Excavation and Trench Safety Permit Policy

Effective February 17, 2009, all excavators must obtain a permit prior to the creation of a trench made for a construction-related purpose, in accordance with Chapter 82A of the Massachusetts General Laws, and Title 520 14.00 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations. These new Massachusetts Department of Public Safety and Division of Occupational Safety regulations are designed to provide safety for the general public. In addition, this policy affirms OSHA Standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P) as the minimum requirements for worker protection and excavation/trench safety.  The purpose of this policy is to establish worker protection and public safety requirements for excavations and trenches on UMass property and for UMass projects. This policy also applies to projects under the jurisdiction of DCAM (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management) and UMBA (University of Massachusetts Building Authority).

 

Excavation and Trench Permit Flow Chart

Excavation and Trench Permit