Utility Trenches
An excavation in which material removal forms a narrow opening in the ground. Unlike large excavations, a trench is generally deeper than it is wide. OSHA considers an excavation to be a trench if it is 15 feet wide or less at the bottom of the excavation.
Purpose of a trench:
- The type of soil the trench is being dug in
- The size of pipe or conduit that is going into the trench
- Availability of shielding or shoring
- Location of buildings, utilities, etc.
- Location of the trench (roadway, open field, etc.); Conduit loading requirements.