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A competent person is an individual who has the capacity to identify the predictable and existing dangers. 

The competent person plays a very significant role in trenching and excavation. He is well trained and has a comprehensive knowledge of the task.

The Competent Person

A competent person is an individual who has the capacity to identify the predictable and existing dangers in the workplace. He can clearly perceive the working conditions which are hazardous or unsanitary and pose a risk to the workers. He has the ability to identify the types of soil and design suitable protective systems. He possesses the authority to implement corrective measures to get rid of the hazards.

Role in Trenching and Excavation

The competent person has a great deal of responsibility. Trenching and excavation work is inherently dangerous. Accidents can occur at any time. The workers can get injured while performing their duties.

So the competent person must be very capable and well qualified. He must be trained suitably for the job. He should have a complete knowledge of the field. It is imperative that the person who holds this position is acquainted with all the aspects of excavation and the rules and regulations associated with the occupation.

He should be familiar with the applicable laws and requirements for personal protective equipment, utility location, confined space, rigging and design, and hazardous atmosphere testing.

A suitably trained competent person who is equipped with the right tools can make a great difference. He can get rid of the major hazards. At the same time, he can foresee the latent risks and take appropriate steps to reduce them.

Some of the specific qualifications include:

  • In order to achieve his goal of providing a safe work environment, he should have an open and clear communication with the staff responsible for the trenching operations. In order to achieve his goal of providing a safe work environment, he should have an open and clear communication with the staff responsible for the trenching operations.
  • He should devise suitable protective systems on the basis of the conditions of the site. While doing this, he must keep the depth and width of the trench and the soil conditions in mind.
  • He must keep a watch on all the employees who work in the excavation. He should ensure that each worker is trained properly and knows his work, is familiar with the hazards and the protective measures and knows what to do in an emergency.
  • He has to inspect the excavation and the areas around it.
  • He must conduct tests to check if there is an oxygen deficiency or a concentration of hazardous gases in the atmosphere.
  • He should analyze visually or test and classify the soil and rock deposits. If the conditions change he should re-classify the same. He must use this knowledge to determine the appropriate protection.
  • If there are chances of a cave-in, or if the protective arrangements are not working, if the atmosphere or the working conditions are hazardous, the competent person must immediately remove the workers from there. They should be allowed to return to work at the place only after all the safety precautions have been taken.

In this way, the competent person can play a vital role in trenching and excavation. Need competitive person training or St. Louis trench shoring services? Contact us now by calling (636) 660-7467 or by filling out our online contact form.

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Trench shields play the most important role when it comes to safety of workers working in a trench.

trench safety st louis

Trench workers have to perform their duties in perhaps one of the most hazardous and stressful conditions. Trenches are often dug out in industries such as construction for laying the foundation of a building, for pipe laying or underground wiring jobs.

Trench shields play the most important role when it comes to safety of workers working in a trench. A good and strong trench shield helps keep the work space safe and protects workers from hazardous trench collapses. Trench shields function to keep the side walls of the trenches secure and prevent them from caving-in.

It is therefore essential that employers understand the qualities of a good trench shield, appropriate handling procedures and what type of trench shield is ideal for the job. Our St. Louis trench shoring services experts explain this in detail.

What are Trench Shields

All trenches can at some point in time collapse or cave in. It is therefore important that trench shields are chosen on the basis of the depth of the trench dug out and the quality of the ground material that the trench is made of. Trench shields are most commonly made of either steel or aluminum. Such trench shields have the ability to maintain a rigid hold on the trench walls, giving workers the ability to focus on the job at hand better and more time to complete their job before the trench walls cave in.

Sizing a Trench Shield

Sizing a trench shield is an important step. Therefore one has to be equipped with the correct information about sizing trench shields. While sizing a trench shield, one should choose a trench shield based on the size of the trench, the weight of the shield that is going to be handled by trench shoring equipment, know the depth of the trench, the quality of soil on which the trench is built, have an clear idea about the size of diameter of the outside pipe and the lift capacity of the excavator.

Trench Shield Assembly and Handling

Once a trench shield type is chosen, it is important that it is assembled exactly according to the manufacturers manuals provided. Moreover, those engaged in trench shield assembly should be well trained and have enough experience in assembly and handling of trench shields. They should use all original parts such as the rebar, bolts, pipe, spreader pins etc. and these should never be substituted. The keepers of the trench shield should always be properly installed.

Safety is always the number one priority at any workplace. Trenches are no different. It is mandatory that all aspects of safety are covered. The first and foremost safety check is to ensure all trench shield operators and supervisors receive proper training with regards to correct practices of assembling as well as handling trench shields. All workers and operators should be provided with proper personal protection equipment like helmets while working in the trenches and while operating trench shields.

Trench Shoring St Louis

When it comes to excavating projects, rely on Luby Shoring’s expertise. We’ll help you complete any job quickly, while meeting OSHA safety regulations. We have a wide range of options available for fast delivery, and our team will provide options for the correct equipment to use with your job.

Call us today at (636) 660-7467 or fill out our online contact form.

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When it comes to excavating projects, rely on Luby Shoring’s expertise.

st louis trench shoring

An aluminum trench shoring system is used on the sites where the ground is unstable. The
walls in a trench are braced with the trench shoring boxes so that they do not collapse. This
helps protect workers from getting injured while performing their tasks in trenches.

The trench boxes have spring mounted flexible spindles. The cut and lower method is used
to install them. The thickness of the plates vary.

Employee Safety

Top priority is given to the safety of workers on any construction site. The task of excavation can be very risky. Workers often have to work in trenches which are several feet deep and extend for miles. The most dangerous part of the job is that the walls of a trench or an excavation may cave-in and trap the workers under the dirt and other materials.

Companies use different types of equipment to avoid such accidents and to make the job
safer for the employees.

Types of Hydraulic Aluminum Trench Shoring Systems

Various types of equipment can be utilized according to the size and type of the trench. The
most popular ones are:

  • Hydraulic shoring – In this method, hydraulic pistons are used with heavy plywood or steel plates to shore up the trench. First, the plywood or the plates are put in the appropriate places. After that, the pistons are positioned. They are activated till they press against the walls. In this way the place is made safe for the workers.
  • The soldier boarding method is used for some type of trenches.
  • The beam and plate method – First, steel beams are fixed in the ground. Then steel plates are inserted between them. This helps to shore up the walls of the trench. Wooden planks are utilized instead of steel plates in some jobs.

Some people have an impression that trenches are dug to install pipes or some other things below the ground. However, trenches are dug for other purposes also. They are required for installing manholes too. It is equally important to shore up such trenches and make them safe.

An Innovative Method of Shoring

New methods have been developed to make the trenches safe for the workers. The fin form
takes advantage of the pressure exerted by the surrounding ground on the trench walls. In
this, first when the walls are put into the ground they are slightly angled. Then they bow out and become straight. In this way, they create a very tight fit and it is not possible for the trench walls to waver or collapse. The fin form walls are frequently used in manhole
construction where the spaces are narrow and tight and there are more chances of collapse. 

The hydraulic aluminum trench shoring products like vertical shores, hydraulic shields, end
shores, manhole shoring and waler systems are very useful for doing spot repairs, and for
working in tight situations, or working in places where it is not possible to use bulky
machinery.

St. Louis Shoring & Excavation Services

When it comes to excavating projects, rely on Luby Shoring’s expertise. We’ll help you complete any job quickly, while meeting OSHA safety regulations. We have a wide range of options available for fast delivery, and our team will provide options for the correct equipment to use with your job.

Call us today at (636) 660-7467 or fill out our online contact form.

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This system is installed for the safety of the workers and to give stability to the trench, extending its lifespan.

St Louis Shoring Services

The people who work in the construction industry are familiar with the trench box system. It is an amazing system which is installed for the safety of the workers who perform the tasks of digging and excavating. Not only this, it is also very effective in giving stability to the trench and extending its lifespan.

A Trench Box

A trench box is also known as a trench shield, sewer box, manhole box, or a tap box. It is used in the construction work. It provides stability to a trench and keeps the utility workers safe while they carry out their duties.

It is a two sided support system used in a mechanical excavation. A trench box is an important shoring equipment which is a boon for excavators. It helps to increase job safety as well as productivity.

Workers use them while they pour the foundations. They also utilize trench boxes when they have to repair a piping or wiring underground.

Trench boxes are extremely important for the construction industry. The construction of new buildings or homes requires digging and excavation of the soil. So trench boxes are indispensable for the safety of the workers on the construction sites.

The Structure Of The Trench Box System

There are two types of trench boxes – steel trench boxes and aluminum trench boxes. They are made of two plates which are known as shields. The spreaders hold them apart. The plates line the trench’s walls. The spreaders are beams which are placed perpendicular to the plates and function as braces. All the parts are welded together to make the trench box system stable.

The system is designed in such a way that the workers can get in and come out of the trench box. This is very crucial in times of an emergency when they have to get out quickly from the area.

Benefits of Using Trench Boxes

Improves the stability of the trench – A trench shoring box is very important because it helps to make the trench more stable and long lasting. In the absence of a trench box, the hole can cave-in in a matter of few seconds. A trench box system assists in keeping the hole stable and safe for many months if the type of soil, the weather conditions and the depth of the trench are suitable. It is very valuable for long term construction projects.

Provides protection to the workers – Trench and excavation work is hazardous by nature. Trench cave-ins can take place even when all the safety precautions are taken. The trench box adds an extra layer of protection for the workers. It aims at minimizing the risk of injury to the workers while doing their job. There are safety regulations to ensure that the trench boxes are used appropriately. The maximum depth at which the trench box system can be used in a safe manner is determined by the depth rating regulations.

St. Louis Shoring Services

Looking for reliable St. Louis trench shoring services? Contact Luby Shoring Services for a wide selection of custom and standard trench shielding and shoring options.

Call us today at (636) 660-7467 or fill out our online contact form.

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Maintaining the expected standards of safety are key to preventing trenching accidents.

st louis trench shoring

Trenching and shoring tasks involve a lot of hard work. As if that is not enough, the enormous chances of accidents make the job even tougher. So workers who begin excavation work must prepare themselves properly and take all the necessary precautions before they undertake the massive task.

Do Your Homework

Do not forget to do the homework before embarking on the task. Take the time to make a thorough study of the safety guidelines. Read and re-read the instructions so that you do not miss anything important. A slight mistake can be injurious to your well being. These regulations have been formulated on the basis of earlier experiences of other trench workers. Learn from their mistakes and be safe. As it is rightly said, knowledge is power. Equip yourself with all the essential knowledge to avert an accident.

Study the Ground Conditions

Study the condition of the ground properly. Try to get as much information as possible from others about the prevalent risks. This will enable you to do the job appropriately and adequately. For instance, you must be familiar with the nature of the ground, whether it is made up of sand, dirt, or a rocky mix. You need to be acquainted with the weather patterns too. Try to find out if the weather has been windy or rainy recently because these things have a lot of impact on the texture of the ground.

Use the Right Equipment

Make sure you use equipment which has been approved for the work. Such equipment can go a long way in preventing accidents as it is specially designed for excavation work. The safety equipment is made keeping in mind the depth of the trenches and the
installation methods involved. Sometimes you may be able to find videos which demonstrate how to use the equipment. You can also contact people who provide this type of equipment and get a good bargain for renting or purchasing them. It will save a lot of time and energy as those people may offer all the information you need to do the work safely.

Adopt the Right Approach

Do not be careless and overlook the risks involved in the work. Remember, prevention is key. It may be a much easier task to pay full attention to the regulations and do the work carefully than to undo the harm once it is done. Try your best to do the work in absolute conjunction with the guidelines laid down. This will save you the hassle of paying fines and facing other issues when an accident occurs. Spend some time in laying the groundwork. Take due precautions and discharge your duty safely and successfully. Aim to have zero incidents on the trenching site. Maintain the expected standards of safety and avoid accidents. It is in your best interest to hire professional St. Louis trench shoring services. This will ensure that your project goes smoothly and safely.

Call Luby Shoring Services today at (636) 660-7467.

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Safety standards have been made in order to protect workers in excavation and trenching.

st. louis shoring services

Construction jobs which involve excavation and trenching are very risky. Nearly two workers die every month and hundreds sustain injuries while performing these tasks. So specific standards have been laid down for the safety of the workers.

About Excavation and Trenching

Any depression, cut, trench, or cavity made by man in the earth’s surface by removing earth is an excavation. A trench is a narrow excavation which is made under the ground and is deeper than its width and is 15 feet wide at the bottom.

Protective Systems

A protective system is mandatory for a trench which is 5 feet or deeper. However, the excavation in stable rock may be exempted from this rule. It is obligatory for trenches which are 20 feet or more deep to have a protective system which is specifically designed for that trench by a certified engineer.

While designing the protective system the soil classification, water content of the soil, the depth of the cut, changes brought about by the weather or climate, the surcharge loads, and the other operations being carried out nearby should be kept in mind.

Some of the commonly used protective systems are:

Benching – In this the sides of the trench are cut into a number of steps or horizontal levels. There are vertical surfaces between the levels.

Sloping – Sometimes the trench wall is cut back at an angle which is inclined away from the area being dug.

Shoring – In order to prevent the soil from moving different types of supports like aluminum hydraulic are installed.

Shielding – This involves the use of trench boxes and other supports to avert soil cave-ins.

Rules to be followed while working near an excavation or trenching site:

  • Employees who work in a trench should have safe access and egress. In trenches which are dug up to 4 feet or more the ladders, ramps, or steps should be located at least within 25 feet for all workers.
  • 0Heavy equipment should be kept at a distance from the edges of the trench.
  • The excavated soil and other surcharge loads should be kept at least 2 feet away from the edges of the trench.
  • Before the workers start digging they should be familiar with the whereabouts of the underground utilities.
  • In trenches which are more than 4 feet deep, the presence of atmospheric hazards like low oxygen, dangerous fumes, and poisonous gases should be detected by conducting tests.
  • Trenches should be checked before starting the work in every shift.
  • They should also be inspected after a rainstorm.
  • In fact, the trench should be carefully checked after any occurrence which can change the conditions in the trench.
  • The workers should not perform their work under any load or material which has been suspended or raised at a height.

All this can help reduce the accidents and protect the workers from injuries. All this can be taken care of by employing services of a professional St. Louis trench shoring company.

St. Louis Trench Shoring Company

Luby Shoring was established in 2015 by Steve Luby. He grew up with construction equipment, spending summers helping in the parts department at his family’s business, Luby Equipment Services. Steve continued working in the industry and was a part of senior management in Luby Equipment’s sales department until he saw the need for expanding the shoring business.

Call Luby Shoring Services today at (636) 660-7467.

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Before undertaking any excavation work, it is important to assess and classify the soil.

st louis trench shoring

A construction project may require an excavation at the site. Before taking up any excavation work, it is important to assess and classify the soil in order to ensure the safety of the workers.

Classification of The Soil

Structural Classification – The first step in evaluating the soil involves a structural classification of the soil on the site. Soil may be granular, granular cohesionless or cohesive in nature. The granular soil has 15% of clay and silt while cohesive soil has less than 15% of clay or silt.

Type Classifications – After categorizing the soil on its structural basis it may be classified according to its type. This helps the engineers to understand the plasticity of the soil and
determine the structural support to be used.

Types Of Soils

Type A – This soil is very stable. It has to be sloped at an angle of 53 degrees or 3/4:1 ratio. That means in an excavation the sides should slope back 3/4 foot for every 1-foot depth. It is cohesive. It is unconfined compressive strength is 1.5 tsf (tons per square foot) or more. This type of soil can be benched to provide protection to the workers. For this, a stair-step is created. The soil rises vertically from the base up to 5 feet and extends 4 feet horizontally forming angles of 90 degrees on the sides. It is repeated till the top.

Clay, sandy clay, clay loam and silty clay are some examples of this type of soil.

Type B – It is less stable compared to Type A. It is very cohesive. It’s unconfined compressive strength is between 0.5 to 1.5 tsf. It has to be sloped at an angle of 45 degrees or 1:1 ratio. In an excavation after a depth of 1 foot, the sides should be sloping back 1 foot. This type of soil can be benched, vertically rising 4 feet from the bottom and extending 4 feet
horizontally forming angles of 90 degrees on the sides. This can be repeated till the top.

This type of soil includes granular non-cohesive soils like angular gravel, silt loam, silt, sandy loam, disturbed soil which is not categorized as Type C, soil which is subject to vibration or is fissured but has the unconfined compressive strength like Type A, and dry rock which is not stable.

Type C – This is the most dangerous type of soil. It has minimum stability compared to the others. It should be sloped at an angle of 34 degrees or 1-1/2:1 ratio. The angle may have to be increased depending on the water seepage or saturation. This type of soil is cohesive. It’s unconfined compressive strength is 0.5 tsf or less. Benching should not be done for Type C soil.

Granular soils like sand, gravel, loamy sand, soil from which the water seeps freely, the submerged rock which is not stable and submerged soil are included in this category.

Call Luby Shoring Services today at (636) 660-7467.

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Temporary shoring is an excellent way to provide a building with strength and minimize further damage.

temp shoring st louis

Temporary shoring is an emergency band-aid that provides a shelter for structural integrity when a building has lost its stability. Not a “fix,” it is a way to hold the problem steady until a repair can be made and it helps to stop any further insult to the building in the interim.

There are many reasons why a building might need temporary shoring, but most commonly it is necessary when:

  • There is a disaster such as a flood or fire that compromises the structural integrity of a facility, house, or building
  • If a building’s foundation is compromised through settlement and it leads to a crack in the exterior wall
  • If the walls of a building or your home start to bulge outward creating structural problems
  • When an opening in a wall becomes larger either through construction or another disaster

The benefits of hiring a temporary shoring company are that it is an excellent way to provide a building strength and to minimize the potential for further damage that can be more costly. Temporary shoring companies help by setting up walls or beams that hold the structure into place so that repairs can be made safely and without more expense than necessary.

Types of Temporary Shoring Methods

There are a number of different types of temporary shoring methods, some of these include:

  • Dead shores – Dead shores are the method that temporary shoring companies will use when vertical support is necessary. Dead shores are primarily used when most of the house or building has been damaged or removed. Being able to take on a lot of weight to maintain the structure, they are built with beams and posts to strengthen the integrity and build a firm foundation.
  • Flying shores – Flying shores are a method that shoring companies use when there are two buildings involved. If one of the buildings is being removed or demolished and rebuilt, the flying shore can help to stabilize the remaining building. Many different components go into a flying shore such as cleats, needles, horizontal shores and plates.
  • Raking shores – A raking shore is a structure that is used to support any walls that aren’t structurally sound within a building. Using cleats, needles, sole plates, inclined members, bracing and wall plates, they help to keep walls intact to minimize any damage to the existing building or structure.

St. Louis Trench Shoring

When your home or building is compromised either through disaster, old age, or from an adjacent home being renovated, it is always best to give the building the support it needs to maintain its structural integrity. Temporary shoring is an excellent way to provide the necessary tools to ensure that no more costly damage is done. Once temporary shoring is in place, it becomes safer for everyone and repairs can start.

If you are concerned about the integrity of your home’s foundation or structure, it is always best to have it evaluated by a structural engineer. If temporary shoring is needed, it can not only help to stop any more damage; it can help to expedite the repairs and get your home or building back on track.

Call Luby Shoring Services today at (636) 660-7467.

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