Trench Rescue

[Litch]

Irecently took a weekend course that covered shoring in "L", "T", and "X" trenches. I was wondering just how often those types of trenches are encountered. There are several municipalities in my area that are starting major upgrades to sanitary sewer connections. In the past I have seen primarily straight trenches being dug.

[billy]

"T" trenches are probably the most common configuration other than straight, however be prepared for all types. Any intersecting area is inherently dangerous. I suggest that you contact the contractor and look over the plans for digging, simply as a pre-plan.

[rsqguru]

T's & L's trench connections are very common in underground pipe laying. Every intersection presents as a T or an L, plus the addition of connection boxes at that location.I would agree with Billy that you need to get with the contractor and go over his/her cut and profile sheets for the upcoming job. Also you will need to pre-plan the response with mutual aid organizations and conduct at least one training drill to help establish inter-agency command, operation plans and support issues prior to the bell ringing for the collapse

[ADSNWFLD]

We just had a drill on "L" trenches today, and it was awkward at best. Some good things, we were in a live trench about 8' deep class C, Layers, previously disturbed and the bottom was at the water table. The inside corner collapsed prior to finishing the system. So we did get to see that.

We first shot the two legs then were attempting to place wales cantilevered to the outside corner. We didn't get to shooting any diagonals. Enough time had gone by and we were quickly running out of time and struts so we called it for the day

Please share with us how you've been doing "L" trenches and some pitfalls, if any, you have run into.

Thanks