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All open edges of an excavation that are 6 feet (1829 mm) or greater in depth shall be protected by a guardrail system meeting the requirements of Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.5, or by a solid enclosure at least 3 feet 6 inches (1067 mm) high. For the purpose of a guardrail system installed in accordance with this section to protect the open edge of an excavation, the term "floor" in Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.5 shall mean "ground."
Exceptions:
  1. A toeboard is not required where the sheeting, shoring, bracing, or any other support of excavation extends at least 31/2 inches (89 mm) above the top of the excavation.
  2. guardrail system or a solid enclosure is not required where access to the adjoining area is precluded.
  3. A guardrail system or a solid enclosure is not required where side slopes are three horizontal by one vertical (33-percent slope) or flatter.
  4. In lieu of a guardrail system, wells, pits, excavation shafts, or similar excavations may be protected by an adequate cover capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of persons, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time, or where located in roadways and vehicular aisles, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover. The cover shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or persons, and shall be color coded or marked with the word "HOLE" or "COVER" to provide warning of the hazard.
  5. The edges of ramps shall be protected in accordance with Section 3315.
3304.4.4.1 Openings
To provide necessary openings for intermittent operations, one or more sections of the guardrail system or solid enclosure may be hinged or supported in sockets. When supported in sockets, rails shall be so constructed that they cannot be jolted out. A button or hook may be used to hold the guardrail system or solid enclosure in a fixed position. As an alternative to hinged or socketed sections, substantial chains or ropes may be used to guard such openings in such guardrail system or solid enclosure. Where so used, the chains or ropes shall meet the tautness and height requirments as the rails of a standard guardrail system.
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Related Code Sections

3304.4.4 Safeguards During Construction or Demolition, Guardrail System
All open edges of an excavation that are 6 feet (1829 mm) or greater in depth shall be protected by a guardrail system meeting the requirements ...
3304.4.4 Safeguards During Construction or Demolition, Guardrail System
All open edges of an excavation that are 6 feet (1829 mm) or greater in depth shall be protected by a guardrail system meeting the requirements ...
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A guardrail system shall be installed and maintained to protect all unenclosed perimeters. Exceptions: A guardrail system is not required ...
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A guardrail system shall be installed, maintained, and provided along all unenclosed perimeters. Exceptions: A guardrail system is not required ...
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