What is the recommended procedure if soil samples cannot be safely collected directly from the excavation?

The recommended procedure involves employing a backhoe to remove samples from each area when soil samples cannot be safely collected directly from the excavation. Using a backhoe allows for the safe and controlled removal of soil, minimizing the risk of exposure to potentially hazardous conditions present at the excavation site. This method ensures that samples are collected from the specific areas of interest, providing accurate representations of soil conditions without putting workers at risk.

Additionally, a backhoe can efficiently reach deeper soil layers or areas that may be difficult to access manually, while also allowing for the collection of larger volumes of soil needed for comprehensive testing. This approach balances safety with the need for reliable data collection in site assessments or environmental studies.

Other options would not provide the same level of safety or precision in sampling. For instance, using a shovel may not be safe in unstable conditions prevalent at the excavation site, while taking samples from nearby locations might not accurately reflect the soil composition or contamination levels specific to the excavation area. Requesting samples from a local laboratory would not fulfill the need for immediate and site-specific data collection necessary for ongoing assessments.