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Confined Space and PRCS Protocols for Excavation

18 articles on this topic

Some hydro excavation projects involve confined spaces or permit-required confined spaces (PRCS) that demand additional safety protocols. Understanding the definitions, hazards, and entry requirements is critical for safe operations in these environments.

Confined space work requires atmospheric testing, proper ventilation, rescue provisions, and trained attendants. PRCS entry adds permit systems, continuous monitoring, and documented rescue plans. Excavations that meet confined space criteria must follow these protocols.

Our confined space guides explain the difference between confined spaces and PRCS, detail the requirements for safe entry, and help companies develop compliant procedures for excavation work in these higher-risk environments.

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Safety & Compliance

Confined Space vs PRCS: Key Differences and OSHA Requirements

OSHA defines a confined space as an area that:

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All Confined Spaces Articles

Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS) - Article Summary

**Confined Space** per OSHA requires three characteristics:

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Hydro Excavation Confined Space Protocols

Hydro excavation is recognized as one of the safest digging methods because it minimizes soil disruption, reduces utility strikes, and enables precise excavation. However, when hydro excavation cre...

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Role of Supervisors In Hydrovac Safety

Hydro excavation represents one of the safest and most precise digging methods available, yet job site safety depends on more than advanced equipment alone. Supervisors serve as a critical link bet...

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OSHA Standards for Hydro Excavation and Excavation Safety

Excavation ranks among construction's most hazardous operations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established strict standards to protect workers. While traditional mechanic...

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Traffic and Site Safety Controls for Deep Projects

When executing deep excavation projects—including utility installation, hydro excavation, sewer repair, and foundation work—safety extends beyond trench walls. Both workers and the public face sign...

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Hydrovac Operator Swamper Roles

Hydro excavation relies on skilled professionals beyond equipment alone. The hydrovac crew—particularly operators and swampers—ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

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How to Use Shoring: A Complete Guide to Trench Safety

Shoring involves installing "supports along trench or excavation walls" to prevent cave-ins. This method directly reinforces trench walls rather than relying on sloping or shielding techniques.

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How to Start a Hydro Excavation Company: The Complete Guide

The hydro excavation market is experiencing significant growth:

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Shielding vs Shoring vs Sloping: Understanding Excavation Safety Systems

Excavation work presents serious hazards, with "trench cave-ins among the leading causes of fatali­ties" on construction sites. Three primary protective systems—shielding, shoring, and sloping—help...

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Hidden Costs of Traditional Digging Contractors

**Overview**

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Hydrovac Trenching: The Complete Guide

Hydrovac trenching creates excavations using pressurized water to break apart soil and vacuum systems to remove debris. Typical dimensions include depths of 4–15 feet, widths of 1–4 feet, and varia...

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Hydrovac Disaster Recovery: Floods and Hurricanes

After floods, roads, culverts, and drainage systems often fill with mud and sediment. Hydrovacs can:

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Hydro Excavation Contractor

Selecting an appropriate hydro excavation contractor requires thorough evaluation. The hiring process should assess safety protocols, equipment capabilities, certifications, and cost transparency t...

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OSHA Excavation Standards for Trench Depth and Shoring

Excavation and trenching work presents significant hazards to construction workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulatory requirements found in **29 CF...

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Why Contractors Choose Hydrovacing Over Traditional Methods

In construction and utility work, excavation method selection significantly impacts project safety, efficiency, and budget. While traditional techniques like backhoes and hand shoveling remain comm...

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How Deep Can You Dig with Hydro Excavation?

Hydro excavation, commonly called hydrovacing or vacuum excavation, uses pressurized water to break up soil combined with a vacuum system for material removal. It's considered one of the safest and...

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Hydro Excavation Contaminated Soil Removal

Contaminated soil removal represents a crucial element of environmental remediation initiatives. When chemical spills, fuel leaks, or industrial waste compromise soil integrity, safe removal and ha...

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