FAILURE TO USE SYSTEM AND DATA APPROPRIATELY CAN RESULT IN DEATH OR INJURY. Pay-Dirt protective systems are to be used only when in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws. This data is to be used by a soils engineer, or a competent person. Competent person as defined in CFR Part 1926 means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. The competent person shall be experienced in and knowledgeable of excavation and trenching procedures, the use of protective systems such as shoring and shielding, soil classifications and the OSHA rules and regulations to provide a workplace safe for employees to work.
To use this tabulated data, the competent person shall continually monitor the excavation and surroundings for signs of deterioration such as seepage of water, flowing soils, surcharge loads and heavy vibrations as well as other factors that can destabilize the soil and endanger workers. This data will be void if the competent person does not classify or reclassify the soils in the work area as required by site conditions.
The tabulated data shall be used only for those soil conditions indicated. The depth ratings in the data are not considered adequate when additional weight in the form of loads imposed by adjacent structures, equipment and stored materials are
near the trench or excavation.
to determine the lateral earth pressure.
The tabulated data PSF ratings and Depth Certifications are based on short- term exposures to lateral earth pressures. Short term is defined as twenty-four hours or less. Maximum gap between trench shield walls and face of cut is not to exceed six inches. Excessive gap and longer-term exposure to loads requires backfilling the shield at least half the height of the shield. Mishandling or misuse of the shield will void the tabulated data. The shield must be inspected before each use and as needed throughout the shift for missing or damaged parts, permanent deformation, or wear or any other indication of unsuitableness for use. Remember this is a life saving device and requires frequent as well as periodic written inspections. Additionally Pay- Dirt requires an annual written inspection record of all Pay-Dirt protective systems to be kept on the jobsite. All defective devices shall be removed from service.
In a sloped excavation where the angle adjacent to the trench exceeds a ratio greater than three horizontal to one vertical the allowable depth of the excavation shall be measured from the top of the slope and not the toe of the sloped portion. In sloped excavations, the top of the shield must be a minimum of eighteen inches above the bottom of the slope for use as barrier protection from sloughing soils or rolling objects.
The competent person must remove such hazards and add additional barrier protection. The shield can be parallel to level grade line, any tripping or slipping hazards must be removed otherwise a guardrail system should be used. Modifications or alterations not allowed and void this data.
