​ESC trench shields are available for sale or rent.

Trench Shield: Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is trenching/excavation?

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An excavation is any hole dug in the ground by removing material (such as soil). The trench is an excavation where the depth exceeds the width. There are many different types of construction sites that use trenching/excavation equipment. It is generally considered to be important and dangerous work because tons of soil or other materials are literally moved.

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What are the dangers of trenching?

 

Trench boxes (shield) are designed to minimize the potential hazards of trenching and excavation, which are numerous. The most common hazard, or the one that results in the greatest number of deaths, is trench collapse.

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Is there someone I can talk to for guidance?

 

ESC is a leading and fast-growing Specialist Trench Shoring Company. ESC’s engineering and construction team are experienced in numerous fields with a reputation built on excellence and commitment to continuous innovation to provide you, the client with efficient shoring solutions that are of high quality, economical and safe.

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ESC has fully developed its Trench Shield Series (also known as Trench Boxes) a two-sided, high-quality, and economical excavation support system that provides a safe working environment in trenches up to 40 feet deep. ESC’s trench shields are a heavy-duty and robust product designed and manufactured in compliance with both national and International Standards.  All shields are certified by third-party professional engineers, following the guidelines and recommendations of NAXSA (North American Excavation Shoring Association), and comply with all OSHA STANDARDS.

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How do I match a shoring box to my machine?

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A shoring system should be well matched to the lifting capacity of your machine. If it's too light, it can be damaged, too heavy, and your machine will not be able to handle it. Simply check the lifting capacity of your machine or provide the information about your model, and ESC will make sure you have the right fit.

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What does A/B/C flooring mean?

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These are the OSHA soil classifications. Simply put,

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• Soil A is the best soil, such as rock or very cohesive material.

• Soil C, on the other hand, is a material that you are very mobile with and is not cohesive.

• Soil B would be in the middle.

 

It is very important that a competent and knowledgeable professional designate the soil type before selecting trenching equipment. You can get detailed information at www.esctrenchsafety.com

 

What are the advantages of modular shoring, i.e., modular trench boxes?

 

The advantages of modular trench boxes are numerous:

• They allow you to transport them in smaller vehicles,

• Move equipment in confined areas,

• And build your system in a variety of heights and widths depending on job requirements.

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What are the risks associated with excavation and trenching?

 

The trenches have what is known as downtime. This is the time between when the trench is dug and when the walls collapse. The resting time can range from a few seconds to several months, depending on factors such as depth, soil type, soil moisture content, weather conditions, and activity around the trench. Risks include, but are not limited to:

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• Collapses and collapses that can trap workers;

• Excavated equipment or soil falling on workers (e.g., equipment in use or soil/debris stored too close to excavation)

• Falling in the trench or excavation

• Flooding or water accumulation

• Exposure to a hazardous atmosphere (e.g., gas, vapors, dust, or lack of oxygen)

• Contact with buried services such as electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, telecommunications, etc.

• Contact with overhead power lines

• Overturning by moving machines or by falling volatile objects

• Risks associated with handling materials (e.g., lifting, tipping, crushing, etc.).