R 408.40953 Adjacent structures; protection; design; inspection of shoring, bracing, and underpinning.

Rule 953. (1) A structure that is adjacent to an excavation or trench below the level of the base or footing of any foundation or retaining wall shall be protected against settlement, lateral movement, undermining, or washout. (2) Before the excavation begins, the design of the protection used shall be set forth by a qualified person who is knowledgeable in the subject area. (3) The shoring, bracing, and underpinning shall be inspected daily or more often, as conditions warrant, by a competent person. (4) Where the stability of adjoining buildings, walls, or other structures is endangered by excavation operations, support systems such as shoring, bracing, or underpinning shall be provided to ensure the stability of such structures for the protection of employees. (5) Excavation below the level of the base or footing of any foundation or retaining wall that could be reasonably expected to pose a hazard to employees shall not be permitted except when 1 of the following applies: (a) A support system, such as underpinning, is provided to ensure the safety of employees and the stability of the structure. (b) The excavation is in stable rock. (c) A registered professional engineer has approved the determination that the structure is sufficiently removed from the excavation so as to be unaffected by the excavation activity. (d) A registered professional engineer has approved the determination that such excavation work will not pose a hazard to employees.