Soil Classification Program
Type A, B, C soil classification procedures, testing methods, and documentation.
What this document is
This document provides contractors with the procedures and forms needed to classify soil as Type A, B, or C on construction sites. It helps employers meet excavation safety rules by documenting visual and manual tests that determine proper protective systems.
The regulation that requires it
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, Appendix B sets out the requirements for classifying soil and rock deposits. The regulation states: "Each layer of soil shall be classified individually. The soil classification must be made by a competent person." It requires employers to use either visual analysis or one of the manual testing methods described in the appendix before employees enter an excavation.
Who needs it
General contractors, excavation subcontractors, and any employer whose workers dig trenches or excavations need this program. It applies across the United States under federal OSHA and is especially important for California contractors who must also follow Title 8 CCR Section 1541. California employers face both federal and state enforcement depending on the work location.
What happens without it
OSHA and Cal/OSHA cite employers for failing to classify soil before excavation work. Serious violations currently carry penalties from $16,131 up to $161,323 for willful or repeated violations according to the published OSHA penalty schedule. Inspection risk is high on any site with open trenches, and multi-employer citations can extend to the general contractor even when a subcontractor performs the work.
What's included in the generated document
- Soil classification decision flowchart
- Visual and manual soil testing procedures
- Type A, B, and C soil descriptions with examples
- Daily soil classification log template
- Competent person designation form
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Assign a competent person to complete the soil classification training provided in the document.
- Print and review the testing procedures with all excavation crew members before work begins.
- Use the included log form to document soil type and test results for each excavation.
- Keep completed forms in the site safety binder or project file for the duration of the job.
- Review the classification results and required protective systems at daily safety meetings.