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the inspection. Remember—excavating is at the heart of what we do here at Johnson — Davis, so becoming familiar with the terms and definitions can be as important as performing the work itself. ■ "The 2' Rule" —When we dig any hole in the earth, whether it's a trench or a larger irregularly shaped excavation, all the earth materials that are dug out are normally placed next to the hole that has been dug. This is a normal procedure. What this rule means is that there MUST BE a two foot clear space between the edge of the excavation and the spoils pile wherever employees will be in the excavation. There also may NOT be any tools, materials or equipment within that space. This rule exists so that the weight of the spoils, tools or equipment will not cause the trench to collapse. Knowing and complying with this basic rule is a part of your responsibilities. As a new hire, all it takes is a shovel to walk to an area of the edge of the spoils pile and make sure that a clear two foot space where other employees are working in the excavation exists. o "The 4' Rule" —All employees working in trenches must have a quick way to get out of the trench in case of a collapse or other hazard that emerges. The law says that whenever employees are in a trench or excavation, a ladder must be positioned within 25' of their work location for quick exit. The ladder must also extend at least 3' from the edge of the excavation and must be within what is called "lateral travel distance." Lateral travel distance means that employees must not have to make a 90 degree turn around an excavated corner to get to the ladder. Employees should need only to make one turn, either to the left or right and be able to, within 25', get to a fully visible ladder. "The 5' Rule" —The law states that regardless of soil type, A, B or C, when any trench or excavation reaches or exceeds 5 feet in depth, the trench or excavation must either have sloped sides or be shored with an engineered shoring system to protect employees within the excavation. Sloping in type C soil requires an angle of 1.5 to 1, or for every 1 foot of depth, you must dig out and away 1 Meet on each side. This translates to an angle no greater than 34 degrees. Cave - ins —Any time an unsupported trench wall collapses it is termed as a "cave— in." ALL cave — ins are dangerous and more often than not there is some small warning, however short, that they are about to occur. All cave — ins begin from the middle third of the excavation wall depth as downward forces apply pressure to the unsupported walls. There will usually be indications of loose 12