All trenches deeper than five feet are required to have means of protecting the worker in the trench. Various methods exist such as shoring or benching of the trench to prevent a cave-in onto the employee. Training will cover the necessary requirements for this activity. This course will describe in detail OSHA’s Standard - Subpart P - Excavations.

This course includes the definitions to this subpart along with specific excavation requirements, requirements for

protective systems, soil classifications, sloping and benching, timber shoring for trenches, aluminum hydraulic shoring , alternatives, and the selection of protective systems.

A few important facts…

Many people don’t appreciate the weight of soil. One cubic foot of soil weighs between 90 and 140 pounds. Just one cubic yard of soil (27 cubic feet), weighs between 2,430 and 3,780 pounds.

The "Competent Person"

OSHA requires that a "Competent Person" is present on a job site whenever workers are exposed in an excavation.

There are two parts to the definition of a "Competent Person."

OSHA goes on to say:

"When applied to trenching or excavation operations, the ‘Competent Person’ must have specific training in, and be knowledgeable about, soils analysis, the use of protective systems, and the requirements of this standard."

The Objective of training

To help prepare you to serve as a "Competent Person" on a job site.

PIPELINE SAFETY TRAINING - OQ QUALIFIER TRAINING

OQ Rule What is the Operator Qualification Rule (OQ Rule)?

In August 1999, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) promulgated new regulatory requirements as part of 49 CFR §192 and §195, which have become known throughout the pipeline industry as the Operator Qualification (OQ) Rule. Specifically, DOT requires pipeline operators to do several things in order to meet the objectives of the rule:

Pipeline operators must determine “covered tasks” for which personnel must be qualified (DOT has prescribed a four-part test to assist in making such determinations). Pipeline operators must identify abnormal operating conditions and must ensure that qualified individuals can recognize them and react appropriately. Pipeline operators must implement process for evaluating personnel qualification that is objective, consistent, and documented.

Pipeline operators must develop and follow a written qualification program. Pipeline operators must maintain records necessary for documenting compliance with the rule. The OQ rule requires pipeline operators to meet these requirements as they relate to their own employees. The rule also makes pipeline operators responsible for ensuring the qualification of contractors, subcontractors, or any other entity performing a covered task on their respective pipeline facilities.

The rule does not replace any of the requirements of 49 CFR §192 and §195. Everyone must still comply with those regulatory requirements as always. The OQ rule is intended to provide an additional level of safety by reducing the risks of accidents on pipeline facilities caused by human error.

Each operator is required to have a written OQ plan that outlines all of the requirements that its employee and contractors must meet in order to comply with the rule. The OQ plan describes, in detail, the requirements that contractors, their employers, and subcontractors must meet before they can perform covered tasks on the operator’s pipeline facilities.

Does the OQ Rule apply to me?

If you perform a covered task defined by your operator client, then you must be deemed qualified on that task or tasks. You may review the covered task lists to see if any of the tasks apply to you.