A structure that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in and can thereby protect employees within the excavation. Shields can be permanent structures or portable and moved along as work progresses. Shields can be either premanufactured or job-built in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.652 (c)(3) or (c)(4).
A measure of sound intensity or loudness. The higher the decibel level, the louder and more potentially damaging the sound is
Ropes, chains, cables, or rods attached to something as a brace or guide
A four-color diamond label placed on containers or doors to alert people to specific safety hazards in a product, room, or building
A fibrous, fire-resistant substance used in pipe insulation, shingles, wallboard, floor coverings, and certain types of insulation. Now banned by government regulation as a health hazard
A document that must accompany any hazardous material. The SDS identifies the material and gives the exposure limits, the physical and chemical characteristics, the kind of hazard it presents, precautions for safe handling and use, and specific control measures
An atmosphere in which there is too much oxygen. Usually considered more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume
A process for identifying hazardous equipment, locking it so that no workers can use it until it is certified for safe use, and placing a tag on the equipment that describes the problem and warns against use
A depression in the earth that is caused by unbalanced stresses in the soil surrounding an excavation
Any prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment that can be fastened securely to an energy-isolating device in accordance with an established procedure. The tag indicates that the machine or equipment to which it is attached is not to be operated until the tagout device is removed in accordance with the energy-control procedure
Tools that use sharp edges to accomplish their tasks. Bladed tools include saws, knives, scissors, tin snips, and wire cutters
A life-threatening condition caused by exposure to very cold temperatures