the excavation.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

September 30, 2004 [Reviewed May 31, 2018]

Mr. Richard Johnston
Director of Loss
Hausmann Johnson Insurance
700 Regent Street
P.O. Box 259408
Madison, WI 53725-9408

Re: 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1)(ii); whether averaging excavation depth is permitted for determining whether the protective requirements of §1926.652 apply.

Dear Mr. Johnston:

Confined Spaces in Construction; Final Rule

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    80:25365-25526
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 85 (Monday, May 4, 2015)][Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25365-25526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08843]


Vol. 80

Monday,

No.

Excavation

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    52:12288-339
  • Title:
  • Abstract:
Abstract:
Proposed revision of the construction industry safety standards
addressing excavations. The proposed revisions would use performance
criteria where possible rather than specification requirements.
Paragraphs (t) and (w) of 1926.651 are redesignated as paragraphs
(h) and (i) of 1926.500, respectively.

Excavation

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    53:5280-82
  • Title:
Abstract:
An informal public hearing is scheduled concerning the notice of
proposed rulemaking on excavations in the construction industry
which was issued on April 15, 1987 (52 FR 12288). The comment period
for the purpose of obtaining additional information is also
reopened. The hearing will begin on April 19, 1988 in Washington,
D.C. and continue beyond that date as necessary. Notice of intention
to appear at the informal public hearing must be postmarked by March
21, 1988.

Excavations; Construction; Trenching; Shoring; Sloping; Benching;Final Rule

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    54:45894-45991
  • Title:
Abstract:
Amends Construction Standards for Excavations, 29 CFR part 1926,
subpart P to establish requirements for protection of employees in
excavations. Effective Date: 1/2/90. Existing standards regulate use
of support systems, sloping and benching systems and other systems
of protection against cave-ins; means of access to and egress from
excavations; employee exposure to vehicular traffic, falling loads,
hazardous atmospheres, water accumulation, and unstable structures
in and adjacent to excavations.