Entering & Coming Out of Excavations

Any structural ramp used by employees as a way to enter or exit an excavation must be designed by a competent person.

Any structural ramp used for access or egress of equipment must be designed by a competent person qualified in structural design and must be constructed according to that design.

Structural ramp design requirements include the following:

• When ramps and runways are constructed of two or more structural members, the members must be joined to prevent displacement.
• Cleats or other appropriate means used to connect runway structural members must be attached to the bottom of the runway or must be attached in a way that prevents employees from tripping.
• Structural members must be of uniform thickness.
• Structural ramps used in place of steps must be provided with cleats or other surface treatments on the top surface to prevent employees and equipment from slipping.

Special Note about Exiting a Trench Excavation:

A stairway, ladder, ramp, or other safe means of egress (exit) must be located in trench excavations that are deeper than 4 feet (1.22 m) so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees.

To learn more about Trenching and Excavation visit our Trenching and Excavation Safety Online Training web page.