Introduction
1. Review any accidents or "near accidents" from the past week.
2. Describe the hazards of the work as they relate to your project. Explain or show the SAFE way of doing the job.
3. Give the Tool box Safety Talk
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An open trench can be a hazard not only to the workers on the site, but also to the public. In many instances, barricades and/or warnings are required to prevent unauthorized or accidental entry. Here are some "barricade basics" to help ensure a safe excavation site for everyone:
- Install barricades, fences, protected walkways and/or signs to protect the public from the excavations site. Install warning systems prior to excavation.
- Install barricades, guardrails, or fences around excavations adjacent to walkways, roads, paths or other traffic areas.
- Install standard guardrails on walkways or bridges used by the general public to cross excavations.
- Install barricades or other means to protect employees from underground utilities left in place during excavation.
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- Install a barricade or fence on any excavation left unattended to protect against accidental entry from pedestrians. If the excavation is in a remote location where visitation by residents is unlikely, a barricade of posts and warning tape, with a sign, is sufficient. If the excavation is in a traveled area, however, a physical barrier such as a fence must isolate it.
- Install barricades around the site to help control both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
- Install a warning system such as a barricade, hand or mechanical signal or stop logs when mobile equipment is operated adjacent to the edge of an excavation