Module 1: Introduction to Excavation and Trenching Safety

• Definition of excavation and trenching
• Common types of excavation work
• Importance of safety and regulatory standards (OSHA 1926 Subpart P)

Module 2: Hazards Associated with Excavation Work

• Cave-ins and soil collapse
• Falling materials, tools, and equipment
• Hazardous atmospheres, flooding, and underground utilities

Module 3: Legal and Regulatory Requirements

• OSHA and local authority standards
• Competent person requirements
• Permit-to-dig and notification procedures

Module 4: Soil Classification and Stability

• Types of soil (Type A, B, C) and their characteristics
• Methods for soil testing and classification
• Effects of moisture, vibration, and weather on soil stability

Module 5: Protective Systems in Excavations

• Sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding techniques
• Use of trench boxes and hydraulic supports
• Selection of the correct system for each job

Module 6: Excavation Planning and Risk Assessment

• Pre-excavation surveys and underground utility detection
• Risk assessment and control hierarchy
• Safe work method statements (SWMS) and job safety analysis (JSA)

Module 7: Access, Egress, and Barricading

• Safe ladder placement and access requirements
• Guardrails, barriers, and warning signage
• Preventing unauthorized entry into excavations

Module 8: Atmospheric and Environmental Hazards

• Monitoring for oxygen deficiency and toxic gases
• Control of water accumulation and flooding
• Impact of weather and environmental conditions

Module 9: Equipment and Material Handling Safety

• Safe positioning of heavy equipment near excavations
• Preventing collapse from vibrations or load placement
• Safe lifting and lowering of materials into trenches

Module 10: Inspection and Monitoring

• Daily inspections by the competent person
• Post-rainfall and after-shift inspection requirements
• Documentation and corrective actions

Module 11: Emergency Response and Rescue Procedures

• Steps to take in case of cave-in or entrapment
• Coordination with rescue teams and first responders
• Emergency communication systems and drills

Module 12: Roles, Responsibilities, and Continuous Improvement

• Duties of supervisors, workers, and safety officers
• Importance of training and toolbox talks
• Learning from incidents and improving safety performance