What should you do to ensure safety before entering an excavation deeper than 1.5m?

To ensure safety before entering an excavation deeper than 1.5 meters, it is crucial to implement effective safety measures that comply with safety regulations and guidelines. One of the main hazards associated with deeper excavations is the risk of sidewall collapse, which can pose severe dangers to workers.

Benchmarking the sides refers to assessing the integrity and stability of the excavation walls, ensuring that they are safe for entry. This process is vital for identifying any signs of potential failure or instability that could lead to a collapse. Furthermore, the use of trench shields is an important safety measure designed to prevent soil from caving in while workers are inside the excavation. These shields provide a protective barrier that can keep workers safe from falling materials.

By combining both benchmarking the sides of the excavation and dropping in trench shields, workers create a safer environment. This dual approach addresses both the assessment of the excavation's condition and the implementation of physical barriers to protect against potential hazards, thereby significantly enhancing safety when working in deeper excavations.