Excavation and Trenching Safety

Soil mechanics classification, trench collapse prevention, shoring, shielding, sloping protocols, underground utility locating, and hazardous atmosphere testing.

Standard Duration 2 Days (16 Hours)

Competence Level Competent Person / Supervisory

Delivery Modalities Classroom & Ground Trench Demonstration, On-Site Mine/Civil Site

Statutory Alignment Ghana Act 328 / GS 1207

Target Audience & Prerequisites

Earthmoving Contractors, Pipe Layers, Trenching Crews, Geotechnical Technicians, Site Engineers

Measurable Learning Outcomes

• Explain the soil mechanics and physics of cave-ins and trench wall collapse.
• Classify soils into Type A, B, and C using visual and manual field testing methodologies.
• Locate underground utilities using CAT & Genny detectors and execute safe hand-digging protocols.
• Select appropriate protective systems (sloping, benching, aluminum shoring, trench boxes).
• Conduct daily competent person inspections including dewatering, air quality, and spoil placement.
• Recognise hazardous atmospheres in deep excavations and implement emergency evacuation procedures.

Five-Module Curriculum Structure

Module 01: Introduction to Excavation and Trenching 4 Hours

Excavation types, fatal hazards, cave-in dynamics, and statutory duties under Minerals Commission L.I. 2182.

Core Topics: Excavation vs trench definitions • Cave-in physics and soil weight • Ghana statutory requirements • Competent person duties on site • Pre-excavation planning checklist

Module 02: Soil Mechanics and Ground Instability 4 Hours

Soil classification (Type A, B, C), fissured ground, moisture effects, vibration, and surcharge loads.

Core Topics: Visual and manual soil ribbon testing • Type A, B, C soil classification • Moisture saturation and water table • Adjacent vehicular vibration effects • Superimposed spoil and crane surcharge

Module 03: Underground Utilities and Service Detection 4 Hours

Cable avoiding tools (CAT & Genny), utility service drawing verification, and safe hand-digging rules.

Core Topics: Service drawing cross-checking • Electromagnetic CAT & Genny scanning • Trial holes and potholing methods • Air-spade and insulated hand tools • Emergency response to utility strike

Module 04: Protective Shoring Systems and Access Means 4 Hours

Sloping, benching, aluminum hydraulic shoring, trench boxes, and safe ladder access spacing.

Core Topics: Sloping and benching angles by soil type • Hydraulic aluminum shoring assembly • Trench shield box placement and limits • Ladder spacing within 7.5 metres • Edge barriers and stop-blocks for plant

Module 05: Excavation Inspections, Dewatering and Gas Testing 4 Hours

Daily inspections, hazardous atmosphere testing, sumps, trench dewatering, and emergency exit routes.

Core Topics: Daily competent person inspections • Inspection after rainfall or vibration • Atmospheric gas testing (O2, CO, H2S) • Water accumulation and sump pumping • Emergency evacuation protocols

Practical Safeguards & Facility Standards

Facility Location:

Takoradi Practical Yard

Mandatory Delegate PPE:

Safety Helmet (EN 397), S3 Steel-midsole Boots, Chemical Splash Goggles, Heavy Nitrile Gloves, High-Vis Vest

Lead Faculty & Technical Governance Review

Ing. Kwame Boateng (CMIOSH, MSc Occupational Safety, PE-GhIE, Lead Auditor ISO 45001) CMIOSH Verified

Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner with over 16 years leading high-hazard safety operations across West African mining, infrastructure, and heavy civil construction projects. Former technical advisor to major mineral concessions in Tarkwa and capital highway expansions in Greater Accra.

Assessment & Certification Governance

Formative interactive practice drills & formal end-of-course invigilated CBT assessment (80% pass threshold). Zero automatic certificates issued from public previews.

Governance Rule: Public educational previews do not constitute formal assessments. Digital certificates are issued only following verified invigilated CBT completion and practical competency signoff.

Kevron Group (Ghana Digital Expansion) • Airport Residential, Accra & Harbour Yard, Takoradi
Official Support: +233 (0) 30 297 8899 | infoghana@kevrongroup.com | https://kevrongroup.com/gh/training