Hire and Rental News - November 2018

24 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • NOVEMBER 2018 INDUSTRY in FOCUS Eliminating catastrophe when trenching With at least three deaths involving trenching in Australia this year alone, it is obvious trenches can and sometimes do collapse with catastrophic consequences. Hire and Rental News looks at trenching safety in Australia – what are the official requirements and how is safety managed in the field? Safe Work Australia fills in the base requirements and we get independent inside information from shoring, propping and traffic equipment supplier Shore Hire’s Luke Geelan and Jared Starr. “Trench safety is fundamental – there have been far too many workplace accidents due to unprotected and collapsed trenches,” Luke Geelan, Managing Director at Shore Hire said. “Safe Work Australia requires anyone conducting a business or undertaking who proposes to excavate a trench at least 1.5m deep, to minimise the risk to any person arising from the collapse of the trench by ensuring all sides of the trench are adequately supported by one or more of the following: • shoring by shielding or other comparable means (for example shoring boxes); • benching; • and battering. “Trench Boxes provide a secure method of safety for the workforce in excavations. To prevent trench collapse and ensure workers' safety, protective shoring products have been designed, manufactured and tested inAustralia. These are ideal for light and heavy-duty work, deeper excavations as well as large trench shoring applications including large pipe installation, boring pits, pump stations or projects where long pipes are being laid,” Luke said. “The right shoring is absolutely critical – it’s not just about having shoring in place, it’s about having the right shoring for the right project to create a safe working environment,” Jared Starr from Shore Hire said. “In our industry contractors have tended to choose the shoring system to suit the SWL (safe working load) capacity of the machine rather than selecting the shoring system based on the excavation requirements, which doesn’t always create a safe working environment within the trench. Looking at the past 12 months we know of three fatalities in trenches inAustralia; all three had some kind of shoring in place but this really highlights the importance of selecting the right temporary works shoring solution for the excavation,” Jared said. The team at Shore Hire monitors the construction industry to make sure it keeps up with demand and the best available shoring techniques, frequently introducing new products and developing its own, which are certified to Australian standards and therefore perfectly suited to the local industry, Jared said. “The Shore Hire Shoring box systems offer range from 1.8m up to 7.2m trench boxes and 3m manhole boxes. Edge Safe Handrail systems, Ladder Safe Platform, Davit Safe / Fall Arrest,TelescopicAccess Ramp and Self-Levelling Stairs and stair access platforms are also available. Plus, Shore Hire offers a Rescue System, Retrieval Davit and Harness and more shoring products to ensure work site safety. “From hand operated shoring systems to large scale hydraulic bracing systems, Shore Hire provides detailed specifications on all its products to make it easier when selecting shoring solutions. The technical sales team, backed by in-house engineers, can also provide customers with site inspections, detailed drawings, methodologies and on-site support,” Jared said. Engineer trench safety? “An engineer’s role in shoring and propping design is crucial because any shoring undertaking can be complicated and the risks involved are significant. That’s why we strongly encourage our engineers design and sign off on engineered solutions, no matter the size of the project,” Luke said. “There is a big difference between hiring a shoring product and getting an engineered solution. It makes sense to outsource the engineering process to an engineer who is experienced in the products and best practice methods of shoring design. Shoring and propping engineers have to contend with a range of unknowns and factors that influence the forces of the building or the trench walls. “They will take these and more into account; such as the proximity of neighbouring buildings, in, and above, trench safety, when determining the right solution for a particular work site. “Performing detailed calculations can be a very time-consuming process. When designing shoring systems, the engineer has to consider the nature and condition of the ground (eg: adjoining properties, soil types, the impact of water, settlement), various load types (dead load, superimposed load and surcharge loads) as well as the shoring system to be used. When designing excavation shoring systems, engineers need to consider the impact of earth and water pressures on both the soil retention system and the structural support system that braces internally,” Luke said. “Following a site visit, our experienced engineers use design software to produce a cost-effective shoring and propping temporary works solution. Our technical sales team provide a unique level of support. This is backed by our team of in-house engineers using the latest An engineer’s role in shoring and propping design is crucial and the risks involved significant There is a big difference between hiring a shoring product and getting an engineered solution