Introduction: Page 1 of 3
• No portion of this presentation may be reproduced in
any form without permission from the author
• Photo credits
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Spec. Rescue International, Virginia Beach, VA
Airshore International, Steve Cudmore
Paratech, Nigel Letherby
Chuck Wehrli, Naperville Illinois Fire Department
Bob Schip, Flemington-Ruritan First Aid and Rescue Squad
• Illustrations
– Steve Campbell
Introduction: Page 2 of 3
Trench Rescue
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Before you get started
Course description
Disclaimer
Objective
Note to instructors
Personal protective equipment requirements
Facilities needed for lecture
Facilities needed for practical
Introduction: Page 3 of 3
Unit One
Considerations for
Specialized Operations
Unit 1: Page 1 of 9
Unit One : Terminal Objective
• To determine the considerations that make
specialized rescue operations different from
traditional fire and rescue work
Unit 1: Page 2 of 9
Unit One: Enabling Objectives
• Define the term technical rescue as it applies
to the big three
• Discuss the rescue training cycle as it pertains
to specialized operations
• Identify the four service levels associated with
all technical rescue operations
Unit 1: Page 3 of 9
The Big Three
Special people
Special equipment
Special training
Unit 1: Page 4 of 9
The Specialized Training Cycle
Specialized training cycle
– Constant circle of
evaluation
• Your people
• Your equipment
• Your training
Constant circle of evaluation
continually recruiting, evaluate
equipment, frequent training
Unit 1: Page 5 of 9
Service Levels
• Awareness
– Identify hazards and incident stabilization
• Operations
– Initial rescue operations and support
– Shoring in non-intersecting trenches > 8 feet
• Technician
– Intersecting and deep trenches
– Maintain “skills package”
• Instructor
– Team members certified in course development
Unit 1: Page 6 of 9
Unit Training Levels
• Awareness
– Units - 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14
• Operations
– Units - 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, Appendix 1 and 4
• Technician
– Units - 15 and 19
Unit 1: Page 7 of 9
Unit One: Summary
• Technical rescue as it applies to the big three
• The rescue training cycle as it pertains to
specialized operations
• The four service levels associated with all
technical rescue operations
Unit 1: Page 8 of 9
Unit One: Questions
1. The term big three refers to specialized rescue
operations that require:
2. The service level(s) identified by NFPA 1670 that apply
to rescue operations and may be an indicator of level
of competency are Instructor, Awareness, Operations,
and Technician.
3. Operations level personnel are trained to:
Answers and discussion on page 237
Unit 1: Page 9 of 9
Unit Three
Preparing the Rescue Scene
Unit 3: Page 1 of 13
Unit Three: Terminal Objective
• To understand the various methods that can
be used to form and maintain a fully functional
and effective team for trench rescue.
Unit 3: Page 2 of 13
Unit Three: Enabling Objectives
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
being self sufficient, community dependent, or
regional trench rescue team
• Determine the most advantageous physical
and mental characteristics of potential trench
team members
• Explain the T.E.A.M. acronym as it applies to
trench rescue
Unit 3: Page 3 of 13
Unit Three: Enabling Objectives
• Describe the weight, size, and characteristics
of the equipment used in trench rescue
• Understand the need for choosing the most
appropriate method to move and store trench
rescue equipment
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of
each type of trench apparatus
Unit 3: Page 4 of 13
Self Sufficient Rescue Team
• Pros
– Commitment to training
and personnel
– Much specialized
equipment
– Means of transporting
equipment
• Cons
– Most expensive
Unit 3: Page 5 of 13
Community Dependent Team
Pros
– In frequency of events may
make this most feasible
– Economical
Cons
– Must still have trained
personnel
– Up keep of logistics and
call back list
Unit 3: Page 6 of 13
Regional Team
• Pros
– Cost-effective
– Reduces individual organizational cost
• Cons
– Difficult to maintain
– Maintaining organizational agreements and
commitment
Unit 3: Page 7 of 13
Your Team
• Success is in members of team
• Should be physically fit
• Should be mentally fit
• Have good construction skills
• Team should have trained
medic personnel
• Team players (T.E.A.M.)
Unit 3: Page 8 of 13
The “T.E.A.M.”Acronym
T
E
A
M
ogether
veryone
ccomplishes
ore
What are some examples of
teamwork in action?
Unit 3: Page 9 of 13
Getting Equipment to the Scene
• Doesn’t have to be a
fancy rig
• Vehicle extrication truck
not appropriate
• Dump or flat bed vehicle
• Utility trailers
• Custom and converted
vehicles
• Pod type transportation
Unit 3: Page 10 of 13
Types of Trench Transportation
Flat
bed
truck
Custom/
Converted
Dump
bed
vehicle
Pod
Unit 3: Page 11 of 13
Unit Three: Summary
• Advantages and disadvantages of being self sufficient,
community dependent, or a regional trench rescue
team
• Advantageous physical and mental characteristics of
potential trench team members
• T.E.A.M. acronym as it applies to trench rescue
Unit 3: Page 12 of 13
Unit Three: Questions
1. There are a number of different methods to
move and store your equipment. Which of the
following would be least appropriate:
2. The most reliable form of rescue team
development is the:
3. By far the most important aspect concerning
the potential success of your team will be:
Answers and discussion on page 238
Unit 3: Page 13 of 13
Unit Four
Introduction to Trench Rescue
Unit 4: Page 1 of 20
Unit Four: Terminal Objective
• To understand the necessity of maintaining a
competent trench rescue team in your
community.
Unit 4: Page 2 of 20
Unit Four
Enabling Objectives
• Describe the conditions that require compliance with
the Excavation Standard, and the emergency service
organization’s relationship with ASHA pertaining to
trench collapse operations
• Describe the history of the OSHA Standard on
Excavations and explain how the current standard is
performance based
• Provide an understanding of OSHA’s Standard on
Excavations, its enforcement role, and subsequent
relationship with emergency service organizations
Unit 4: Page 3 of 20
Unit Four: Enabling Objectives
• Explain the reasons for non-compliance with the trench standard
based on cost and installation of traditional sheeting and shoring
• Discuss trench injury and fatality statistics as they compare to
other areas of construction
• Recall from memory trench terminology as identified in the
excavation standard
• Explain how cost and demographics play a role in non-compliance
Unit 4: Page 4 of 20
Unit Four: Enabling Objectives
• Describe way in which machines and rigging
can fail and create emergencies at a trench
site
• Discuss the potential problems that can occur
from below grade atmospheric hazards
Unit 4: Page 5 of 20
Trenches and Excavations
• Placement of underground utilities
• Removal of old utility systems
• Removal and placement of underground
storage tanks
• Building foundations
• Basement construction
• Can you name more?
Unit 4: Page 6 of 20
Trench Statistics
• Trench accidents have a higher fatality rate
• Approximately 100 fatalities per year
• 1000 to 1500 injuries - many permanently
disabling
• Two types of trench
rescues
– Dead victims and
victims
Unit 4: Page 7 of 20
live
Trench Terminology
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Trench and excavation
Competent person
Floor
Walls
Ends
Spoil pile
Toe
Unit 4: Page 8 of 20
CFR 1926 Subpart P,
Excavations Key Areas
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Scope
Application
Definitions
General requirements
• Requirements for protective
systems
Unit 4: Page 9 of 20
Appendix A
Appendix
B, C, D, E, F
OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart P
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Previous “Contract Work Hours Standard Act”
Inadvertent non-compliance
Recommended systems cost more than fine
Current standard has 80% of original act
contents
Unit 4: Page 10 of 20
OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart P
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New standard is performance based
Maintains consistent soil classification system
Protective systems development flexibility
Fines and penalties increased
May include equipment impoundment
Unit 4: Page 11 of 20
OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart P
• General Requirements
– All trenches must be protected before entry except:
• Those made entirely of stable rock
• Less than five feet in depth, inspected by a competent
person, and no potential for cave-in
– More than five including height of spoil pile must be
protected
Unit 4: Page 12 of 20
OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart P
• General Requirements
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Spoil pile must have two foot set back from lip
Means of egress every twenty five feet
Determination of atmospheric hazards
Water accumulation
Determination of soil classification
Inspection by competent person for:
• Secondary cave-in potential, protective system failure, and
atmosphere
Unit 4: Page 13 of 20
OSHA and Trench Rescue
• Application of standard varies by locality
• OSHA requires compliance if:
– employee/employer relationship exist
– trench operations is part of your job
• Paid/volunteer issues
• Other AHJ considerations concerning
compliance
Unit 4: Page 14 of 20
How OSHA Views Trench Rescue
• We over engineer our
systems
• Time in trench is limited
to rescue
• OSHA will get involved if
there is a:
– civilian or rescuer injury
or death
– death of anyone involved
in a construction incident
– request by AHJ
Unit 4: Page 15 of 20
Noncompliance
• Protective system cost
• Time equals money
• Socioeconomic and
demographic issues
• Victims do not
understand hazards
Unit 4: Page 16 of 20
Accidents Without a Cave-In
• Most trench emergencies
are other than a collapse
• Equipment failure and
load management
• Rigging
• Atmospheric problems
Unit 4: Page 17 of 20
Unit Four: Summary
• The excavation standard and the emergency service
organization’s relationship with OSHA
• History of the excavation standard and how the new standard is
performance based
• Trench terminology in the excavation standard
• Cost and demographics in trench rescue non-compliance
• Accidents without a cave-in
• Below grade atmospheric hazards
Unit 4: Page 18 of 20
Unit Four: Questions
1.
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5.
Statistics show that trench accidents have a ____ fatality rate
than other types of construction accidents:
The OSHA standard for trenches and excavations is:
On the scene of a trench or excavation you would expect to find
a person familiar with all aspects of soil types and testing
called:
A trench is an excavation that is generally deeper than it is wide
but its width measured at the bottom does not exceed 15 feet.
Egress ladders in a trench must be within___ feet of a worker in
a protected trench:
Answers and discussion on page 239
Unit 4: Page 19 of 20
Unit Four: Questions
6. The overriding reasons for contractor non-compliance with trench
protective systems is:
7. The minimum setback requirements for the excavated spoil pile is:
8. The OSHA standard on trenches and excavations is:
9. The OSHA standard was originally part of the:
10. The height of the spoil pile is taken into account when determining
the need for a protective system.
Unit 4: Page 20 of 20
Unit Six
Soil Physics
Unit 6: Page 1 of 9
Unit Six: Terminal Objective
• To understand the role that physics and
physical forces associated with soil have in
trenching and excavation emergencies.
Unit 6: Page 2 of 9
Unit Six: Enabling Objectives
• Explain how gravity plays a key role in trench
failure.
• Describe the term “unconfined Compressive
Strength” as it applies to trenches and
excavations.
• Define the terms active and passive soils.
• Summarize the effects of water as they apply
to soil strength.
Unit 6: Page 3 of 9
Unit Six: Enabling Objectives
• Describe how the weight of most soils can be
determined mathematically.
• Explain how the cubic weight of soil leads to
trench failure.
• Summarize the most dangerous portion of an
un-shored trench, and how a properly shored
trench transfers potential energy.
Unit 6: Page 4 of 9
Soil Physics
• Gravity
• Unconfined Compressive
Strength (UCS)
• Hydrostatic pressure
• Active and passive soils
Unit 6: Page 5 of 9
Physical Forces Associated with Collapse
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Weight of soil
100 lb. per cubic foot
Dry 1/2 soil -1 /2 air
Rock specific gravity 2.65
Water = 62.4 pounds c.f.
Do math based on
composition of soil
• Average = 100 c.f.
Unit 6: Page 6 of 9
Bent steel beam
Distribution of Forces
• 1 x 1 x 6 column = 600
p.s.f.
• 4 foot level vertical
pressure = 400 p.s.f.
• Lateral pressure on
unshored wall = 33%
• Effects create rotational
failure
• Most unstable portion of
wall? Why?
Unit 6: Page 7 of 9
Unit Six: Summary
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Gravity and trench failure
“Unconfined Compressive Strength”
Active and passive soils
Effects of water
Weight of soil determined mathematically
Cubic weight of soil leads and trench failure
Most dangerous portion of an un-shored
trench
Unit 6: Page 8 of 9
Unit Six: Questions
1. For the purpose of determining total soil weight we can estimate
that a cubic foot of soil weighs approximately:
2. The most dangerous portion of the unprotected trench wall is the
area:
3. The term ___best describes the effects of mass as it relates to the
tendency of one object to be attracted to another.
4. The amount of resistance the soil has to pressure is a
measurement of:
5. The effects of water can add a tremendous amount of weight to
the excavated material because water weighs approximately:
Answers and discussion on page 243
Unit 6: Page 9 of 9
Unit Seven
Conditions and Factors
that Lead to Collapse
Unit 7: Page 1 of 8
Unit Seven: Terminal Objective
• Determine the various factors that can lead to
a trench or excavation failure.
Unit 6: Page 2 of 8
Unit Seven: Enabling Objectives
• Explain the effects of water as a factor that can lead to
a trench collapse.
• Describe the consequences that varying soil profiles
and previously disturbed soils can have on open
trenches.
• List some of the causes of potential vibration that can
lead to a trench collapse.
• Discuss the spoil pile and its relationship to collapse
potential.
Unit 6: Page 3 of 8
Conditions Leading to Collapse
• Collapse may be on
condition or the effects of
several
• The addition of
water as a factor
• How soil absorbs water is
a consideration
Unit 6: Page 4 of 8
Conditions Leading to Collapse
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Freestanding time
Varying soil profiles
Water table
Previously disturbed
Unit 6: Page 5 of 8
soils
Conditions Leading to Collapse
• Heavy equipment
location
• Spoil pile location
• Vibration
Unit 6: Page 6 of 8
Unit Seven: Summary
• Water as a factor that can lead to a trench
collapse
• Varying soil profiles and previously disturbed
soils
• Vibration as a collapse factor
• Spoil pile and its relationship to collapse
potential
Unit 6: Page 7 of 8
Unit Seven: Questions
1. Which of the following can be considered a factor that can
contribute to a trench collapse:
2. A good indication that soil has been previously disturbed is:
3. You should always move heavy equipment from near the trench:
4. Vibration is a factor that can cause a trench collapse and can be
attributed to:
5. Of the factors that can contribute to a trench collapse, the amount
of time the trench is open is a major factor. The time a trench is
open is:
Answers and discussion on page 244
Unit 6: Page 8 of 8
Unit Eight
Types of Trench Collapses
Unit 8: Page 1 of 13
Unit Eight: Terminal Objective
• Describe the various types of trench collapses
and why the occur.
Unit 8: Page 2 of 13
Unit Eight: Enabling Objective
• Describe the differences between a spoil pile
slide, slough failure, shear wall collapse, toe
failure, wedge failure, and rotational failure.
Unit 8: Page 3 of 13
Spoil Pile Slide
Unit 8: Page 4 of 13
Angle of Repose
Unit 8: Page 5 of 13
Slough Failure
Unit 8: Page 6 of 13
Shear Wall Failure
Unit 8: Page 7 of 13
Toe Failure
Unit 8: Page 8 of 13
Bell Pier Condition
Unit 8: Page 9 of 13
Rotational Failure
Unit 8: Page 10 of 13
Wedge Failure
Unit 8: Page 11 of 13
Unit Eight: Summary
• The differences between:
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spoil pile slide
slough failure
shear wall collapse
toe failure
wedge failure
rotational failure
Unit 8: Page 12 of 13
Unit Eight: Questions
1. When the excavated material falls back into
the trench it is best described by the term:
2. A collapse in which the material loses its
ability to stand and fails along a mostly vertical
plane best describes:
3. The most common type of soil failure in an
intersecting trench is:
4. A condition that presents itself as a failure at
the toe and on both sides of a trench is:
Answers and discussion on page 245
Unit 8: Page 13 of 13
Unit Ten
Personal Protective Equipment for
Trench Rescue Operations
Unit 10: Page 1 of 8
Unit Ten: Terminal Objective
• To describe the proper personal protective
equipment used in trench rescue operations
Unit 10: Page 2 of 8
Unit Ten: Enabling Objective
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
fire fighting “turnout” gear, jumpsuits, and
regular long sleeve pants and shirts for trench
rescue
• Explain the pros and cons of the various types
of hand protection
• Describe the preferred helmet for trench
rescue operations
Unit 10: Page 3 of 8
Unit Ten: Enabling Objective
• Determine the correct type and use of eye
protection
• Recite the preferred level of foot and ankle
protection for the trench environment
• Describe the specialty equipment that may be
required during a trench rescue
• Summarize the benefits of developing a team
culture that maintains safety as a top priority
Unit 10: Page 4 of 8
Personal Protective Equipment
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Fire gear
Jumpsuit
Long pants and sleeves
Gloves
Helmet
Eye protection
Unit 10: Page 5 of 8
Personal Protective Equipment
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Foot protection
Respiratory protection
Hearing protection
Skull caps
Leather chaps
Development of a safe culture
and attitude is ultimate goal!
Unit 10: Page 6 of 8
Unit Ten: Summary
• Correct type and use of eye protection
• Preferred level of foot and ankle protection
• Specialty equipment required during a trench
rescue
• Benefits of developing a team culture that
maintains safety as a top priority
Unit 10: Page 7 of 8
Unit Ten: Questions
1. The minimum level of personal protective equipment
required for trench rescue operations is all of the
following except:
2. Fire fighting gear should never be worn on a trench
rescue.
3. The minimum level of personal protective equipment
worn by rescuers at a trench incident is:
4. Eye protection should:
Answers and discussion on page 248
Unit 10: Page 8 of 8
Unit Eleven
Equipment and Tools for Trench rescue
Operations
Unit 11: Page 1 of 12
Unit Eleven: Terminal Objective
• To describe the types of equipment and tools
used in trench rescue operations.
Unit 11: Page 2 of 12
Unit Eleven: Enabling Objectives
• Explain the use of ground pads for trench rescue
• Describe how sheeting is used in trench protective
systems
• Identify the various types of shores used in trench
rescue and how each works
• Describe the various types of tools used in trench
rescue operations
• Explain the use of various trench rescue tools utilized
in collapse
Unit 11: Page 3 of 12
Ground pads
2 x 12
Marking ground pad
4 x 8 3/4
Make sure that uneven ground doesn’t create a trip hazard!
Unit 11: Page 4 of 12
Sheeting
4 x 8 home made panels
Strongback
2Panel
x 12rope
x 12
used for
lowering
Manufactured panels
Unit 11: Page 5 of 12
Pneumatic Shores
Paratech
Airshore
Unit 11: Page 6 of 12
Shores
Timber
Hydraulic
Screw Jacks
Unit 11: Page 7 of 12
Tools and Appliances
• Shovel types
• Hammers
• Duplex nails
• Ventilation
• Dewatering
• See page 105 for tool
list
Unit 11: Page 8 of 12
Tools and Appliances
Centrifugal
(high pressure - high volume)
Fan for ventilation
Mud hog pump
(low pressure - low volume)
Unit 11: Page 9 of 12
Duplex nail
Unit Eleven: Summary
• Ground pads for trench rescue
• Sheeting used in trench protective systems
• Shores used in trench rescue and how each
works
• Various types of tools used in trench rescue
operations
Unit 11: Page 10 of 12
Unit Eleven: Questions
1. Ropes that are used to set and adjust panels are best attached to the top
of the the panel.
2. If 4x8 ground pads will not fit on the spoil pile side of the trench you
should:
3. The use of ground pads is primarily for the distribution of vertical forces
caused by people standing around the trench lip. The main
disadvantage to using ground pads is:
4. The shores and installed upright in a lumber trench are the only part of
the protective system considered by OSHA for compliance.
Answers and discussion on page 249
Unit 11: Page 11 of 12
Unit Eleven: Questions
5. A duplex nail is designed to be driven entirely into the wood.
6. When using a ladder as a makeshift wale you should make
certain:
7. When digging in the trench the preferred tool is the:
8. Ladders in trench rescue can be used as:
9. The centrifugal pump can move more water than a diaphragm
pump therefore is the preferred type of de-watering device.
Unit 11: Page 12 of 12
Unit Thirteen
Trench Rescue Assessment
Unit 13: Page 1 of 10
Unit Thirteen: Terminal Objective
• Be able to formulate a strategic plan based on
the determination of facts surrounding the
trench emergency
Unit 13: Page 2 of 10
Unit Thirteen: Enabling Objectives
• Identify those factors that would be pertinent in
formulating a trench emergency pal before arriving on
the scene
• Describe the appropriate questions to ask about the
event after arrival at the scene
• Explain factors to be considered during the incident
• Summarize the steps to consider when looking for
buried victims
Unit 13: Page 3 of 10
Trench Rescue Assessment
(At time of alarm)
• What has happened?
• What type of work was
being done?
• Is the victim completely
buried?
• Is it a collapse or injury
situation?
• How is my access to
the scene?
• What is forecast?
Unit 13: Page 4 of 10
Trench Rescue Assessment
(Arrival at the scene)
• Is there a language
barrier?
• Do I have the proper
equipment?
• What are the injury
problems?
• What is victim
survivability profile?
• What type of protective
system is in place?
Unit 13: Page 5 of 10
Trench Rescue Assessment
(During the emergency)
• Changing conditions
require constant
evaluation and
assessment!
Unit 13: Page 6 of 10
Factors To Consider When Looking
For Buried Victims
• Food and drink
containers
• Grade poles
• Laser targets
• Grease, paint, buckets
and tools
• Exposed limbs
• Sound inside pipes
Unit 13: Page 7 of 10
Trench Rescue Assessment
(During the emergency)
• Changing conditions
require constant
evaluation and
assessment!
Unit 13: Page 8 of 10
Unit Thirteen: Summary
• Factors in formulating a trench emergency plan
• Appropriate questions to ask after arrival at the scene
• Factors considered during the incident
• Steps to consider when looking for buried victims
Unit 13: Page 9 of 10
Unit Thirteen: Questions
1. Clues as to the location of a buried victim include:
2. The determination of facts and conditions that led to
the collapse of a trench is called a:
3. Which of the following are important considerations in
the size-up of a trench rescue:
4. Which of the following are important considerations
after arrival on the scene of a trench rescue:
Answers and discussion on page 252
Unit 13: Page 10 of 10
Unit Fourteen
Hazard Control
Unit 14: Page 1 of 8
Unit Fourteen: Terminal Objective
• Understand the various hazard types,
categories, and phases of control that will be
found at the trench rescue scene.
Unit 14: Page 2 of 8
Unit Fourteen: Enabling Objectives
• Describe the various types of hazards that can
be found at a trench rescue
• Identify the five hazard control categories
• Explain the phases of hazard control at a
trench emergency
Unit 14: Page 3 of 8
Hazard Control
• Two type of hazards:
– Those you can control
– Those you should leave alone
Can control
• location of vehicles
• trip hazards
• spoil pile
• support utilities
Call someone
• gas
• electric
Unit 14: Page 4 of 8
Hazard Categories Categories
• Mechanical
• Chemical
• Man-made
• Electrical
• Water
Unsupported utility
Utility marker
Gas line
Unit 14: Page 5 of 8
Hazard Control Phases
Rescue area
• The general area
• The rescue area
General area
Heavy
equipment
Trips hazards
Unit 14: Page 6 of 8
Unit Fourteen: Summary
• Types of hazards found at a trench rescue
• The five hazard control categories
• The phases of hazard control
Unit 14: Page 7 of 8
Unit Fourteen: Questions
1. Which of the following is not one of the hazard categories:
2. The control of scene hazards takes place in two phases, the general area,
and the logistics area.
3. When considering shutting down heavy equipment at the scene you
should consider:
4. The minimum safe area that should be established around a trench
incident is:
5. Knowing the location of all underground utilities is important before
beginning the rescue effort. For this reason it is a good idea to:
Answers and discussion on page 253
Unit 14: Page 8 of 8