For excavations and trenches greater than what depth are both an excavation trenching plan and an AHA required?

For excavations and trenches that exceed a depth of 5 feet, both an excavation trenching plan and an Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) are mandated. This requirement is in place due to the increased risks associated with deeper excavations, such as potential cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, and equipment-related incidents.

An excavation trenching plan is crucial for outlining the specific safety procedures, protective measures, and methods to be utilized in order to mitigate these risks. Similarly, the AHA serves to identify and assess hazards associated with the specific tasks involved in the excavation process. By requiring these documents for deeper excavations, regulations aim to enhance worker safety and prevent accidents in environments that pose greater dangers.