Trenching & excavation basics

New-Hire Orientation — preparation material, not official OSHA/MSHA training. Key points: • Protective system at 5 ft or deeper unless in stable rock; 20 ft+ needs an engineer design • Ladder or ramp within 25 ft of travel at 4 ft deep • Spoils and equipment at least 2 ft back from the edge • Competent person inspects daily and after rain