Questions and Answers
What is the primary hazard that must always be considered during trench rescue operations?
What is the definition of a trench according to this policy?
What is the significance of the width of a trench in this policy?
What is the purpose of shoring in trench rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of vibration in trench rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do cave-ins and collapses generally occur in trench rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the IDOL and OSHA criteria in trench rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of the temporary stability in trench rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum depth before an additional brace must be added?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should personnel be rotated during trench rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the procedure for removing personnel from a trench during a rescue operation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the policy for all employees assigned to the Fire Department during trench or excavation rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the classification of soil with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tons per square foot or greater?
Signup and view all the answers
Why are all soils considered 'TYPE C' soils in the Fire Department policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be done with all underground installations during trench rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the exception to the requirement for shoring in trench rescue operations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the use of heavy machinery during a trench rescue operation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum distance that unnecessary equipment should be parked away from a trench?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for trench shoring?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum distance that spoil piles and other materials should be moved away from the trench?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum depth a rescuer should go below the last good crossbrace?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is the recommended material to protect the edges of a trench?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum distance between top cross braces in trench shoring?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum distance between bottom cross braces in trench shoring?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum height that shoring uprights must extend above the surface of the trench?
Signup and view all the answers
How should shoring be removed after installation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum distance allowed between cross braces?
Signup and view all the answers
When setting shores, what is the maximum depth a worker can be relative to the lowest cross brace?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum distance required from the bottom of the trench to the closest cross brace?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum spacing allowed for shoring uprights, excluding timber shores?
Signup and view all the answers
Which construction tables must all timber shore systems comply with?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum distance that cross braces must be from the top of the trench?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum distance a ladder must extend above the highest point of a trench wall or protective device?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum lateral travel distance permitted before a ladder must be relocated?
Signup and view all the answers
In what scenario must employees wear warning vests or other high-visibility clothing?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary safety precaution when operating mobile equipment near a trench where the operator's view is obstructed?
Signup and view all the answers
What safety procedures must be followed when a hazardous atmosphere is suspected in a trench deeper than 4 feet?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the primary methods for preventing a trench from caving in when water accumulation occurs?
Signup and view all the answers
In what situation must bracing, shoring, or underpinning be used?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary safety concern addressed by the rule prohibiting individuals from standing beneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Trench Rescue Guidelines
- Trench rescue operations are dangerous and require special considerations to ensure safe and effective management.
- A trench is defined as a man-made cut, cavity, or depression in an earth surface, greater than or equal to 5 feet in depth, and with a width not greater than 15 feet (measured at the bottom).
Trench Safety Precautions
- Never enter an unshored trench.
- Park necessary equipment at least 100' away, and unnecessary equipment at least 300' away.
- Stop all traffic within 300' and keep all persons out of an unsafe trench.
- Monitor and vent trench atmosphere, or wear airpacks if air quality is dangerous.
- Keep non-essential personnel away from trench walls.
- Move spoil pile and any other material at least 2 feet from trench.
- Protect edges of trench with plywood or planking.
- Do not allow the use of heavy machinery for digging within the trench during a rescue operation.
- Personnel working in trench should wear bunker boots, helmets, and gloves.
Shoring Guidelines
- Inform sheeting (with 2"x 6" boards attached) must be used whenever airshores or hydraulic shores are used.
- Sheeting must extend 2" above the edge of the trench and must extend to the bottom of the trench.
- Solid sheeting is required with no gaps between sheeting.
- Hydraulic and air shores must be installed according to manufacturer's tabulated data and specifications.
- Damaged shoring must be evaluated by scene safety officer regarding its use.
- Shoring must be installed from the top down, with no rescuer going below waist deep past the last crossbrace installed.
IDOL/OSHA Regulations
- All employees assigned to the Department must conform with IDOL/OSHA requirements for trench or excavation rescue operations.
- Employee safety must always come first.
- Soil conditions are classified as Type A, B, or C, with Type C being the most conservative approach.
- All underground installations must be located and safeguarded as necessary.
- A ladder must be located in all trenches 4 feet or deeper, extending 3 feet above the top of the highest trench wall or protective device.
- Exposed employees shall wear high-visibility vests or clothing.
- No one is permitted underneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment.
- Personnel are required to stand away from any vehicle being loaded or unloaded.
Special Considerations
- If a hazardous atmosphere is suspected or exists within the trench, it must be tested prior to employees entering the trench.
- If a hazardous or deficient atmosphere exists, employees must be protected with appropriate respirators or ventilators.
- If water accumulation occurs in the trench, it must be protected from cave-in with special systems or removed with equipment.
- If the stability of adjacent structures is affected, systems such as bracing, shoring, or underpinning must be used.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's Standard Operating Guidelines for Trench Rescue operations, effective January 1, 2022.