The Importance of Trench Shoring

Trench collapse or cave-ins are a significant risk to workers and the correct protective system can save lives. This is why shoring is mandatory in OSHA-mandated excavations.

The method of trench shoring you use depends on the soil classification and density tests performed at your work site. You also need to know the sloping and benching angles that apply, which influences what equipment you need.

The Equipment

Trench shoring equipment is fabricated to support the sidewalls of an excavated trench to prevent cave-ins. It can be either hydraulic or static or mechanical. These shoring systems are also known as crossing bridges, bedding boxes or wale systems. Hydraulic shoring equipment includes hydraulic cylinders (cross braces) and horizontal rails (walers). It can be used as an alternative to timber shoring, but it should never be the only method of trench shoring.

Other forms of shoring include pneumatic, screw jack and single-cylinder hydraulic shores. Pneumatic shoring utilizes air pressure, whereas screw jack systems require a worker to be in the trench to adjust the struts and does not allow uniform “preloading”. Single-cylinder hydraulic shores are heavy, and the struts must be adjusted manually. The type of shoring you use will depend on the work area dimensions, groundwater levels, existing utilities and other factors. The right equipment will ensure you can complete the job safely and quickly.

The Method

Trench shoring is important for excavation work because it protects workers from collapsed trench walls. Depending on how big the trench is, it could be a life-threatening situation for anyone stuck inside. Shoring is a system of bracing the walls that can be installed before workers go in to dig. The shoring company should install it before any excavation starts, and workers should only enter the trench once it is properly braced.

The shoring method used depends on the type of soil being excavated and the requirements of each specific excavation. Different methods include using wood shores, hydraulic shoring, and screw jack systems. The shoring systems should be designed by an accredited professional engineer to ensure that they are safe and effective for the specific site conditions.

Even though shoring cannot prevent all excavation accidents, it is one of the most effective tools to reduce the risk of collapsing. Shoring should be checked frequently to ensure that it is secure.

The Safety

Trenches are prone to collapse and if this happens while workers are inside, they can be injured or even killed. This is why trench shoring is so important to prevent this from happening.

Props such as steel or timber are used to stabilize the walls of the trench. Sloping is also used to angle the walls of the trench away from each other. Another safety measure is using trench shields to protect the workers should a collapse occur.

Aluminum hydraulic shores are an alternative to traditional struts and come in various lengths for flexibility on the job site. They are especially useful when working around existing utilities or supporting trench walls near structures. Safety precautions include keeping a safe distance from the edge of the trench and not working under raised loads. It is also essential that a daily inspection be conducted by a competent person to determine whether the conditions are suitable for work.

The Inspection

Shoring is an excellent way to prevent cave-ins, but it must be inspected regularly. Whether you’re using aluminum hydraulic or timber shoring, there are specific inspection procedures that must be followed.

Shoring inspections are critical to the safety of workers. They’re also important in ensuring that the system is properly constructed and able to meet site conditions. For example, if the trench is subject to heavy rains, an inspection by a qualified engineer must be made before workers can re-enter the excavation/trench.

A daily trench/excavation log must be completed and a copy kept on-site. The log should include any accumulated water, as well as any changes to the excavation/trench. In addition, the shoring should be inspected by a competent person prior to each shift. The competent person must evaluate the shoring’s structural integrity and load-bearing capacity, determining if the trench is sloped or benched back to a safe angle and that the equipment is the correct size for the depth of the trench/excavation and soil type.



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