ANSI ASSP A10.12:1998 (2016) pdf download.Safety Requirements for Excavation.
ANSI ASSP A10.12 applies to all open excavations made in the earth’s surface that require worker and/or property protection. See Section 3, Requirements for Protection Systems. Excavations are defined to include trenches.
1.2 Definitions.
1.2.1 Accepted Engineering Practices. Those requirements that are compatible with standards of practice required by a registered (licensed) professional engineer.
1.2.2 Adjacent. The area within a horizontal distance from the edge of a vertical sided excavation equal to the depth of the excavation.
1.2.3 Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring. A pre-engineered shoring system comprised of aluminum hydraulic cylinders (cross braces) used in conjunction with vertical rails (uprights) or horizontal rails (walers). Such system is designed specifically to support the sidewalls of an excavation and prevent cave-ins.
1.2.4 Benching (Benching System). A method of protecting employees from caveins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or nearvertical surfaces between levels.
1.2.5 Cave-In. The separation of a mass of soil or rock material from the side of an excavation, or the loss of soil from under a trench shield or support system, and its sudden movement into the excavation, either by falling or sliding, in sufficient quantity so that it could entrap, bury or otherwise injure or immobilize a person.
1.2.6 Competent Person. One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate these hazards.
1.2.7 Confined Space. A space that:
1.2.7.1 Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
1.2.7.2 Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults and pits); and
1.2.7.3 Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
1.2.8 Contractor. A contractor, subcontractor, specialty contractor or other entity as designated in the project documents, responsible for part of the construction process on a construction project.
1.2.9 Cross Braces. The horizontal members of a shoring system installed perpendicular to the sides of the excavation, the ends of which bear against either uprights or wales.
1.2.10 Design. To formulate, evaluate and prepare plans and/or specifications for a device, system, slope or other means to protect workers in excavations. All workerprotection designs shall be prepared by registered professional engineers.
1.2.11Excavation. Any manmade cut, cavity, trench or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal.ANSI ASSP A10.12 pdf download.