NAXSA Engineering Committee Publishes Trench Rescue Document
What started as a side conversation at the 2019 NAXSA Trench Safety Summit in Puyallup, WA culminated in the publication of the NAXSA Trench Rescue Guide this past November. When Jasper Calcara, chairperson of the NAXSA Engineering Committee, was approached by the members of the South King County Trench Rescue team looking for guidance on the use of hydraulic shores in the use of trench rescue and recovery operations, he immediately saw an opportunity for NAXSA to bring its collective experience to bear and solve a pressing issue with true, life-saving ramifications. A subcommittee consisting of Mark Palmatier, Joe Turner, Rod Austin, and Andy Maynard, was formed and soon began coordinating with the first responders of the trench rescue team.
In the unfortunate event of a trench collapse, rescue operations typically fall to local firemen as the first responders. While first responders often utilize similar shoring equipment that is used for construction purposes, trench rescue operations are inherently different than trench excavation and shoring operations. Under construction conditions, trenching and shoring operations have the benefit of being planned and sequenced for the orderly placement of shoring elements in accordance with the requirements set forth in OSHA Subpart P, as well as the manufacturers’ specifications for the shoring elements. In comparison, rescue operations are forced into an ad-hoc situation, typically starting with a previously excavated trench that has already caved in. In many cases, these trenches have not been previously shored at all.
To their credit, firefighting agencies have worked hard to put together plans and procedures for trench rescue operations, as well as training programs to ensure their own members stay safe. With that said, there is currently no conclusive set of national guidelines for first responders to follow. Because of this, each fire district has had to develop their own set of procedures. Due to being readily available and easily used, hydraulic aluminum trench shores are commonly found on trench rescue trucks throughout the United State. However, the question has arisen; is it appropriate for first responders to use this equipment in rescue operations while staying within the rules of OSHA and the guidelines outlined by the manufacturers?
After coordinating closely with the rescue team and extensive research, including in-person testing of hydraulic shoring installation under rescue conditions, the subcommittee put together a document outlining current OSHA requirements and critical aspects of excavation shoring to be aware of, with the hope that it serves as a useful source of information and can better prepare first responders and keep them safe.
Access NAXSA’s Trench Rescue Guide here.
The Engineering Committee will be working in coming years to help unite and standardize the rescue procedures, training, and resources throughout the United States. If you have any interest in being involved in this mission, or have any questions in general please contact Mark Palmatier or feel free to join the Engineering Committee by contacting Jasper Calcara.
By Mark Palmatier, Branch Manager — D.H. Charles Engineering, Inc.
The North American Excavation Shoring Association (NAXSA), is created to promote the safe and efficient use of excavation shoring practices. NAXSA was formed to represent manufacturers, engineers, rental companies/distributors, universities/educators, associates/suppliers, and government agency representatives who share the common goal of maintaining safety in the excavation shoring industry with the result of zero deaths and injuries.
Visit the NAXSA website here.
