Employees are not permitted to work in excavations with standing or running water.

• A. TRUE
• B. FALSE
• C. ONLY with a supervisor
• D. ONLY after dewatering

Answer: (A)

Water in an excavation dramatically raises risk: it weakens soil, increases hydrostatic pressure on the walls, and can hide hazards or cause a sudden collapse. It also creates a drowning risk and makes footing and access more dangerous. Because of these dangers, entry into an excavation with standing or running water is not allowed until the water is removed and the trench is properly dewatered and protected. That’s why the statement is true: employees are not permitted to work in excavations while water is present. Once dewatering is completed and the trench is stabilized with the appropriate protective system, entry can resume under the established safety procedures.