Question 1

What is trenching/excavation?

Accepted Answer

Excavating refers to any hole dug into the ground by the removal of material such as dirt or soil. A trench is a type of excavation where the depth exceeds the width. Various construction job sites use trenching and excavation equipment, and this work is considered hazardous because of the large quantities of soil and other materials being moved.

Question 2

What are the dangers of trenching?

Accepted Answer

The biggest danger associated with trenching and excavation is a cave-in. Other hazards include falls, hazardous atmospheres, falling loads, and equipment accidents. Properly selected and installed trench boxes can help shield workers from soil movement and trench collapses.

Question 3

Are there trenching regulations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trenching and excavation work is subject to safety regulations. OSHA requires trenches to be inspected daily and after environmental or jobsite conditions change. Inspections must be completed by a competent person who can identify excavation hazards and take corrective action.

Question 4

How do I pair a shoring box for my jobsite?

Accepted Answer

Selecting a shoring box requires information about the excavation equipment, intended trench depth, soil conditions, trench dimensions, and the type of structure being installed or repaired. North East Shoring can help evaluate these details and recommend suitable equipment.

Question 5

How do I pair a shoring box with my machine?

Accepted Answer

Shoring equipment must be compatible with the machine's lifting capacity. Equipment that is too heavy may damage or overload the machine, while an unsuitable lightweight system may be damaged during handling. Providing the machine model and lifting capacity helps determine an appropriate shoring system.

Question 6

Can I accessorize my trench box?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kundel trench boxes are available with accessories that can make shoring equipment more adaptable to specific jobsite requirements. Available options may include leg kits, end enclosures, spreaders, and other components designed for different trench configurations.

Question 7

What is A/B/C soil?

Accepted Answer

Type A, Type B, and Type C are OSHA soil classifications based on factors such as cohesiveness and stability. Type A is generally the most stable classified soil, while Type C is the least stable and may include granular soils such as sand. A competent person must classify the soil before an appropriate trench protection system is selected.

Question 8

Does my shield need to be a PE design?

Accepted Answer

Trench shields and shoring equipment must be used according to applicable tabulated data, manufacturer instructions, or a design approved by a registered professional engineer when required. The documentation identifies appropriate configurations, depth ratings, loads, and operating limitations.

Question 9

Can a steel trench shield be lifted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a steel trench shield can be lifted using excavation equipment with sufficient rated lifting capacity. The shield's weight, lifting points, manufacturer instructions, rigging requirements, and the machine's lifting chart should be reviewed before lifting. Lightweight aluminum trench boxes may be suitable when smaller equipment is being used.

Question 10

Are there trench boxes that can be installed by hand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some modular aluminum trench boxes are designed for manual assembly. ShoreLite modular aluminum trench boxes, for example, can be assembled by a small crew without requiring a tractor-backhoe for the assembly process.

Question 11

Are there advantages to a modular trench box?

Accepted Answer

Modular trench boxes can be transported with smaller vehicles, assembled in confined areas, and configured for different trench heights and widths. Their lightweight components may also reduce setup time and make them suitable for spot repairs, utility work, and restricted-access jobsites.

Question 12

Is there anybody I can speak to for more information?

Accepted Answer

Yes. North East Shoring's representatives can answer questions about trench boxes, shoring systems, road plates, cranes, equipment selection, rentals, purchases, and delivery. The team can review your project requirements and help identify appropriate equipment.

Question 13

Are there any universal trenching and excavation safety rules?

Accepted Answer

Common excavation safety practices include keeping heavy equipment and surcharge loads away from trench edges, locating underground utilities, testing for hazardous atmospheres when required, inspecting trenches before work begins and after severe weather, and preventing workers from standing beneath raised loads. Site-specific requirements should be determined by a competent person.

Question 14

What do road plates do?

Accepted Answer

Road plates are used to temporarily bridge excavations and maintain access for vehicles or pedestrians. A qualified person should determine whether a plate has the correct dimensions, thickness, load capacity, overlap, surface treatment, and installation method for the site.

Question 15

How is a steel plate attached to a road surface?

Accepted Answer

Steel road plates must be secured to prevent movement. Depending on the site and local requirements, this may involve pinning, recessing the plate into the pavement, using asphalt wedges, or another approved fastening method. The plate should remain stable and provide a safe transition for traffic.

Question 16

What is skid resistance?

Accepted Answer

Skid resistance is the ability of a road plate's surface to provide traction for vehicles and pedestrians, particularly in wet conditions. Anti-skid coatings or textured surfaces can help reduce slipping risks and improve safety.

Question 17

What is a tapered ramp?

Accepted Answer

A tapered ramp creates a gradual transition between the road surface and an elevated road plate. It helps vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians cross the plate more safely. Required taper dimensions may vary according to the elevation difference, roadway conditions, and applicable local or transportation authority requirements.

Question 18

Are there guidelines for using a road plate?

Accepted Answer

Road plate use should include selecting the correct dimensions and load capacity, providing sufficient overlap on stable ground, securing and marking the plate, applying skid-resistant treatment, installing advance warning signs, and inspecting the roadway and plate regularly. Multiple plates and uneven road surfaces may require additional engineering or installation measures.

Question 19

Do I have to have my cranes inspected?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Crane systems require frequent and periodic inspections under applicable OSHA standards and referenced industry requirements. Inspections should be completed on the required schedule by qualified personnel to identify wear, damage, malfunctioning components, and other safety concerns.

Question 20

How often are crane inspections required?

Accepted Answer

Inspection frequency depends on the crane, its components, service conditions, manufacturer instructions, and applicable regulations. Frequent inspections may be required daily or monthly, while periodic inspections may be required monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually depending on usage and service severity.

Question 21

How do I choose which crane works for me?

Accepted Answer

Choosing a crane requires evaluating the load weight, lifting height, span, travel distance, available workspace, duty cycle, building structure, power supply, and application. A North East Shoring representative can review these specifications and help compare suitable crane models.

Question 22

What kinds of cranes do you offer?

Accepted Answer

North East Shoring partners with Kundel to offer crane systems including SnapTrac, KTrac, TTrac, ergonomic jib arms, steel gantry cranes, aluminum gantry cranes, ISTRUT modular systems, floor cranes, ceiling cranes, and hybrid cranes.

Question 23

What's the difference between a ton and a tonne?

Accepted Answer

In the United States, a short ton equals 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne equals 1,000 kilograms, which is approximately 2,204.6 pounds. One metric tonne is therefore approximately 1.102 short tons.

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