Trenching, Excavation & Shoring Safety Training (Cal/OSHA)

Class Duration: 8 Hours

Format: Classroom Training + Final Exam

Course Description:

NATEC’s Trenching, Excavation & Shoring Safety Training is designed to provide workers, supervisors, and designated personnel with the knowledge necessary to safely work in and around excavations in accordance with Cal/OSHA Title 8 Construction Safety Orders (Sections 1539–1541.1).

This course focuses on the recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards associated with trenching and excavation operations, including cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, underground utilities, and equipment hazards. Participants will gain a strong understanding of soil mechanics, protective systems, and safe work practices required to prevent injuries and fatalities in excavation work.

Target Audience:

• Construction workers involved in trenching or excavation
• Foremen, supervisors, and project managers
• Safety professionals
• Employees working in or around excavations

Course Objectives:

• Identify and recognize common trenching and excavation hazards
• Understand Cal/OSHA excavation requirements and safe work practices
• Perform basic soil classification and analysis
• Recognize appropriate protective systems
• Apply hazard control measures to reduce risk

Course Content:

Regulations & Standards:

• Cal/OSHA Title 8 (Sections 1539–1541.1)
• Excavation permitting and underground utility notification
• Employer responsibilities

Hazard Recognition:

• Cave-ins and soil failure
• Hazardous atmospheres
• Underground utilities
• Water accumulation and environmental factors
• Equipment and traffic hazards

Soil Mechanics & Classification:

• Soil types (Stable Rock, Type A, B, C)
• Visual and manual classification methods
• Effects of moisture, vibration, and loads

Protective Systems:

• Sloping and benching
• Shoring systems (hydraulic, timber, engineered)
• Shielding systems (trench boxes)

Safe Work Practices:

• Access and egress requirements
• Inspection awareness
• Working near adjacent structures and loads
• Fall protection considerations

Competent Person (Basic Overview):

• General role and purpose
• Importance of inspections and hazard awareness
• Requirement for designated competent person

Evaluation & Certification:

Participants must successfully complete a final written exam. Documentation is provided upon successful completion.