Specific Excavation Requirements

Surface Encumbrances

Another word for "encumbrance" is obstacle. Surface encumbrances are above-ground obstacles that you might encounter at an excavation site. Excavations in the following settings put workers at risks from surface encumbrances:

• Underneath curbs, sidewalks, and roads
• Near utility poles and trees
• Near residences, buildings, walls, and fence lines

Any existing structure that can be made unstable by excavation work is considered a surface encumbrance.

Any surface encumbrance that creates a hazard to employees must be removed or supported, as necessary, to safeguard employees.

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