Safety & Training Short: Trenching and Shoring - Access, Egress, and Crossings

Objective: To reinforce awareness about the technical requirements for trench access points and surface crossings.

Access and Egress:
A stairway, ladder, or ramp must be present in excavations that are four feet deep or more. Do not enter a trench without an established means of egress.

• Stairways, ladders, or ramps must be located within 25 feet of employees.
• Ladders must extend 3 feet above the excavation.
• Ladders must be a single piece of equipment. Do not lash multiple ladders together to meet height requirements.
• Any structural components used in a ramp or runway must be sturdy, uniform in thickness, and anchored in such a way that prevents tripping or displacement.