Soil Type Identification Vital on Any Job

On every job site where excavation is occurring, an important responsibility of the competent person is the accurate classification of the soil. OSHA’s “Subpart P, Appendix A” describes methods of classifying soils based on site and environmental conditions. The competent person is required to perform at least one visual and one manual test as a basis for classifying the soil. The soil type is then used to select a shielding, shoring protective system or sloping technique that will protect workers. OSHA recognizes four types of soils: Stable rockOSHA defines stable rock as natural, solid mineral matter that can be excavated with