Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary hazard that must always be considered during trench rescue operations?
What is the primary hazard that must always be considered during trench rescue operations?
- Unstable soil conditions
- Improper or inadequate shoring
- Temporary stability disturbance
- Additional collapse (correct)
What is the definition of a trench according to this policy?
What is the definition of a trench according to this policy?
- Any manmade cut, cavity, trench or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal which is less than or equal to five (5) feet in depth
- Any manmade cut, cavity, trench or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal which is greater than or equal to ten (10) feet in depth
- Any manmade cut, cavity, trench or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal which is greater than or equal to five (5) feet in depth (correct)
- Any manmade cut, cavity, trench or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal which is greater than or equal to twenty (20) feet in depth
What is the significance of the width of a trench in this policy?
What is the significance of the width of a trench in this policy?
- The width determines the type of shoring required
- The width must be less than or equal to 15 feet measured at the bottom (correct)
- The width is irrelevant in trench rescue operations
- The width determines the potential for collapse
What is the purpose of shoring in trench rescue operations?
What is the purpose of shoring in trench rescue operations?
What is the significance of vibration in trench rescue operations?
What is the significance of vibration in trench rescue operations?
Why do cave-ins and collapses generally occur in trench rescue operations?
Why do cave-ins and collapses generally occur in trench rescue operations?
What is the role of the IDOL and OSHA criteria in trench rescue operations?
What is the role of the IDOL and OSHA criteria in trench rescue operations?
What is the significance of the temporary stability in trench rescue operations?
What is the significance of the temporary stability in trench rescue operations?
What is the minimum depth before an additional brace must be added?
What is the minimum depth before an additional brace must be added?
Why should personnel be rotated during trench rescue operations?
Why should personnel be rotated during trench rescue operations?
What is the procedure for removing personnel from a trench during a rescue operation?
What is the procedure for removing personnel from a trench during a rescue operation?
What is the policy for all employees assigned to the Fire Department during trench or excavation rescue operations?
What is the policy for all employees assigned to the Fire Department during trench or excavation rescue operations?
What is the classification of soil with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tons per square foot or greater?
What is the classification of soil with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tons per square foot or greater?
Why are all soils considered 'TYPE C' soils in the Fire Department policy?
Why are all soils considered 'TYPE C' soils in the Fire Department policy?
What must be done with all underground installations during trench rescue operations?
What must be done with all underground installations during trench rescue operations?
What is the exception to the requirement for shoring in trench rescue operations?
What is the exception to the requirement for shoring in trench rescue operations?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the use of heavy machinery during a trench rescue operation?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the use of heavy machinery during a trench rescue operation?
What is the minimum distance that unnecessary equipment should be parked away from a trench?
What is the minimum distance that unnecessary equipment should be parked away from a trench?
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for trench shoring?
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for trench shoring?
What is the minimum distance that spoil piles and other materials should be moved away from the trench?
What is the minimum distance that spoil piles and other materials should be moved away from the trench?
What is the maximum depth a rescuer should go below the last good crossbrace?
What is the maximum depth a rescuer should go below the last good crossbrace?
Which of the following is the recommended material to protect the edges of a trench?
Which of the following is the recommended material to protect the edges of a trench?
What is the maximum distance between top cross braces in trench shoring?
What is the maximum distance between top cross braces in trench shoring?
What is the minimum distance between bottom cross braces in trench shoring?
What is the minimum distance between bottom cross braces in trench shoring?
What is the minimum height that shoring uprights must extend above the surface of the trench?
What is the minimum height that shoring uprights must extend above the surface of the trench?
How should shoring be removed after installation?
How should shoring be removed after installation?
What is the maximum distance allowed between cross braces?
What is the maximum distance allowed between cross braces?
When setting shores, what is the maximum depth a worker can be relative to the lowest cross brace?
When setting shores, what is the maximum depth a worker can be relative to the lowest cross brace?
What is the minimum distance required from the bottom of the trench to the closest cross brace?
What is the minimum distance required from the bottom of the trench to the closest cross brace?
What is the maximum spacing allowed for shoring uprights, excluding timber shores?
What is the maximum spacing allowed for shoring uprights, excluding timber shores?
Which construction tables must all timber shore systems comply with?
Which construction tables must all timber shore systems comply with?
What is the maximum distance that cross braces must be from the top of the trench?
What is the maximum distance that cross braces must be from the top of the trench?
What is the minimum distance a ladder must extend above the highest point of a trench wall or protective device?
What is the minimum distance a ladder must extend above the highest point of a trench wall or protective device?
What is the maximum lateral travel distance permitted before a ladder must be relocated?
What is the maximum lateral travel distance permitted before a ladder must be relocated?
In what scenario must employees wear warning vests or other high-visibility clothing?
In what scenario must employees wear warning vests or other high-visibility clothing?
What is the primary safety precaution when operating mobile equipment near a trench where the operator's view is obstructed?
What is the primary safety precaution when operating mobile equipment near a trench where the operator's view is obstructed?
What safety procedures must be followed when a hazardous atmosphere is suspected in a trench deeper than 4 feet?
What safety procedures must be followed when a hazardous atmosphere is suspected in a trench deeper than 4 feet?
What are the primary methods for preventing a trench from caving in when water accumulation occurs?
What are the primary methods for preventing a trench from caving in when water accumulation occurs?
In what situation must bracing, shoring, or underpinning be used?
In what situation must bracing, shoring, or underpinning be used?
What is the primary safety concern addressed by the rule prohibiting individuals from standing beneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment?
What is the primary safety concern addressed by the rule prohibiting individuals from standing beneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment?
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.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's Standard Operating Guidelines for Trench Rescue operations, effective January 1, 2022.
