Certified Excavations and Trenching Construction Safety Specialist (CETS)

Course Description

The Certified Excavation & Trenching Construction Safety Specialist (CETS) course provides comprehensive training on OSHA excavation and trenching safety requirements, equipping construction professionals with the knowledge to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards associated with excavation work. Designed for supervisors, safety professionals, competent persons, and construction workers, this course emphasizes compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P while promoting safe excavation practices that prevent injuries, cave-ins, and fatalities.

Participants will gain practical knowledge of excavation hazards, including trench collapses, underground utilities, hazardous atmospheres, water accumulation, and confined space risks. The course covers soil classification techniques, protective systems such as sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding, as well as the responsibilities of the competent person for excavation safety.

Students will also learn how to perform site inspections, conduct soil testing, identify permit-required confined spaces, use gas monitoring equipment, and implement emergency response procedures. Through real-world examples and OSHA-aligned guidance, this certification prepares participants to improve compliance, reduce workplace risks, and ensure safe excavation and trenching operations on construction sites.

What You'll Learn

• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand OSHA excavation and trenching standards, including 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P requirements.
• Identify excavation hazards such as cave-ins, underground utilities, hazardous atmospheres, water intrusion, and confined space risks.
• Classify soil types using accepted testing methods and determine appropriate protective systems.
• Apply safe excavation techniques, including sloping, benching, timber shoring, hydraulic shoring, and trench shielding.
• Conduct excavation site inspections and competent person assessments to maintain OSHA compliance.
• Recognize confined space hazards, gas monitoring requirements, ventilation methods, and alternate entry procedures.
• Develop hazard prevention strategies and emergency response plans for excavation and trenching operations.
• Promote a safe construction work environment by implementing industry best practices and regulatory compliance.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for construction managers, construction workers, building contractors, safety and health professionals, supervisors and training managers, as well as industrial hygienists.