27306 Trenching and Excavating

Course Syllabus: NCCER Module 27306-14 – Trenching and Excavating

Course Information

• Course Title: Trenching and Excavating
• Module ID: 27306-14
• Duration: 15 Hours
• Edition: Based on NCCER Carpentry Level Three (or equivalent in Heavy Highway Construction curricula)
• ISBN (Trainee Guide): 978-0-13-378678-1
• Delivery Format: Classroom instruction, hands-on demonstration, and performance tasks

Course Description

This module provides an introduction to working in and around excavations, with a focus on preparing building foundations. It covers soil types and bearing capacities, procedures for shoring, shielding, and sloping trenches and excavations, trenching safety requirements (including recognition of unsafe conditions), and techniques for mitigating groundwater, surface water, and rock during foundation excavation.

The course aligns with industry standards, including OSHA excavation requirements (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P), and emphasizes safe practices to prevent cave-ins and other hazards.

Prerequisites

• Completion of NCCER Core Curriculum (Basic Safety, Introduction to Construction Math, etc.)
• Recommended: NCCER Carpentry Levels 1 and 2, or equivalent experience in construction site work
• Basic understanding of construction tools and safety protocols

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:

1. Describe procedures for safely excavating building foundations.
2. Identify soil classifications and explain their bearing capacities.
3. Explain and demonstrate safe methods for shoring, shielding, and sloping trenches and excavations.
4. Recognize common hazards in excavations and trenches, including unsafe conditions.
5. Apply safety requirements and guidelines for working in and around excavations.
6. Describe techniques for mitigating surface water, groundwater, and rock encounters during excavation.

Course Outline

Session 1: Introduction to Excavations and Trenches (2.5 Hours)

• Definitions: Excavation vs. trench (e.g., trench width not exceeding 15 ft)
• Overview of excavation purposes, particularly building foundations
• Role of the competent person
• OSHA regulations and NCCER safety guidelines

Session 2: Soil Classification and Testing (3 Hours)

• Types of soil (stable rock, Type A, B, C)
• Bearing capacities and factors affecting soil stability
• Visual and manual soil tests
• Impact of soil type on protective systems

Session 3: Protective Systems (4 Hours)

• Sloping and benching techniques
• Shoring systems and components
• Shielding (trench boxes)
• Selection and installation of protective systems based on soil type and depth

Session 4: Hazards, Safety, and Unsafe Conditions (3 Hours)

• Common hazards: Cave-ins, falls, hazardous atmospheres, falling loads, water accumulation
• Access and egress requirements (e.g., ladders, ramps)
• Inspection procedures
• Recognition and response to unsafe conditions

Session 5: Water and Rock Mitigation; Foundation Excavation Procedures (2 Hours)

• Techniques for controlling surface water and groundwater (dewatering)
• Handling rock encounters
• Safe excavation practices for foundations

Session 6: Review and Performance Tasks (0.5 Hours)

• Hands-on practice and review

Required Materials

• NCCER Trenching and Excavating Trainee Guide
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vest, steel-toed boots
• Notebook and writing materials
• Access to excavation site or simulation area for performance tasks (if available)

Teaching Methods

• Instructor-led discussions and lectures
• Multimedia presentations (videos, diagrams)
• Group activities and case studies
• Hands-on demonstrations and performance tasks

Assessment and Evaluation

• Knowledge Assessment: Written module exam (multiple-choice, covering all objectives; passing score typically 70% or higher per NCCER standards)
• Performance Tasks: Practical verification by an NCCER-certified instructor/evaluator, including:
  • Identifying soil types
  • Demonstrating knowledge of protective systems
  • Recognizing hazards and unsafe conditions
• Credentialing: Successful completion earns the NCCER Trenching and Excavating (27306) credential in the NCCER Registry

Safety Emphasis

Safety is integrated throughout the course. All trainees must adhere to site-specific safety rules. Emphasis on the fact that cave-ins are the leading cause of excavation fatalities, and proper protective systems are critical.

Instructor Qualifications

NCCER-certified Craft Instructor with experience in excavation and trenching operations.

This syllabus is designed to align directly with NCCER standards for Module 27306-14. Adjustments may be made based on training facility resources or specific program needs.