Excavation walls and faces must be guarded by what means?

Excavation walls and faces must be guarded by sloping the ground to provide a safe working environment. This method helps prevent soil and rock from collapsing into the excavation area, reducing the risk of cave-ins, which can pose significant hazards to workers. By sloping the excavation walls, the angle is created based on the type of soil and depth of the excavation, ensuring stability and safety.

Utilizing proper slope angles is a recognized practice within excavation safety guidelines, as it promotes the structural integrity of the walls. It creates a natural barrier that minimizes the chances of loose material falling and provides a safe access point for workers. This method is often considered a preferable approach compared to others because it involves modifying the actual excavation environment to achieve safety.

While other measures, such as fencing, signage, and lighting, can enhance safety, sloping directly impacts the physical security of the excavation site by addressing the inherent dangers related to wall stability.