Trench Rescue Operations

Note Taking Guide
Rescue Technician
Trench Rescue
Operations
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute
University of Maryland
Steven T. Edwards
Fall 2009
Copyright 2009 by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. All rights reserved. No part of this book may by copied or reproduced in any form
or by any means without written permission of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the

University of Maryland is the States comprehensive training and education system for all
emergency services.
The Institute plans, researches, develops, and
delivers quality programs to enhance the ability
of emergency service providers to protect life,
the environment, and property.
Trench Rescue Operations

Lesson 1-1
Introduction to Trench Rescue
Student Performance Objective

Given information from discussion, handouts,
and reading materials, describe trench rescue
operations. The student will perform to a written
test accuracy of at least 70% and successfully
complete the skills on a skills check-off sheet.
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 1
Overview
Technical Rescue Disciplines
The Big Three
The Specialized Training Cycle
Service Levels
Additional Requirements for Certification Levels
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 2
Overview
The Risk-Benefit Analysis
The FAILURE Acronym
Types of Service Levels
The Team
Getting Your Equipment to the Scene
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 3
Overview
OSHA Subpart PExcavations, 29 C.F.R.
1926
General Requirements of Trench Rescue
OSHA and Trench Rescue
Trench Collapse Emergencies
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 4
Overview
The Trench Incident Management System
Levels of the Incident Management System
Logistics Support Functions
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 5

Trench rescue
Rope rescue
Vehicle and machinery rescue
Swift water rescue
Confined space rescue
Structural collapse rescue
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 6
The Big Three

Special people are
Different from traditional fire and rescue
service providers
Expected to operate in dangerous
environments
Expected to think clearly in dire situations
Required to participate in intense training
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 7
The Big Three

Special equipment is
Vitally important to the rescue effort
Required to do the job safely and effectively
Specialized and highly technical
Difficult to maintain
Expensive to operate
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 8
The Big Three

Special training must be
Solid, realistic, and practical
Done often
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 9

Continuous recruitment, skill development, and equipment
evaluation and updates
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 10
Service Levels
Awareness responders are
Able to identify hazards and dangers

Able to use a decision-making matrix
Not actively involved in the rescue operation
Educated to avoid being part of the problem
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 11
Service Levels
Operations responders
Are at the lowest level of certification
May be responsible for initial and long-term
rescue operations
Are called support personnel
May place sheeting or shoring systems in
some trenches
May function as sector officers
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 12
Service Levels
Technician responders have
Additional trench rescue training
Additional responsibilities
Technical rescue skills package training
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 13
Service Levels
Instructors
Have received certification
Are certified in course development
Should be active rescue team members
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 14
Additional Requirements for

Certification Levels
NFPA 1670, Chapter 11
Awareness
Trench rescue awareness
Confined space rescue awareness
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 15

Operations
Trench rescue operations
Rope rescue operations
operations
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 16

Technician
Trench rescue technician
Confined space technician
technician
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 17

NFPA 1006, Chapter 8
Job performance requirements
Knowledge, skills, and abilities for fire
service personnel who perform trench
rescue operations
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 18

RES 206-PPT-1-1. 19

Is this a rescue or a recovery?
What is the risk to the rescuer?
What is the benefit to the situation?
What is the difference between head versus
heart decision making?
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 20
The FAILURE Acronym

F
A
I
L
U
R
E
Failure to understand the environment

Additional medical implications not considered
Inadequate rescue skills
Lack of teamwork and experience
Underestimating the logistical needs of the operation
Rescue recovery mode not considered
Equipment not mastered
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 21

The self-sufficient team
Commits to many hours of training
Must have a considerable amount of
specialized equipment
Must have a means of transporting the
specialized equipment
Is the most expensive method of service
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 22

The community-dependent team utilizes
Those with construction and excavation
experience
A call-back list
A logistical needs and supply list
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 23

The regional approach team
Is the most cost effective
Spreads the cost over several jurisdictions
Requires written mutual aid agreements
Is very hard to organize and maintain
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 24
The Team
The team members must be:
Physically fit
Mentally fit
The team must have:
Members that are proficient in construction
skills
Medical personnel as members
People that think on their feet
People in the best positions for their abilities
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 25

A squad truck
A dump truck or a flat-bed vehicle
A trailer configuration
A custom or converted vehicle
A pod system
A rescue truck
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 26
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 27
OSHA Subpart PExcavations,

29 C.F.R. 1926
Provides data and information on appropriate
protective systems
Can be universally applied in a rescue situation
Provides the requirements to qualify the user
as a competent person
Was originally part of the Contract for Hours
Worked Standard Act
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 28
The General Requirements of

Trench Rescue
Are the same as the guidelines used in
construction operations
Include rescue safety and operational
guidelines
Protection exceptions: All trenches must be
protected before entry except
Those made entirely of stable rock
Those less than five feet in depth
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 29
10

Trench Rescue
Protection: Any trench five feet deep or

more must be protected (may include the
height of the spoil pile)
Spoil pile: must be set back two feet from
the lip
Egress: Trenches 4 feet deep or greater in
depth must have a means of egress every
25 feet
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 30

Trench Rescue
Atmospheric hazards: All trenches should

be tested for
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment
Hazardous atmosphere
Flammable gases
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 31

Trench Rescue
Water accumulation: employees need to

be protected from water by dewatering
operations and/or a lifeline
A competent person must be able to determine

the soil classification
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 32
11

Trench Rescue
Inspection: A competent person must

inspect the trench for the following
Secondary cave-in potential
Protective systems failure
Atmospheric monitoring or control
Other hazardous conditions
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 33

OSHA requires compliance under
certain conditions
An employee/employer relationship
exists
Trench rescue operations are part of
your job
You are paid for your service
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 34

OSHAs view of trench rescue operations
Trench rescue operations tend to overengineer protective systems
Rescue protective systems are used for
hours, not days
Rescue operations have a different mission
than construction
OSHA will get involved in the operation for
certain reasons
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 35
12

Emergencies due to noncompliance
Accidents without a cave-in
Medical emergency
Trauma emergency
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 36
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 37

Equipment failure and load management
A backhoe- or excavator-caused problem
Hydraulic failure
Rigging failure
Protective system failure
Utility failure
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 38
13
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 39

Atmospheric concerns
Include buried hazardous materials
Require monitoring of the atmosphere
Require situational awareness
More than one ill victim in a trench
One or more victims down in a trench
May require a hazmat team response
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 40

Is like any other IMS
Requires an incident commander
Decreases the organizational span of control
Provides on-scene accountability
Is dependent on the magnitude of the problem
and the number of resources
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 41
14
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 42

The strategic level: The Incident Commander
Is responsible
for developing
the strategic
goals for the
operation
Is responsible
for all resources
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 43
The safety officer

Is able to spot unsafe acts
Is able to anticipate activities which will
lead to accidents
Is able to control the big picture
Is familiar with the environment and its
potential hazards
Conducts pre-operational briefings
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 44
15
The liaison officer

Handles multiple agency interaction
Buffers the IC from being overwhelmed
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 45
The public information officer

Provides the media with a direct point
of contact
Provides frequent updates to the
media
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 46

The tactical level
The operations officer
Actually runs the incident
Is responsible for overall coordination of
the rescue
Implements tactical decisions
Is responsible for all groups providing
direct emergency support
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 47
16
The logistics officer is responsible for

Procuring equipment
Procuring personnel
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 48

The task level
The medical officer
Reports to the operations officer
Is responsible for establishing a medical
control area
Is responsible for establishing a
transportation section
Is responsible for the rehabilitation
section
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 49
The extrication officer is responsible for

The actual extrication of the victim
All activities required to facilitate the
rescue
The pre-entry briefing
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 50
17

Emergency support functions
The air supply operations team
Oversees pneumatic air shores and air
bags
Ensures proper operation of equipment
Secures air supply
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 51
The cutting team

Is responsible for all cutting and
manufacturing of wood systems
Must have members who are competent
with saws
Operates at a cutting station
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 52
The panel team

Sets up, carries, and installs all shields
or panels
Must have at least four hard workers
May be reassigned after the panels are
set
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 53
18
The shoring team

Assembles and installs all shores and
walers of the protective system
Has members who
Have manual dexterity
Are efficient with hand tools
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 54
The rigging team

Establishes lifting systems
Must have systems ready to use
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 55
The heavy equipment operator

Must have experience and talent
May be needed to create a slope or a
bench system
Must position carefully so as not to
cause a secondary collapse
Must understand hand or
communication signals
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 56
19
The rapid intervention team/crew

members
Must be ready before stabilization
activity
Must be equipped for medical
emergencies and secondary collapses
May be rotated to gain experience in
the actual rescue
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 57

Are responsible for equipment storage and
dissemination
Use a predetermined location
Employ a staging officer
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 58

operations. The student will perform to a written
test accuracy of at least 70% and successfully
complete the skills on a skills check-off sheet.
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 59
20
Review
The Big Three
Service Levels
Additional Requirements for Certification Levels
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 60
Review
The FAILURE Acronym
The Team
OSHA Subpart PExcavations, 29 C.F.R.
1926
The General Requirements of Trench Rescue
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 61
Review
RES 206-PPT-1-1. 62
21

Lesson 2-1
Soil Assessment and
Types of Trench Collapse

and reading materials, describe soil physics and
conditions that lead to collapse. The student will
perform to a written test accuracy of at least
70% and successfully complete the skills on a
skills check-off sheet.
RES 206-PPT-2-1.1
Overview
Soil Physics
Non-entry Rescue Scenario
Physical Forces Associated with Collapse
Conditions and Factors that Lead to Collapse
RES 206-PPT-2-1.2
Overview
Spoil Pile Slide
Slough Failure
Rotational Failure
Shear Wall Collapse
Toe Failure
Bell Pier Condition
Wedge Failure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.3
Overview
The Importance of Soil Classification
Types of Soil
Soil Testing Procedures
RES 206-PPT-2-1.4
Soil Physics
Gravity is the force that draws everything to the
center of the earth
Hydrostatic pressure is the increased pressure
caused by the addition of water to the soil
profile
Dry soil weighs between 60 and 80 lbs per
cubic foot
Water-saturated soil may weigh up to 150
lbs per cubic foot
RES 206-PPT-2-1.5
Soil Physics
Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is the
amount of resistance the soil has to pressure
A higher UCS reflects a more cohesive soil
A lower UCS reflects a less cohesive soil
RES 206-PPT-2-1.6
Soil Physics
Active soil has a tendency to move due to
The failure or removal of a protective
system
The inability of the soil to hold its own
weight
Passive soil does not have a tendency to
move
RES 206-PPT-2-1.7
Non-Entry Rescue Scenario

A worker has fallen from a ladder and broken his leg
A spoil pile is next to the trench
The trench walls are of concern
The collapse potential is very high
The victim is offered a ladder and a rope
The victim climbs the ladder while tied to the rope
The trench wall collapses after the victim is out
No rescuers were injured while performing this
rescue
RES 206-PPT-2-1.8

Weights
A cubic foot of soil weighs between 85 and 150 lbs
with an average weight of 100 lbs
A cubic foot of water weighs 62.4 lbs
A cubic foot of rock weighs 165.36 lbs
A cubic foot of 1/2 rock and 1/2 air mix weighs about
82.68 lbs per cubic foot
A cubic foot of 1/2 rock and 1/2 water mix weighs
about 113.85 lbs per cubic foot
RES 206-PPT-2-1.9

Forces
Vertical pressure
Represents forces that may compress a
victim
Causes wall failure when tension
overcomes cohesion
RES 206-PPT-2-1.10
Lateral pressure
Is about 33% of the vertical pressure at a
given depth
Is 132 pounds per square foot at four feet
deep
Is distributed at about a 45 angle from
the bottom of any given plane
Is responsible for rotational failure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.11
Rotational failure
Is the most prevalent type of collapse
Is caused by lateral pressure
Is most dangerous 1/4 of the depth up
from the bottom of the trench
RES 206-PPT-2-1.12
Shoring pressure
Acts to transmit pressures from one side
of the trench to the other
Acts to equalize pressures
May be overcome by lateral pressure,
causing
A collapse
Shoring failure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.13

The addition of water
Adds weight to the soil
Presents an absorption rate issue
Causes a loss of strength of the soil
Initially the soil may gain strength
When saturated the soil will lose strength
RES 206-PPT-2-1.14

The freestanding time allows
Environmental issues to become an concern
Compressive forces to cause failure
Time for nature to attempt to fill the trench
back in
RES 206-PPT-2-1.15

The varying soil profiles
Cause problems determining the
classification of the soil
Cause problems determining the soils
potential for collapse
Have different soil coefficients
Sand may be layered between clay
There may be a slip potential
RES 206-PPT-2-1.16

Water may
Provide a slip fault
Be running water
Underground streams
Aquifers
Be released from saturated soil
RES 206-PPT-2-1.17

The water table may
Dictate the rescue situation
Be just below the surface
Be quite deep
RES 206-PPT-2-1.18

The previously disturbed soil may be easy to
spot because it may contain bottles, bricks,
manmade objects, landfill, etc.
The soil may be difficult to interpret because
it lacks cohesiveness
RES 206-PPT-2-1.19

The location of heavy equipment may cause
pressure on unprotected trench walls
The placement of emergency equipment
should be kept back 300 feet and should not
add to surface weight or scene vibration
RES 206-PPT-2-1.20

The spoil pile may
Be less than two feet from the lip

Cause multiple problems
Vertical and lateral pressure due to weight
Active soil sliding down the trench wall
A restricted work area
RES 206-PPT-2-1.21

Vibration
From road traffic
From machinery
RES 206-PPT-2-1.22
Spoil Pile Slide

Spoil pile slide due to overburden pressure
Spoil pile slide due to the angle of repose
The angle is too steep

The soil has dried, becoming less cohesive
The soil is active
RES 206-PPT-2-1.23
Spoil Pile Slide
RES 206-PPT-2-1.24
Slough Failure
Is a loss of part of the trench wall
Is a type of rotational failure
May have a scoop-shaped appearance
May be a result of unconfined hydrostatic
pressure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.25
Slough Failure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.26
Slough Failure
May be due to the spoil pile being too close to
the trench lip, causing vertical and lateral
pressure
May be indicated by cracks in and around the
surface
May be indicated by multiple soil layers
May occur suddenly and without warning
RES 206-PPT-2-1.27
Rotational Failure
May have a half-moon shape that starts back
from the trench lip
May result in large sections of trench wall
falling
May appear to have been dug by a spoon
May create a very difficult problem to overcome
with a rescue system
RES 206-PPT-2-1.28
Shear Wall Collapse

Occurs when a section of the wall loses its
ability to stand
Usually happens across a vertical plane
May be caused by cracks in the surface
Water may wash out dirt
Washing and drying create deeper cracks
Is normally associated with cohesive soils

May cause a larger collapse
RES 206-PPT-2-1.29
10
Shear Wall Collapse
RES 206-PPT-2-1.30
Toe Failure
Is a slough that occurs at the bottom of the
trench
Is characteristic of a cantilever
May be caused by a sand pocket
RES 206-PPT-2-1.31
Toe Failure
May be caused by the effects of water at the
bottom of the trench
May not be detected if a rescuer is standing
above it
Is hard to correct until a protective system is in
place
RES 206-PPT-2-1.32
11
Toe Failure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.33
Bell Pier Condition

Is a toe failure on both sides of the trench
Is the result of water conditions
Is usually a slow process
RES 206-PPT-2-1.34
Bell Pier Condition
RES 206-PPT-2-1.35
12
Wedge Failure
Occurs in intersecting trenches
Is characterized by an angle section of the
trench wall falling from the corner of two
intersecting trenches
Can be sudden
Can be catastrophic
RES 206-PPT-2-1.36
Wedge Failure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.37

Soil classification
Determines the performance of a soil
Is based on a decreasing order of stability
Is conducted in each of the layers of soil
Is determined by the least stable soil
Is used to determine the protective system
RES 206-PPT-2-1.38
13

Soil classification must be based on two tests
A visual test
A manual test
RES 206-PPT-2-1.39
Types of Soil
Stable rock
Is the least dangerous
Is a natural solid material that can remain
standing after excavation
May fall on a worker after being excavated
and set in a loose pile
May present with other emergencies
Falls
Equipment failure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.40
Types of Soil
Type A soils
Are cohesive materials with an unconfined
compressive strength of 1.5 tons per
square foot or greater
RES 206-PPT-2-1.41
14
Types of Soil
Type A soils include

Clay
Silty clay
Clay loam
Sandy clay loam
Cemented soils
RES 206-PPT-2-1.42
Types of Soil
Type A soils are not classified as type A if

they have any of the following conditions
The soil is fissured
The soil is subject to vibration
The soil has been previously disturbed
The soil is part of a sloped soil layer that is
steeper than 4 horizontal to 1 vertical
The material is subject to other factors that
would require it to be classified as a less
stable material
RES 206-PPT-2-1.43
Types of Soil
RES 206-PPT-2-1.44
15
Types of Soil
Type B soils
May be cohesive materials with an
unconfined compressive strength greater
than 0.5 tsf but less than 1.5 tsf
RES 206-PPT-2-1.45
Types of Soil
Type B soils may be granular cohesionless

material
Angular gravel
Silt
Silt loam
Sandy loam
Sandy clay loam
RES 206-PPT-2-1.46
Types of Soil
Type B soils
May be previously disturbed soil
May be downgraded type A soil
RES 206-PPT-2-1.47
16
Types of Soil
Type C soils
Are cohesive materials with an unconfined
compressive strength of 0.5 tsf or less
RES 206-PPT-2-1.48
Types of Soil
Type C soils include

Granular soils
Sand
Soils from which water is freely flowing
Submerged rock that is not stable
Sloped or layered systems where the
layers dip into the excavation at a slope
of 4 horizontal to 1 vertical or steeper
RES 206-PPT-2-1.49
Types of Soil
C-60 soil
Was designated by Speed Shore
Is a moist cohesive soil or a dense granular
soil that does not fit into type A or type B
classifications
May be cut near vertically and will stand
long enough to allow shoring to be properly
installed
Is permitted because OSHA allows for other
classification tables
RES 206-PPT-2-1.50
17

The visual test
Visually inspect
Excavated material
Soil from the trench wall
The excavation site in general
RES 206-PPT-2-1.51
Look for the following

Layers that change with depth
The weakest soil
Soil that has been previously disturbed
The soil make up
The presence of utilities, mixed soil,
similar particles of soil, fissures, spalling,
cracks, hydrostatic forces
RES 206-PPT-2-1.52

The manual test is used to
Determine soil characteristics
Learn relative strength under force
Formulate the materials ability to free stand
RES 206-PPT-2-1.53
18

The plasticity test
Is used to see if the soil may be deformed or
molded without a change in total volume
Is done by molding a wet or moist sample into
a ball and then attempting to roll it into a
thread 18 of an inch in diameter and two
inches long
Is used to consider a soils cohesiveness if the
threads do not crumble or if a two-inch thread
can be held at one end without tearing
RES 206-PPT-2-1.54

The dry strength test
The dry strength test is performed to
determine the propensity of the soil to
fissure
If the soil is dry and crumbles on its own into
individual grains or fine powder it is granular
RES 206-PPT-2-1.55

The dry-strength test (continued)
If the soil is dry and falls into clumps and then

smaller clumps that are difficult to break down,
then it may contain
Clay and gravel
Clay and sand
Clay and silt
If the dry soil breaks into clumps that do not break
into smaller clumps without difficulty, it may be
considered unfissured
RES 206-PPT-2-1.56
19

The thumb penetration test
Is used to estimate the unconfined
compressive strength of cohesive soils
Is performed by extending a thumb against
an exposed sample and attempting to push
through it
Indicates type A soil
By a ready indention
By a difficult penetration
RES 206-PPT-2-1.57
RES 206-PPT-2-1.58
The thumb penetration test indicates type C

soil
By easy penetration of several inches by the
thumb
By molding the soil with little effort
The thumb penetration test should be done

as soon as possible after excavation to
prevent the environment from affecting the
sample
RES 206-PPT-2-1.59
20

The drying test
Is used to determine the difference between
cohesive material with fissures, unfissured
cohesive material, and granular material
Is performed by drying a sample of soil that
is 6 inches long and 1 inch thick
Fissured material behavior
Unfissured cohesive material behavior
Granular material behavior
RES 206-PPT-2-1.60

Penetrometer and shear vane tests
Are performed by field instruments that may
be used to determine unconfined
compressive strength
Are performed by applying force into the
trench wall
Work accurately when the soil has some
moisture content
Are read numerically
RES 206-PPT-2-1.61
RES 206-PPT-2-1.62
21

Laboratory testing
Is not practical on scene
Is complicated but accurate
Helps develop mathematical determinations
Uses samples from varying depths obtained
with an auger
RES 206-PPT-2-1.63

and reading materials, describe soil physics and
conditions that lead to collapse. The student will
RES 206-PPT-2-1.64
Review
Soil Physics
Non-entry Rescue Scenario
RES 206-PPT-2-1.65
22
Review
Spoil Pile Slide
Slough Failure
Rotational Failure
Shear Wall Collapse
Toe Failure
Bell Pier Condition
Wedge Failure
RES 206-PPT-2-1.66
Review
Types of Soil
RES 206-PPT-2-1.67
23

Lesson 2-2
Trench Rescue Equipment/
Trench Rescue Assessment

equipment and trench rescue assessment. The
student will perform to a written test accuracy of
at least 70% and successfully complete the skills
on a skills check-off sheet.
RES 206-PPT-2-2.1
Overview
Personal Protective Equipment
Development of a Safe Culture
Equipment for Trench Rescue Operations
Calculating the Weight of an Object
Gravity
Movement
Mechanics
RES 206-PPT-2-2.2
Overview
Air Bags for Trench Rescue
Cribbing
Wedges
Time of Alarm
Arrival at the Scene
Assessment During the Emergency
RES 206-PPT-2-2.3

Standard issue equipment
Should minimize the effects of weather
Should minimize trauma around machinery and

tools
Includes a jumpsuit or long-sleeve shirt and pant

combination, gloves, steel-toed boots, helmet, eye
protection, hearing protection, safety vest
RES 206-PPT-2-2.4

Clothing
Turnout gear
Jumpsuits
Long-sleeved shirt and pant
RES 206-PPT-2-2.5

Gloves
Firefighting gloves
Standard leather garden gloves
Vehicle extrication gloves
Nomex flight gloves
RES 206-PPT-2-2.6

Head protection
A firefighting helmet
A heavy-duty construction helmet
RES 206-PPT-2-2.7

Eye protection
Helmet mounted protection (not
recommended)
Full-face goggles
Standard safety glasses
RES 206-PPT-2-2.8

Foot protection
Steel toed
Steel shanked
A high top boot
RES 206-PPT-2-2.9

Specialty items
Respiratory Protection
Dust mask
Self-contained breathing apparatus
Supplied air breathing apparatus
RES 206-PPT-2-2.10
Hearing protection
Blocks out high frequencies
Allows for communication
RES 206-PPT-2-2.11
Skullcaps
Are worn under the helmet
Allow for the cooling action of sweat
Are cooled with water
RES 206-PPT-2-2.12
Leather chaps
Should be used in the cutting area
Might prevent or deflect a chain saw
injury
RES 206-PPT-2-2.13

Does not happen over night
Requires hours of training and discipline
RES 206-PPT-2-2.14

Ground pads
Distribute weight over a greater area
Help to prevent secondary collapse
Come in different types
4 8 sheets of plywood
2 12 10 or 2 12 12 pieces of
lumber
RES 206-PPT-2-2.15

Types of Sheeting
Interconnected steel uprights
Sheets of plywood/timber
Manufactured panels
Homemade panels
ShorForm
FinForm
Plywood
RES 206-PPT-2-2.16
RES 206-PPT-2-2.17
Facilitating ease of use and storage of

sheeting
Cut off the corners of the sheeting at a
45 angle
Drill hand holds or holes for ropes
Use strongbacks
RES 206-PPT-2-2.18
RES 206-PPT-2-2.19
Placement
Tie a rope through the panel holes and
lower the panel vertically
Form a loop through which the
strongback can be vertically lowered
RES 206-PPT-2-2.20

Timber shores
Are made in many dimensions

Are made from Douglas Fir
Must have a bending strength of not less than
1500 pounds per square inch
Must not exceed 20 feet in width
Are relatively low in cost
Can be cut to varying lengths
Are selected by a process
RES 206-PPT-2-2.21

Screw jacks
Have a boot end which fits over a piece of
wood
Are tightened by a thread and yoke
assembly
Are relatively inexpensive
Are not as strong as other shores
Must not be overextended
RES 206-PPT-2-2.22

Hydraulic shores
May have the shore and uprights as one unit

Are lowered into the trench and set entirely from
above
Are expanded using a five-gallon reservoir of
fluid
Are shut off from fluid and pump after
expansion
Do not work well if the walls of the trench are
not vertical or near vertical
RES 206-PPT-2-2.23

Pneumatic air shores
Come in a variety of lengths
Are made from lightweight tubular aluminum
Are quick, strong, and dependable
Have a multitude of extensions and
attachments
Are extended by using compressed air
Have a few disadvantages
RES 206-PPT-2-2.24

Tools and appliances
Shovel
Entrenching tool
Hammer
Duplex nails
Chain saw
Electric powered ventilation equipment
Ladders
Dewatering devices
RES 206-PPT-2-2.25

Multiply the width by the depth by the length
4 2 20 = 160 cubic feet
Multiply the cubic feet by the weight per cubic
pound
160 150 = 24,000 pounds
RES 206-PPT-2-2.26
Gravity
Gravitational terms
Gravity The tendency of an object to be
attracted to another object in direct
proportion to its mass
Lifting the action necessary to move
anything
Lowering controlling the descent of an
object
RES 206-PPT-2-2.27
Gravity
Moving exerting enough force on an

object to move it
Stabilizing keeping the object from

moving by applying a counterforce
Friction a measure of the amount of

force it takes to move an object across the
surface of another object
RES 206-PPT-2-2.28
Gravity
Center of Gravity
The point on a body around which the bodys mass

is evenly distributed
The point on a body where all forces of the earths
gravitational pull are equal
The junction of the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal
axes of an object
The absolute center of an object
RES 206-PPT-2-2.29
10
Movement
Moment of force
Is mass multiplied by the distance away
from the turning point or fulcrum
Is the amount of force rotating around the
fulcrum times the distance from the fulcrum
RES 206-PPT-2-2.30
Movement
The teeter-totter
The balance can be determined by
multiplying the bigger childs weight by the
distance he is from the fulcrum (100 lbs 4
feet equals 400 lbs)
The smaller childs weight is divided into the
400 lbs to determine the distance he should
sit from the fulcrum (400 lbs divided by 50
lbs equals 8 feet)
RES 206-PPT-2-2.31
Mechanics
The Theory of Mechanics
Energy
Is the capacity for doing work and
overcoming resistance
Is how hard it is to push or pull something
a distance
Is measured in feet/pounds, either in
kinetic or potential energy
Is what it takes to accomplish work
RES 206-PPT-2-2.32
11
Mechanics
Work
Is the distance times force or force as it is
applied to set it in motion
Is explained by the climbing of a
mountain the climbing is the work
RES 206-PPT-2-2.33
Mechanics
Application of Mechanics
The creation of a positive output in a given
situation (mechanical advantage)
The ratio of the output of force a machine
exerts compared with the input force
furnished to that machine to do the work
RES 206-PPT-2-2.34
Mechanics
Types of Machines
Class 1 lever
Has the fulcrum placed between the
force and the load
Has a calculated mechanical
advantage
RES 206-PPT-2-2.35
12
Mechanics
RES 206-PPT-2-2.36
Mechanics
Class 2 lever
Is most effective when moving objects on
a horizontal plane
Has the load between the force and the
fulcrum
RES 206-PPT-2-2.37
Mechanics
RES 206-PPT-2-2.38
13
Mechanics
Class 3 lever
Is the hardest to understand
Has the force located between the load
and the fulcrum
RES 206-PPT-2-2.39
Mechanics
RES 206-PPT-2-2.40
Mechanics
Inclined planes
Are a form of simple machine
Work by reducing the required force over
time
May be ladders in the trench rescue
environment
RES 206-PPT-2-2.41
14
Mechanics
RES 206-PPT-2-2.42
Low pressure bags use 7 psi

Limited lift capacity
Higher lift ability in height
Medium pressure bags use 22 psi
High pressure bags use 80 to 120 psi
Lift a greater amount of weight
Are unable to lift as high as a low
pressure bag
RES 206-PPT-2-2.43

How air bags work
Air bags must have an air source

Air bags must have a regulator
The effectiveness of air bags is limited by the
compressibility of air and the inside surface
area of the bag
The lifting capacity of air bags is limited by the
amount of bag surface area that can contact the
object
RES 206-PPT-2-2.44
15

Using air bags
Determine the lift
Multiply the length of the bag times the
width by the recommended operation
pressure to obtain maximum lift capacity
Determine the weight of the object to be
lifted and the surface area of the lift point
Calculate the lift capacity based on the
contact surface area
RES 206-PPT-2-2.45

Using air bags (continued)
Determine if a greater surface area is
needed
Determine if the lift is possible with the
available equipment
RES 206-PPT-2-2.46
RES 206-PPT-2-2.47
16

High pressure air bags
Design
Rubber or neoprene material
Steel bands or Kevlar
A coarse surface
A working capability of 80 to 120 psi
RES 206-PPT-2-2.48
Drawbacks of high-pressure air bags

Do not lift very high
May need to be stacked only up to two
Always put the larger bag on the
bottom
The lift capacity is that of the smaller
bag
RES 206-PPT-2-2.49
Durability of high-pressure air bags

Very durable
Not field repairable
RES 206-PPT-2-2.50
17

Low-pressure air bags
Are flexible rubber bags
Are used to fill voids in trench walls
Are used to lift some objects
Operate at 7 to 12 psi
Will lift an object higher than a high-pressure
bag
RES 206-PPT-2-2.51

Low-pressure air bags
Will not lift the weight of a high-pressure bag
Are field repairable
Require a lot of air to accomplish a lift
May be used outside of the trench to lift
RES 206-PPT-2-2.52
RES 206-PPT-2-2.53
18
Cribbing
May become brittle when natural moisture
content is lost
Is required for anything being lifted in a rescue
Should be no more than an inch from the item
being lifted
RES 206-PPT-2-2.54
Cribbing
May be made from construction grade lumber
2 4
4 4
6 6
RES 206-PPT-2-2.55
Cribbing
RES 206-PPT-2-2.56
19
Cribbing
May be cut in varying lengths
May be used in a cribbing system
4-point crib system
9-point crib system
Full-box crib system
RES 206-PPT-2-2.57
Cribbing
Will support varying amounts of weight
4 4 cribbing will support 6,000 lbs per
contact point
6 6 cribbing will support 15,000 lbs per
contact point
RES 206-PPT-2-2.58
Cribbing
RES 206-PPT-2-2.59
20
Cribbing
Is dependent on the quality of the ground
Is used by stacking timbers in alternating rows
to build systems
The rows should have a slight overhang to
the previous row
The height should be no more than three
times the diameter of the base
RES 206-PPT-2-2.60
Wedges
Are cut pieces of lumber that form an inclined
plane
Are used to fill voids of varying sizes
Are used until a full piece of lumber will fit in the
cribbing system
RES 206-PPT-2-2.61
Wedges
RES 206-PPT-2-2.62
21
Wedges
Are used to tighten objects
Are used to take up space between wales and
uprights
Are used to tighten shores to uprights
RES 206-PPT-2-2.63
Time of Alarm
What happened?
Why was the excavation work being done?
Is the victim completely buried?
Is the situation a trench collapse or some other
form of injury in the trench?
Will I have access problems?
How is the weather?
RES 206-PPT-2-2.64

Who is in charge and what happened?
Is there a language barrier?
Is the collapse within your scope of operations?
What are the injuries?
What is the victims survivability profile?
RES 206-PPT-2-2.65
22

What type of protective system is/was in place?
Do I have the resources to accomplish this
mission successfully?
Do I have a solid rescue plan?
Have I given a preincident briefing to rescue
personnel?
Can I mitigate this rescue with a rapid non-entry
rescue technique?
RES 206-PPT-2-2.66

Evaluate constantly
Anticipate problems
Consider the following when looking for buried
victims
The victim may be at the end of a pipe string

A flagstick may indicate trench depth
RES 206-PPT-2-2.67

victims (continued)
Laser target may provide helpful information

A competent person may know the location the
victim was last seen
Tapping sounds may be heard when listening in
the pipes for signs of life
Determining what the victim was doing at the
time of the incident may help determine his
location
RES 206-PPT-2-2.68
23

victims (continued)
Exposed limbs may not be in normal orientation

A cell phone call to the victim may help in
locating him
Listening devices may be used to help locate
the victim
RES 206-PPT-2-2.69

Develop a rescue plan for the incident
Hold a pre-entry briefing
Involve all members
Brief on safety matters
Brief on tactics and strategies
RES 206-PPT-2-2.70

The pre-entry briefing (continued)
Identify all known hazards
Explain emergency signals
Identify the command structure
Explain radio frequencies
Explain tactical objectives
RES 206-PPT-2-2.71
24

equipment and trench rescue assessment. The
student will perform to a written test accuracy of
at least 70% and successfully complete the skills
on a skills check-off sheet.
RES 206-PPT-2-2.72
Review
Gravity
Movement
Mechanics
RES 206-PPT-2-2.73
Review
Cribbing
Wedges
Time of Alarm
RES 206-PPT-2-2.74
25

Lesson 3-1
Hazard Control and Victim Considerations

and reading materials, describe hazard control
and victim considerations. The student will
RES 206-PPT-3-1.1
Overview
Hazard Categories
Hazard Control Phases
Atmospheric Monitoring for Trench Rescue
Action Guidelines
Specific Monitoring Measurements
Standard Operating Guidelines
Hazard Control Using Ventilation
Atmospheric Monitoring Concepts
RES 206-PPT-3-1.2
Overview
Non-Entry Rescue and Victim Self-Rescue
Pre-entry Briefing
Gaining Access to Your Victim
Patient Care Considerations
Termination and Post-Incident Considerations
RES 206-PPT-3-1.3
Overview
Ground Pads
Sheeting
Shoring
Isolation Tunnels, Shafts, and Engineered
Systems
Commercial Techniques
RES 206-PPT-3-1.4
Hazard Categories
Mechanical hazards
Mechanical hazards may involved machines or
other entrapping mechanisms
Everything must be brought to zero mechanical
state
Removing the keys
Locking out electrical devices
Removing machines from the collapse zone
RES 206-PPT-3-1.5
Hazard Categories
Chemical hazards
May have been unearthed during digging
operations
May have been carried into the trench by a
worker
RES 206-PPT-3-1.6
Hazard Categories
RES 206-PPT-3-1.7
Hazard Categories
Manmade hazards
Are usually the reason for the collapse
Are part of the normal work that takes
place
May be the spoil pile and equipment
location
RES 206-PPT-3-1.8
Hazard Categories
Electrical hazards
Should be controlled by a professional
Come in many forms
Power lines
Telephone lines
Should be clearly marked by a utility location
service
RES 206-PPT-3-1.9
Hazard Categories
Water hazards (from groundwater or rain)
Build a cover for the trench
Divert rain
Dewater
Deploy an inflatable tent to cover trench
RES 206-PPT-3-1.10
Hazard Categories
Hazard markings
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Violet
Pink
White
RES 206-PPT-3-1.11

Follow a logical order
Address the greatest hazard first
Address hazards that are not readily apparent
Use standard nomenclature
Hazmat
Hot
Warm
Cold
RES 206-PPT-3-1.12
RES 206-PPT-3-1.13
Perform the following activities in the

general area
Staging
Cutting
Logistical support
Rehab
Vehicle parking
RES 206-PPT-3-1.14
Perform the following activities in the rescue

area
Air supply
Panel team
Shoring personnel
Safety officer
RES 206-PPT-3-1.15

Atmospheric monitoring in confined spaces is
required by OSHA
Confined spaces have features that are similar
to the features of a trench
Atmospheric monitoring should be performed
by trained personnel
Hazmat personnel
Support function personnel
RES 206-PPT-3-1.16

Monitor the atmosphere to
Detect the presence of an IDLH atmosphere
Gauge the ventilation of the trench
RES 206-PPT-3-1.17
RES 206-PPT-3-1.18

Consider the following when monitoring:
What is the nature of the hazard that I am
monitoring?
Are there sources of electrical interference
around?
What are the environmental site conditions
that you are operating in?
Are there gases and vapors interfering with
your monitor?
RES 206-PPT-3-1.19
Action Guidelines
Guidelines outlined in OSHA 1910.146
Indicate that you should take specific actions
when monitor readings reach certain levels
Are based on preset alarms on your
monitors that will alert when a certain level,
parameter, or product is detected
RES 206-PPT-3-1.20
Action Guidelines
General monitoring guidelines
Rule 1 Monitor in order
Oxygen
Flammability/combustibility
Toxicity
RES 206-PPT-3-1.21
Action Guidelines
Rule 2 Always monitor at multiple levels in
the trench
Mixtures of gases may accumulate at different

levels depending on their vapor density
Different products have different vapor densities
Methane is lighter than air and may leave the
trench
Carbon monoxide is about the same density as
air and will diversify with the air
Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and will
settle on the bottom of the trench
RES 206-PPT-3-1.22
Action Guidelines
Rule 3 Know your monitors limitations
Rule 4 Understand the relationship between
flammability and toxicity
Rule 5 A substance that comes after you is
much more dangerous than one that expects
you to come to it
Rule 6 Know your monitors operational
parameters
RES 206-PPT-3-1.23
Action Guidelines
Rule 7 Check batteries every shift
Rule 8 Zero and field calibrate your
instrument in clean air
Oxygen level should read 20.9%
Flammability should read 0% of LEL
Toxicity should read 0 PPM
RES 206-PPT-3-1.24
Action Guidelines
Rule 9 Sample from upwind
Rule 10 Always assign a competent person to
perform atmospheric monitoring
RES 206-PPT-3-1.25

Oxygen
Is measured at between 0 and 25%
Is considered deficient at levels of 19.5% or
below and will cause an alarm
Is considered rich at or above levels of
23.5% and will cause an alarm
Is considered a normal concentration at
20.9%
RES 206-PPT-3-1.26

Flammable and combustible readings
Combustible gas indicators (CGIs) determine the

presence of flammable vapors of hydrocarbon
products
Monitors are calibrated for certain flammable gases
Tests for flammability should be conducted when it
is suspected that the trench is contaminated, to
detect leaks, or when investigating any unknown
material
Any concentration at 10% of the LEL will sound an
alarm
RES 206-PPT-3-1.27

Toxicity
Toxicity is measured in parts per million
Monitors have one or two toxic sensors
Alarm settings are set at
35 ppm for carbon monoxide
10 ppm for hydrogen sulfide
Time-weighted averages for an OSHA 8hour exposure
RES 206-PPT-3-1.28

Monitoring should be done
Before entry
Every five minutes
RES 206-PPT-3-1.29
10
RES 206-PPT-3-1.30

Monitoring should follow guidelines
Collect and record monitor readings
throughout the entry and rescue/ recovery
operation
Capture readings on the trench rescue
tactical worksheet
Report readings to the extrication officer or
the operations officer on a continual basis
RES 206-PPT-3-1.31

Monitoring (continued)
Report any fluctuations or changes in
readings immediately
Report any alarm levels immediately and
take action
Never leave the monitor unattended
Always use the hazmat team to your
advantage
RES 206-PPT-3-1.32
11

Ventilation
Is the first method of choice in trench
emergencies because it is fast and easily
monitored
Does not work in every situation
Is only as good as the technique used
RES 206-PPT-3-1.33

Ventilation (continued)
Will not help if there is an off-gassing
product in the trench
Is dependent upon weather and
environmental factors
May require multiple fans
RES 206-PPT-3-1.34

Atmospheric Monitoring:
Read the instruction manual for your device
Practice, practice, practice
Use the most competent person for the job
RES 206-PPT-3-1.35
12

Are the preferred methods for trench rescue
Reduce risk to rescue personnel
Should be considered in every incident
May be accomplished by
Providing a ladder for victims to climb out on their

own
Supplying a harness or wristlets and lifting victims
out of the trench
May require victims to dig themselves out

RES 206-PPT-3-1.36
The Pre-Entry Briefing

Is based on a risk-benefit analysis
Is the time when all rescue personnel hear the
rescue plan
Allows the IC to think out loud
Allows rescuers to openly question the plan
RES 206-PPT-3-1.37
The Pre-Entry Briefing

Must contain the basics of the rescue
The overall goal of the operation
Position assignments
Protective system design
Safety requirements
Accountability system
Emergency procedures
RES 206-PPT-3-1.38
13

Gaining access to your victim
Is based on the type of emergency
May be difficult due to substandard
protective systems already in place
RES 206-PPT-3-1.39

Tons of dirt may have to be removed by using
Hands and buckets
Centrifugal vacuum trucks
Positive displacement vacuum trucks
Hydro Vac trucks
Rescue Vac systems
RES 206-PPT-3-1.40
When using vacuum systems, soil

reduction will likely have to be done. Air
knives are frequently used to break the
soil into smaller particles.
RES 206-PPT-3-1.41
14

Rule 1 never use a mechanical device
or backhoe to dig up or pull out a partially
buried victim
Rule 2 never attempt to pull out a
partially buried victim
Rule 3 Dig by hand when you get near
or around the victim
RES 206-PPT-3-1.42

What is the victim survivability profile?
Who will provide patient care?
A firefighter
An EMT
A paramedic
A physician
RES 206-PPT-3-1.43

Determine whether patient suffered injury
Start ABC assessment
After the primary survey has been completed,
make a secondary survey and check for
additional life-threatening injuries
RES 206-PPT-3-1.44
15

Prepare to package the patient
Follow local and state protocols
Use a backboard as a full body splint
Treat minor or other life-threatening injuries
after removal
RES 206-PPT-3-1.45

Patient care involving a collapse
Try to determine the location of the head
Try to uncover the head and chest first
Remove foreign matter from the airway
Ventilate the victim
Check for breathing
RES 206-PPT-3-1.46

Patient care involving a collapse (continued)
Protect the c-spine
Check circulatory status
Ask victim about injuries
Begin an IV if certified to do so
Apply a cardiac monitor if certified to do so
RES 206-PPT-3-1.47
16

Hypothermia (a concern even in the summer)
Keep patient as dry as possible
Use isothermal blankets
Use hot packs if necessary
Use portable lights to add heat
RES 206-PPT-3-1.48

Crush syndrome
Is a condition common to trench collapse
victims
Involves
The crushing of body tissues
The restriction of circulation
Acidosis
Acidotic blood being dumped back into the
bloodstream
RES 206-PPT-3-1.49
Cardiac arrest
Defibrillation
Ensure that the atmosphere is clear of
flammable gases
Dry the victims chest
Asystole
Consider termination protocol
Contact medical control
RES 206-PPT-3-1.50
17
Victim packaging and removal

Do not dislodge shoring materials
Preplan activities
Retrieve using a mechanical advantage
system if the victim is large or the packing
device is cumbersome
Use wristlets attached to an elevated
platform to secure victim during digging
Find an elevated attachment point and
remove victim vertically
RES 206-PPT-3-1.51
Termination and Post-Incident

Considerations
Conduct a post-incident debriefing
Bring in fresh crews for breakdown if possible
Break down equipment in reverse order
Take your time
Work from outside of the trench
Clean all equipment
Offer a critical incident stress debriefing
Conduct a post-incident critique
RES 206-PPT-3-1.52
Ground Pads
Are used to distribute the weight of rescuers
and equipment around the lip of the trench
Come in varied sizes
2 X 12 boards
4 X 8 pieces of plywood
RES 206-PPT-3-1.53
18
Ground Pads
RES 206-PPT-3-1.54
Ground Pads
Must be correctly placed
Start at the corner of the trench
Stand on a ground pad
Level the ground in front of you
Step back and move the ground pad forward
Repeat the process of leveling the ground
and advancing the ground pads until all are
in place
Do not step off of the ground pad
RES 206-PPT-3-1.55
Sheeting
Is usually a Shorform or FinnForm panel
May have a strongback attached
Requires an almost vertical trench wall
May not always be necessary
Provides a level of comfort for the rescuer
May eliminate running debris
May be unattached from strongback for storage
RES 206-PPT-3-1.56
19
Sheeting
Sheeting must be properly installed
Same side panel installation
Place ropes on the panel and prepare for
installation
Place the panel at the lip of the trench
and hold the ropes as the panel is
advanced into the trench
Use ropes to slowly lower the panel into
the trench and then to adjust the panel
RES 206-PPT-3-1.57
RES 206-PPT-3-1.58
RES 206-PPT-3-1.59
20
RES 206-PPT-3-1.60
Sheeting
Opposite side panel installation

Place 4 4 runners to the opposite side
of the trench
Flip the panel so that the strongback is
pointing down
Advance the panel down the runners and
position in place with a pike pole or rope
RES 206-PPT-3-1.61
RES 206-PPT-3-1.62
21
Sheeting
RES 206-PPT-3-1.63
Sheeting
Sheeting
Must be placed at the victim first
Must extend one panel to either side of the
victim
RES 206-PPT-3-1.64
Shoring
Is the component of the system that transfers
forces across the trench, through the
strongback, and into the opposite trench wall
Completes the protective system
Provides a safe area in which to work
RES 206-PPT-3-1.65
22
RES 206-PPT-3-1.66
Shoring
Pneumatic shoresinstallation
Connect the air system to the shore
Lower the shore using ropes at each end
Position the shore
Give the signal to shoot and hold
Shoot and lock the shore
Toe nail the shore to the strongback
Air pressure is released and the hose

disconnected
RES 206-PPT-3-1.67
Shoring
Pneumatic shore placement
Follow manufacturers recommendations
Follow department SOGs
RES 206-PPT-3-1.68
23
Shoring
Number of shores: Shoot three shores for
trenches 6 feet deep or more, regardless of
soil type
RES 206-PPT-3-1.69
Shoring
Spacing of pneumatic shores

18 to 24 from the trench lip
18 to 24 from the trench bottom
Not more than 4 apart
RES 206-PPT-3-1.70
Shoring
RES 206-PPT-3-1.71
24
Shoring
Timber shores
Measure, cut, and scab after placement
Install
Top shore first
Middle shore next
Bottom shore last
Nail scabs above and below

Tighten with wedges
RES 206-PPT-3-1.72
Shoring
RES 206-PPT-3-1.73
Shoring
Wales
Are horizontal members that are used to
span openings along trench walls
May be located inside or outside of the
strongback and panel system
May be made of timber, metal, or ladders
RES 206-PPT-3-1.74
25
Shoring
Inside wales
Use in a T trench
Lower inside the panel
Place up against the strongback
Shoot the shores
RES 206-PPT-3-1.75
RES 206-PPT-3-1.76
Shoring
Outside wales
Place against the trench wall before
placement of panels
Use to span openings created by a
slough of the trench wall
Backfill after installation of the wales and
panels but before the shores are shot
RES 206-PPT-3-1.77
26
RES 206-PPT-3-1.78
Shoring
Supplemental sheeting and shoring
Is necessary to fill voids
Is additional shoring
RES 206-PPT-3-1.79
Shoring
RES 206-PPT-3-1.80
27
Isolation Tunnels, Shafts, and

Engineered Systems
Isolation vessels
Are cylinder objects
Are placed over the victim
Are strongest vertically
Are weakest horizontally
Allow the victim to be dug out
May take time to place
May be the victims only chance
RES 206-PPT-3-1.81
RES 206-PPT-3-1.82
Isolation Tunnels, Shafts, and

Engineered Systems
Engineered Systemsdesigned by engineers
to address the worst type of soil
Each 4 8 piece of sheeting has three
strongbacks
Strongbacks are toe nailed to sheeting and
held in place using 6 6-inch wales
Shoring is shot where the wale crosses the
center of each strongback
System uses many contact points
RES 206-PPT-3-1.83
28
Consider using commercial techniques and
professional help if
The trench is deeper than 15
There has been a massive cave-in
Workers are trapped in running debris
Environmental conditions prohibit the rescue
effort
RES 206-PPT-3-1.84
Commercial techniques are based on certain
factors
Adjacent structures
Existing hazards
Soil type
Water profile and hydraulic table
Depth and width of the trench
RES 206-PPT-3-1.85
Commercial techniques may be described as
Sloping
Trench box
Rabbit box
Soldier pile and lag shoring
Sheet piling shoring
Modular shoring
RES 206-PPT-3-1.86
29
Commercial techniquessloping and benching
systems
Sloping
Decreases the angle of a wall to prevent
collapse
Helps to prevent active soil movement
Creates a safe opening
Should be at least 1.5 horizontal to 1
vertical
RES 206-PPT-3-1.87
RES 206-PPT-3-1.88
Benching
Is similar to cutting steps
Must follow parameters
RES 206-PPT-3-1.89
30
RES 206-PPT-3-1.90
Support, shield, and other systems
A trench box or shield
Is designed to be moved along the
trench with an excavator
Allows walls to be cut at steeper angles
Requires less backfill
Is difficult to use around existing utilities
RES 206-PPT-3-1.91
RES 206-PPT-3-1.92
31
Soldier pile and sheet pile (fixed shoring

systems)
Sheet piles can be cantilevered, braced, or
tied back to provide ground support
Piles can be pushed into the ground using
uprights made of steel plates or timber
Piling is installed by
Pushing it in with a backhoe

Drilling a hole to fit the pile
Using an impact, vibrating, or hydraulic
hammer
RES 206-PPT-3-1.93
RES 206-PPT-3-1.94
Modular aluminum or steel shoring
May come in fixed sizes
May be adjustable
May come in various shapes and
configurations
RES 206-PPT-3-1.95
32
RES 206-PPT-3-1.96

and reading materials, describe hazard control
and victim considerations. The student will
RES 206-PPT-3-1.97
Overview
Hazard Categories
Action Guidelines
RES 206-PPT-3-1.98
33
Overview
Pre-entry Briefing
Termination and Post-Incident Considerations
RES 206-PPT-3-1.99
Overview
Ground Pads
Sheeting
Shoring
Isolation Tunnels, Shafts, and Engineered
Systems
RES 206-PPT-3-1.100
34

Lesson 3-2
Protective Systems and Techniques

and reading materials, describe protective
systems and techniques. The student will
RES 206-PPT-3-2.1
Overview
Generic Steps for all Trench Types
Straight-Wall Trench
Timber Shores
Pneumatic Shores
Outside Wales
RES 206-PPT-3-2.2
Overview
Inside Wales
The T-Trench
The L-Trench
The Deep Wall Trench
RES 206-PPT-3-2.3

Establish an Incident Command System
Provide Hazard Control
Begin air monitoring operations
Provide ventilation
Install ground pads
RES 206-PPT-3-2.4

Provide ladder access
Provide a preoperational briefing
Begin documentation
Provide a post-incident critique
RES 206-PPT-3-2.5
Straight-Wall Trenches
Require a minimum of three sets of panels
One set protecting the victim
A set on each side of the initial set
RES 206-PPT-3-2.6
RES 206-PPT-3-2.7
Procedure
Using either the same side or opposite side
panel set, place first set of panels directly
over the victim
Create a safe zone around the victim
RES 206-PPT-3-2.8
Timber Shores
Are a minimum or 4 6 lumber
Are set from the top down
RES 206-PPT-3-2.9
Timber Shores
RES 206-PPT-3-2.10
Timber Shores
Procedure
Work from a ladder
Never be more than waist deep
Cut shores longer than necessary
Prenail the bottom scabs
Apply 2 4 rails to the strongback
RES 206-PPT-3-2.11
RES 206-PPT-3-2.12
Timber Shores
Procedure (continued)
Install the top shore at between 12 and 18
of the top lip
Add middle shore
Add bottom shore
Begin digging operation in protected area
RES 206-PPT-3-2.13
RES 206-PPT-3-2.14
Timber Shores
Add next set of panels
Middle shore
Bottom shore
Top shore
Ensure all shores are tight
Ensure all shores are wedged and scabbed
RES 206-PPT-3-2.15
Timber Shores
RES 206-PPT-3-2.16
RES 206-PPT-3-2.17
Pneumatic Shores
May be installed from outside of the trench
Should be lowered into place
Should be activated remotely
RES 206-PPT-3-2.18
Pneumatic Shores
RES 206-PPT-3-2.19
Pneumatic Shores
Follow manufacturers guidelines and SOGs
Work may begin after first protected area is in place
Begin the rescue effort or work from within the

safe area of the first set of panels to set the
outside panels
RES 206-PPT-3-2.20
RES 206-PPT-3-2.21
Outside Wales
Use on a single-wall slough
Procedure
Place pickets to hold wales
Lower and tie off wales
Apply panels to protect the victim
Fill voids
Set panels
Fill existing voids
RES 206-PPT-3-2.22
Outside wales are used in systems where a single-wall slough has occurred
Outside Wales
RES 206-PPT-3-2.23
Inside Wales
Are used to span a set of panels
Are used to make room for digging and
equipment
Are the preferred technique in recoveries
requiring a lot of digging
RES 206-PPT-3-2.24
Inside Wales
RES 206-PPT-3-2.25
Inside Wales
Procedure
Secure wales to ropes and place in the bottom of the

trench
Set all three sets of panels
Tack a board to the strongbacks to hold them together

Install middle shores on the outside panels
Lift and place the bottom wales
Install shores on the bottom wales
Place the top wales and secure with shores
Continue rescue or recovery operations

RES 206-PPT-3-2.26
The T-Trench
Is a very unstable trench
Requires
The quick capture of the corners
The use of inside wales
A minimum of seven panels
RES 206-PPT-3-2.27
The T-Trench
RES 206-PPT-3-2.28
The T-Trench
Procedure
Set two panels at the top of the Ts leg
Attach ropes to the bottom wale and place in
the bottom of the trench
Place the remaining five panels
Shoot the middle shores on the top of the T
with full pressure
RES 206-PPT-3-2.29
10
The T-Trench
Raise and hold the bottom wale into
position and install shores
Lower and shore the top wale
Reshoot the original three shores and
check all shores to ensure that they are
solid
RES 206-PPT-3-2.30
RES 206-PPT-3-2.31
RES 206-PPT-3-2.32
11
RES 206-PPT-3-2.33
RES 206-PPT-3-2.34
RES 206-PPT-3-2.35
12
RES 206-PPT-3-2.36
RES 206-PPT-3-2.37
The L-Trench
Is two trenches that intersect at the ends and
form a right angle
Creates a difficult rescue scenario
RES 206-PPT-3-2.38
13
The L-Trench
Procedure
Place wales in the bottom of the trench
secured to ropes
Set the first panels at the inside L corners
and hold in place with pickets and shoot with
50 to 75 lbs
Use a thrust block in the outside corner for
shooting shores
Toe nail thrust blocks to strongbacks
RES 206-PPT-3-2.39
The L-Trench
Install kick plates on the outside panels
Install outside panels
Position and tie off the bottom wale
Use a corner block in the outside corner at
the wales
Secure the corner block in place
Complete the trench
RES 206-PPT-3-2.40
RES 206-PPT-3-2.41
14
The L-Trench
RES 206-PPT-3-2.42
RES 206-PPT-3-2.43
RES 206-PPT-3-2.44
15
RES 206-PPT-3-2.45
RES 206-PPT-3-2.46
RES 206-PPT-3-2.47
16
RES 206-PPT-3-2.48
RES 206-PPT-3-2.49
RES 206-PPT-3-2.50
17

Is deeper than 10 but not deeper than 15
Is a much more complex trench
Is capable of creating forces greater than
rescue equipment can withstand
May require commercial techniques
RES 206-PPT-3-2.51

Procedure
Set ground pads while wearing fall
protection
Set pickets to hold panels and wales in
place
Set panels in place
RES 206-PPT-3-2.52

Hold panels with ropes and pickets
Set shores in the top horizontal plates to
secure them
Install shores on wales and strongbacks
working from the top to the bottom of the
trench
Complete the trench
RES 206-PPT-3-2.53
18
RES 206-PPT-3-2.54
RES 206-PPT-3-2.55
RES 206-PPT-3-2.56
19
RES 206-PPT-3-2.57
RES 206-PPT-3-2.58
RES 206-PPT-3-2.59
20
RES 206-PPT-3-2.60

In trenches deeper than 15
Call an excavation contractor
Consult a registered engineer
Consider benching or sloping
RES 206-PPT-3-2.61

and reading materials, describe protective
systems and techniques. The student will
RES 206-PPT-3-2.62
21
Review
Straight-Wall Trench
Timber Shores
Pneumatic Shores
Outside Wales
Inside Wales
The T-Trench
The L-Trench
RES 206-PPT-3-2.63
22

Lesson 4-2
Incident Action Plan

and reading materials, describe the trench
rescue incident action plan. The student will
RES 206-PPT-4-2.1
Overview
Command Structure
Know Your Group
Site-Specific Safety Concerns
Communications
RES 206-PPT-4-2.2
Overview
Real Emergency
Directions to Trench Location
Debriefing
RES 206-PPT-4-2.3

OSHA Incident Action Plan
AHJ Incident Action Plan
RES 206-PPT-4-2.4
Command Structure
ICprimary instructor
Operationssecondary instructor
Safety officertertiary instructor
All other positions as assigned by the IC
RES 206-PPT-4-2.5
Know Your Group

Divide into three equally sized groups
Remember your group number
Groups may be reassigned later if necessary
RES 206-PPT-4-2.6
Site Specific Safety Concerns

Known hazards
Common hazards
Freelancing
Horseplay
Hydration policy
RES 206-PPT-4-2.7
Communications
Advising the 911 center of training in a live
trench
Radio communications
Specialized communications
Using FOR REAL in the event of a real
emergency
RES 206-PPT-4-2.8

Helmet
Eye protection
Ear protection
Long sleeves
Gloves
Pants/jumpsuit
RES 206-PPT-4-2.9

Knee pads
Foot protection
Jacket/sweatshirt
Water bottle
Other
RES 206-PPT-4-2.10
Real Emergency
Medical/injury not in the trench will be handled
by standby crew
RES 206-PPT-4-2.11
Real Emergency
Trench collapse/incident requiring rescue
IC will conduct a scene size-up
IC will notify 911 communications of an
incident FOR REAL
IC will manage the incident
Students will follow directives of IC
RES 206-PPT-4-2.12
RES 206-PPT-4-2.13
Debriefing
Concluding thoughts
Questions
RES 206-PPT-4-2.14

and reading materials, describe the trench
rescue incident action plan. The student will
RES 206-PPT-4-2.15
Review
Command Structure
Know Your Group
Site-Specific Safety Concerns
Communications
RES 206-PPT-4-2.16
Review
Real Emergency
Debriefing
RES 206-PPT-4-2.17

Trench Rescue Operations

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Trench Rescue Operations

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Note Taking Guide

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the

Trench Rescue Operations

Student Performance Objective

Technical Rescue Disciplines

The Big Three

The Big Three

The Big Three

The Specialized Training Cycle

Able to identify hazards and dangers

Additional Requirements for

Additional Requirements for

Additional Requirements for

Additional Requirements for

Additional Requirements for

The Risk-Benefit Analysis

The FAILURE Acronym

Failure to understand the environment

Types of Service Levels

Types of Service Levels

Types of Service Levels

Getting Your Equipment to the Scene

Getting Your Equipment to the Scene

OSHA Subpart PExcavations,

The General Requirements of

The General Requirements of

Protection: Any trench five feet deep or

The General Requirements of

Atmospheric hazards: All trenches should

The General Requirements of

Water accumulation: employees need to

A competent person must be able to determine

The General Requirements of

Inspection: A competent person must

OSHA and Trench Rescue

OSHA and Trench Rescue

Trench Collapse Emergencies

Trench Collapse Emergencies

Trench Collapse Emergencies

Trench Collapse Emergencies

Trench Collapse Emergencies

The Trench Incident Management System

The Trench Incident Management System

Levels of the Incident Management System

Levels of the Incident Management System

The safety officer

Levels of the Incident Management System

The liaison officer

Levels of the Incident Management System

The public information officer

Levels of the Incident Management System

Levels of the Incident Management System

The logistics officer is responsible for

Levels of the Incident Management System

Levels of the Incident Management System

The extrication officer is responsible for

Levels of the Incident Management System

Levels of the Incident Management System

The cutting team

Levels of the Incident Management System

The panel team

Levels of the Incident Management System

The shoring team

Levels of the Incident Management System