Who has the authority to approve the design of protective systems?

The design of protective systems, such as those used in excavation and construction, must be approved by a registered professional engineer. This is because a registered professional engineer possesses the necessary qualifications, training, and expertise to understand the complexities involved in structural integrity, safety standards, and design specifications. Their role is critical in ensuring that the protective systems meet legal, safety, and engineering standards, thereby mitigating risks associated with excavations.

While project managers and local regulatory bodies can influence the implementation and oversight of such systems, only a registered professional engineer has the technical ability to assess and approve their design based on precise engineering principles and regulations. Experienced laborers may have valuable practical knowledge, but they do not have the formal qualifications required to validate a design formally.