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A Trenching Tragedy
False sense of security Knew they were out of compliance Thought the soil was stable Conditions changed overnight A worker died
Trenching Statistics
About 400 U.S. workers die in trench-related accidents each year About 6,400 are seriously injured
What Is a Trench
A narrow excavation that is deeper than it is wide No more than 15 feet wide at bottom Walls will eventually fail
What Is a Cave-in
Soil or rock that suddenly falls or slides into an excavation Sufficient quantity to entrap, bury, injure or immobilize Soil gravitates downward, pressure pushes soil inward toward the trench Bottom third of wall typically fails first Soil above the collapsed lower wall follows
11006115 Copyright Business and Legal Reports, Inc.
Cave-in Injuries
Soil weighs 125 lbs. per cubic foot A worker can be crushed by soil, rock, or an object Suffocationeven if workers head is not buried, soil prevents chest expansion Immobilized by soils suction effect
11006115 Copyright Business and Legal Reports, Inc.
Soil Classification
Grain size Saturation Cohesiveness Unconfined compressive strength
Soil Types
Type A (most stable)dense and heavy clay Type B-silt, sandy loam, medium clay Type C (least stable) gravel, loamy sand, soft clay
Shoring
Support walls designed to prevent cave-in Usually built in place and designed by an engineer Components include: uprights (sheeting), wales, and cross braces
Shielding
Withstands forces of a cave-in and protects employees within Permanent or portable Trench boxes
Trench Boxes
Often designed to stack Never use sheeting to extend the height Can be used in conjunction with sloping and benching No one permitted inside when being raised or lowered
Excavation Inspections
Inspections conducted before work starts, throughout shift, after rainstorm Excavations inspected for:
Evidence of possible cave-ins Indications of failure of protective systems Potential hazardous atmosphere
Hazardous Atmospheres
Excavations near sewers, landfills, hazardous substances storage area Test atmosphere when deeper than 4 feet Ventilation or appropriate PPE Rescue and emergency equipment
Protect workers from material or equipment that could fall into the excavation
Keep material/equipment 2 feet from edge Use retaining devices
11006115 Copyright Business and Legal Reports, Inc.
Adjacent Structures
Excavations might endanger stability of buildings, walls, other structures Sidewalks, pavement not undermined unless supported to prevent collapse on excavation workers Shoring, bracing, or underpinning used to ensure stability for employee protection
Water Accumulation
Workers have drowned in the water at the bottom of a trench or excavation Never work in an excavation where water is accumulating without proper precautions Special shoring or shield system Water removal system Use of safety harness and lifeline
Summary
Cave-ins occur suddenly and can entrap, bury, or injure Soils have varying stability that determines the appropriate protection Always use protection systems Be aware of signs of soil distress Be aware of all the hazards associated with working around excavations
11006115 Copyright Business and Legal Reports, Inc.
Quiz
1. Describe two signs of soil distress: __________________________________________, __________________________________________. 2. Describe why a worker buried up to the neck would not be able to breathe: __________________________________________. 3. When working in a 4-foot trench, there must be an exit within 25 feet. True or False 4. Shielding is designed to prevent an excavated wall from caving in. True or False 5. Name a portable device used for shielding: __________________________________________.
11006115 Copyright Business and Legal Reports, Inc.
Quiz (cont.)
6. How does water or rain impact the classification of soil? ___________________________________ 7. Trenches near landfills may not contain enough oxygen to support life. True or False 8. Describe a way to protect trench workers from falling soil or objects:_______________________________ 9. Excavations need to be inspected only right after they are first dug. True or False 10. If you dont know the soil type, what slope angle should you use to be safe?_____________________________
11006115 Copyright Business and Legal Reports, Inc.
Quiz Answers
1. Signs of soil distress include cracks, slumping, bulging, sinking edge, or trickling pebbles. 2. The soil exerts about 800 lbs. of pressure on the chest, which prevents expansion. 3. True. 4. False. Shoring prevent cave-ins and shielding protects workers from a cave-in. 5. A trench box is a portable device that is used for shielding.
11006115 Copyright Business and Legal Reports, Inc.