It is hereby made the duty of any person, during any excavation, to safely guard the public against any and all accidents liable to occur as a result of the same, by providing suitable and adequate warning signs, lights, safeguards, railings, and guard devices around any such excavations, ditches, or trenches. From sunset to sunrise he shall maintain a sufficient number of red lights or torches on each side of such excavations, trenches, or ditches as is necessary to give adequate and suitable warning of danger. (1985 Code § 14-304)