OSHA regulation on trenches: Don't get buried alive.
Thanks ...
All done with that crap until they decide that I gotta do that again every 4 years like out in Connecticut.
Don't forget to slope your trench and have two ladders in the whole. And if you go too deep it's a confined space requiring gas detectors and extraction gear. If there's a gas line in the ditch it's an explosive atmosphere so you need to keep track of the LEL. If there's an electrical line in the ditch there's a chance of an arc fault so you'll need a the proper protective clothing for that hazard catagory. And don't forget to use the proper MOT if you're near traffic.
Speaking of PPE, make sure you have gloves of every type, goggles, face shield, 5-point harness with fall arresting lanyard, hearing protection, hard hat, bump cap, chemical apron, steel toed boots, rubber chemical boots, arc fault suit, welding helmet, welding jacket, full face respirator with various "up-to-date" cartridge types, SCBA breathing equipment with extra tanks and you better have a few Level "A" protective suits on hand. Now you ready to go to work.
But wait a minute, aren't you a carpenter?
In that case all you need is a beer coozie and a box of condoms