Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926, competent person inspections of excavations must be conducted at what frequency?
Correct Answer
D) Daily, before work begins
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651(k) requires that excavations be inspected daily by a competent person before employees enter the excavation. Additional inspections are required after weather events or other conditions that could affect safety.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651(k) explicitly mandates that excavations must be inspected daily by a competent person before employees enter the work area. This daily inspection requirement ensures that any overnight changes, settling, or deterioration in soil conditions are identified before workers are exposed to potential cave-in hazards. The regulation emphasizes prevention through consistent monitoring, making daily inspections the minimum standard for excavation safety.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Once per week
Weekly inspections are far too infrequent for excavation safety, as soil conditions can change rapidly due to weather, vibration, or natural settling within a matter of hours or days.
Option B: Only after weather events
Every three days does not meet OSHA's minimum safety standards, as excavation conditions can deteriorate significantly between inspections, potentially creating life-threatening cave-in situations.
Memory Technique
Use the acronym 'DICE' - Daily Inspections Create Excavation safety. Remember that excavations are like open wounds in the earth that need daily monitoring to prevent collapse.
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P - Excavations, specifically section 1926.651(k) for inspection requirements
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