This training programme is about teaching learners to minimize danger to workers in or near trenches and excavations, and to maintain the required precautions through inspections, excavation supports or battering at the start of the working shift and at other specified times.
Learners are taught that no work should take place until the excavation is made safe in line with legislated standards and best practice considerations.
Entry requirements
Grade 7 certificate or equivalent qualification.
For any queries regarding the requirements and conditions of excavation safety inspection training, contact our skills development advisor for more information.
Construction site safety training
Excavation inspection training
Occupational health and safety
Course content
Introduction to trench and excavation safety
We discuss collapse of excavations, falling or dislodging material, falling into excavations and inspections as an introduction.
Soil classification
We identify soil by classification, discuss appointment of a competent person that should determine the soil type, visual and manual tests.
Excavation sloping and benching
We explain:
• Sloping systems,
• Simple sloping systems for type “A” soil,
• Simple sloping system for TYPE “B” soil,
• Simple sloping system for TYPE “C” soil,
• Benching systems,
• Bench systems for Type “A” soil,
• Bench systems for TYPE “B” soil,
• Combination sloped/benched systems,
• Combination systems for TYPE “A” soil,
• Combination system for TYPE “B” soil,
• Combination system for TYPE “C” soil and
• Layered systems.
Shoring and shielding
We discuss:
• Soil Mechanics,
• Shoring Types,
• Hydraulic Shoring,
• Pneumatic Shoring,
• Shielding Types,
• Trench Boxes and
• Combined Use,
Special health and safety considerations
We discuss the appointment of a competent person, surface crossing of trenches, ingress and egress, exposure to vehicles, exposure to falling loads, warning systems for mobile equipment, hazardous atmospheres and confined spaces, emergency rescue equipment, standing water and water accumulation, inspections, site assessment questions and emergency procedures.
Assessment methods
We conduct a formative theoretical assessment at the beginning of the course to gauge the learner’s initial understanding (novices only). At the end of the training, a summative theoretical and practical application assessment is conducted, to find if the learner is competent; if not, additional developmental areas are identified and suggested.