Soil Classification

Soil Classification is based on Appendix A to Subpart P of 29 CFR §1926.

Classifying soil and rock deposits is almost always done before excavation work begins. Soil classification is relevant in the following situations:

• When the design of a sloping or benching system is in accordance with the requirements presented earlier in this course as a method of protection for employees from cave-ins.
• When timber shoring for excavations is designed as a method of protection from cave-ins in accordance with Appendix C.
• When the design of aluminum hydraulic shoring is in accordance with Appendix D.
• When and if other protective systems are designed and selected for use from data prepared in accordance with the requirements set forth in this course, and the use of the data is predicated on the use of the soil classification system also presented in this course.

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