ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This article looks at the roles of major players involved in producing a shoring system, as well as their responsibilities. One way to do this is by looking at risk and litigation when something goes wrong. In the United States, all industries are subject to litigation, this article looks at the four … Read more
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Engineer’s Corner: OSHA Soil Types and Their Impact on Shoring Systems
In almost all cases, a Competent Person must first classify soil in accordance with the OSHA Appendix A Soil Classification prior to selecting open-cut sloping or a manufacturer shoring system for a project. The appendix outlines three soil types in descending order of stability, Type A, Type B, and Type C. Anyone that works with … Read more
Engineer’s Corner: Trench Shield Inspection and Repair
It is well understood that the use of shoring equipment requires regular inspection and maintenance. Understanding how to inspect a shoring device, what needs to be focused on, and how to make practical decisions about what is observed, is not so clear. Steel shoring shields have very long lifetimes, which depend on how the product … Read more
Engineer’s Corner: Excavation Shoring Equipment Job Hazard Analysis
On June 19th through 24th, the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) will be sponsoring a Trench Safety Stand-Down to raise awareness and prevent accidents in excavation work. One of the major ideas behind a safety stand-down is to increase awareness and focus on safety by encouraging participants to stop, think about safety, and determine ways … Read more
Engineer’s Corner: National Trench Safety’s Load Measuring Telemetric Pin
National Trench Safety recently previewed its newly developed telemetric pin at the CONEXPO/CON-AGG construction equipment show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The telemetric pin was installed within the leg of a hydraulic excavation brace supporting an in-ground slide rail pit. As part of the demonstration, hydraulic loads were applied to the pin which was wirelessly transmitted … Read more
Engineer’s Corner: History and Reflections on the OSHA 2-Ft “Off the Bottom” Rule
There are many requirements within OSHA Subpart P that may not be entirely clear. One requirement that I continually get questions on is what we call the” 2-ft rule”. The 2-ft rule provides that a protective system, such as shoring shields and hydraulic shores, cannot be held more than 2-ft off the bottom of an … Read more
Engineer’s Corner: Innovation in the Shoring Industry
It starts with what’s perceived as a great idea to accomplish things better, faster, and or safer. It always seems like a no-brainer to adopt great ideas and improve how things are done in hindsight. Inventors and entrepreneurs invest huge sums of time and money into developing and refining these ideas. Once the inventor or … Read more
Engineer’s Corner: Reading Soils Reports and Bore Logs from a Contractor’s Perspective
On practically every construction project involving soil, whether excavating, moving, or building atop, there is usually a geotechnical investigation. The report is financed and commissioned by the owner and project design engineer for the purpose of obtaining soil properties relative to the structural stability and longevity of the project. The basic exploratory program most often … Read more