Trench

Trench

Beginning on March 1, 2009, all excavators must obtain a permit prior to the creation of a trench made for construction-related purpose on public or private land or rights-of-way in accordance with Chapter 82A of the Massachusetts General Laws.

A trench is defined as a subsurface excavation greater than 3 feet in depth, and is 15 feet or less between soil walls as measured from the bottom.

This new PUBLIC SAFETY regulation is required by statute and is designed to prevent the general public from falling into an unattended trench and suffering an injury or fatality.

All regulated trenches must be attended, covered, barricaded, or backfilled.  Covers must be road plates at least 3/4" thick or equivalent, barricades must be fences at least 6 ft high with no openings greater than 4" between vertical supports and all horizontal supports required to be locatedon the trench-side of the fencing.

To ensure that all excavators are aware of and follow these new public safety regulations a permit will be required prior to excavation of all regulated trenches.

To apply for a Trench Permit, please submit the following:

  1. Trench Permit Application fully completed with the dates the trench will be open, location of trench, a dig safe number and all required signatures.
  2. Contractor License & insurance information on file with the Inspectional Services Department (if applicable).  
  3. A permit fee of $35.00 will be charged.

Once issued, the Permit must be posted in plain view at the trench worksite, such as in the window of a construction trailer.