Minimum length that an excavation must be before a protective system is required.

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.

July 16, 1993

Mr. B. F. Brislenn, P.E.,
C.H.C.M. Construction
Safety Administrator
Walt Disney World Company
P.O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-1000

Dear Mr. Brislenn:

This is in response to your March 12 letter concerning an error in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration publication of Fatal Facts No. 61.

Trenching Requirements related to banks.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

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.

July 7, 1976

MEMORANDUM TO:   ROBERT B. HANNA, AREA DIRECTOR MILWAUKEE

Subject:         Specific Trenching Requirements

This is in response to your letter of inquiry dated May 18, 1976, concerning the above stated subject matter.

Registered professional engineer approval requirements for combination trench shield and sloping system trenches with a depth greater 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.

December 22, 2003 [Reviewed May 31, 2018]

Mr. David V. Dow
Trench Safety and Supply, Inc.
3000 Ferrell Park Cove
Memphis, TN 38116

Re: Whether a sloping system used in conjunction with trench shields in an excavation that exceeds 20 feet in depth must be approved by a registered professional engineer; whether that engineer must be registered in the state where the excavation work is taking place.

Dear Mr. Dow: