BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
Underground Construction Safety
Online Training Certificate Course
29 CFR 1926 Subpart S
From the highest rated and most trusted online training company - since 2008.
The dangers of construction work are well documented. To put them in perspective, out of 4,779 worker fatalities in United States private industry in calendar year 2018, 21.1% were in construction. In other words, one in five worker deaths in 2018 were in construction.
Safety training is the first step toward adopting safety behaviors. In tandem, understanding regulations and adopting a mindset of safety are proven ways of preventing injury, illness, and death.
This course is for:
This OSHA Underground Construction training is designed for anyone employees involved in underground construction must be trained to recognize and respond to hazards associated with this type of work. Training should be tailored to the specific requirements of the jobsite and include any unique issues or requirements.
This online certification course meets the requirements set forth by OSHA for the Underground Construction Standard.
Case Study: In February 2010, construction crews from a Minneapolis, Minnesota, utility company were installing a telephone cable in a residential neighborhood using a common construction technique, horizontal directional drilling. When they apparently struck a gas main in the street, a natural gas explosion occurred that destroyed one home and damaged another.
Key Takeaway: While no one was injured, the blast highlights the risks of drilling underground. It was not clear if the telephone cable installers actually dug down and saw the gas line, which they were supposed to bypass with the drill. Remember: If you see something that seems unsafe, call it to the attention of your coworkers and foremen. Safety is the job of every person at the worksite, regardless of seniority or job title.
Governing Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, is charged with the enforcement of safety and health conditions of workers through the use of regulations published in the Code of Federal Regulations. OSHA regulations are published in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Part 1926 covers construction industry regulations. This online training course references the Underground Construction, Caissons, Cofferdams and Compressed Air Standard, located in OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart S.
What You'll Learn
Introduction to Underground Construction Safety
- Overview of Applicable Regulations
- OSHA-Defined "Competent Person"
Site Control Procedures
- Powered Communication Systems
- Check-In/Check-Out Procedures
- Emergency Procedures
- Rescue Teams
- Control of Access and Egress
- Ground Support of Portal and Subsidence Areas
- Ground Stability of Underground Areas
- Ground Support Systems
- Ground Support of Shafts
Fire Prevention and Control
- Basic Fire Prevention and Control
- Underground Construction Fire Prevention and Control
- Storage of Flammable Materials
- Use of Flammable Fuels]
- Diesel Fuel in Underground Construction
- Atmospheric Hazards
- Ventilation Requirements
- Illumination Requirements
Air Monitoring
- Always Test for Oxygen First
- Gassy or Potentially Gassy Operations
- Characteristics of Gassy Operations
- Requirements for Gassy Operations
- Characteristics of Potentially Gassy Operations
- Requirements for Gassy and Potentially Gassy Operations
- Testing for Methane and Other Flammable Gases
- Hydrogen Sulfide Levels
Requirements for Underground Construction Activities
- Drilling on Jumbo Decks
- Underground Blasting
- Using Cranes and Hoists Underground
- Personnel Hoists in Underground Operations
Compression Work
- Caissons
- Cofferdams
- Compression Work Terms
- Medical Attendance, Examination, and Regulations
- Medical Locks
- Telephone and Signal Communication
- Signs and Records
- Compression
- Decompression
- Man Locks
- Special Decompression Chamber
- Decompression Tables
- Compressor Plant and Air Supply
- Chamber Ventilation and Air Quality
- Chamber Electricity and Sanitation
- Compression Work - Fire Prevention and Protection
- Bulkheads and Safety Screens
Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities
- PPE: Respiratory Protection Overview
- Employer Responsibilities
- Employee Rights
Summary
Additional Resources
Exam
Most of our courses take about two (2) hours to complete. If a final exam is included, you should plan for an additional 30 minutes. Courses that require additional training time will clearly state that in the course title or description.
You’ll have unlimited access during your enrollment or access period. Most CTO courses must be completed within 90 days of purchase. OSHA-authorized Outreach Training provides up to 180 days to finish the course and required survey. Timeframes vary depending on the specific course and regulatory requirements. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for more details.
Because our courses are self-paced, you can log in and out as needed and complete your training on a schedule that works best for you.
Employers are responsible for employee safety during underground construction projects. Employers are responsible for training employees who may be exposed to hazards related to underground construction.
To ensure compliance with worker safety in underground construction, safety training must be conducted whenever necessary to maintain a working environment free from recognized hazards.
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