How to Choose the Right Trench Safety Equipment
Choosing the Right Trench Protection System for Safety and Productivity
The excavation industry is evolving with new methods, new designs, new concepts and new expectations. With this inevitable evolution its more important than ever to maintain adherence to the standards and protocols which protect our trench workers. Each OSHA regulation or mandate can be traced back to a mishap (or near mishap) of one of our own, discounting the value of these lessons from the past in an effort to “Save time” or “cut costs” undermines safety and efficiency; true progress comes from investing in smarter planning, proper training, and using protective systems designed for both safety and productivity.
OSHA has provided the standard 1926 Subpart P App F as a means to identifying which protective system to use within specific excavation types.
These systems can be subcategorized as
1.) Sloping (Sloping system) means a method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating to form sides of an excavation that are inclined away from the excavation so as to prevent cave-ins. The angle of incline required to prevent a cave-in varies with differences in such factors as the soil type, environmental conditions of exposure, and application of surcharge loads.
Advantages:
Simple to implement with no need for additional structural components.
Works well in stable, cohesive soils.
No need for specialized equipment or materials.
Disadvantages:
Requires extensive excavation, increasing project time and material removal.
Unsuitable for confined or urban spaces due to space constraints.
Can be ineffective in loose or unstable soils.
2.) Shielding (Shield system) means a structure that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in and thereby protect employees within the structure. Shields can be permanent structures or can be designed to be portable and moved along as work progresses. Additionally, shields can be either premanufactured or job-built in accordance with §1926.652(c)(3) or (c)(4). Shields used in trenches are usually referred to as "trench boxes" or "trench shields."
Advantages: (Aluminum Trench Shields)
Aluminum trench shields are lightweight and easier to handle than steel, reducing equipment strain and labor effort.
Shields provide immediate protection by creating a safe enclosure for workers.
Portable and can be moved along the trench as work progresses, ensuring continuous safety.
Disadvantages: (Aluminum Trench Shields)
Less effective in unstable soil conditions without additional stabilization measures.
Limitations on depth of use when compared to Heavy Weight Steel solutions
3.) Shoring (Shoring system) means a structure such as a metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber shoring system that supports the sides of an excavation and which is designed to prevent cave-ins.
Advantages:
Provides strong lateral support, making it suitable for unstable or varied soil conditions.
Metal or hydraulic systems can be adjusted for varying trench sizes.
Reduces the amount of excavation required compared to sloping.
Disadvantages:
Installation can be complex, requiring skilled labor and equipment.
Higher costs for materials and maintenance compared to simpler systems like sloping.
When deciding between what system is right for you its important to consider the scope of work required (Depth, Time, Equipment, Location). At Trench System Control we know every job has unique variables, thats why we offer a broad range of solutions to assist our customers on completing their projects efficiently without compromising the safety of their most valuable assets, the Trench Workers.
For more information on Trench System Control Solutions visit our page here: https://www.trenchsystemcontrol.com
For Trench System Control Products visit our page here: https://www.trenchsystemcontrol.com/aluminum-trench-products
If you have any questions give us a shout here! https://www.trenchsystemcontrol.com/contact-aluminum-trench-box
Thanks for reading,
Morgan Brik Johnstone