Trench Boxes - Key Component To Job Site Safety

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Before I start my discussions with you all, Let me introduce - ironlot.com

Iron Lot sells both aluminum trench boxes and steel trench boxes. They feature the full line of the Kundel Trench Shoring Safety Equipment. Our aluminum products include, Trenshore Hydraulic Shoring, and the ShoreLite Aluminum Trench Box Series.

In addition to their aluminum trench shields, our steel products include the Titan Trench Box Series, and Titan Bedding Boxes.

Trenches are very common on many construction and engineering sites. They are used for the laying of pipes, telephone lines and many other constructions. Digging trenches is a necessary part of construction and engineering work, while some are very shallow others can be deep. Depending on the soil quality the walls of the trenches will only support themselves for a limited amount of time. A Trench box is of aluminium or steel construction that secures the walls of the trench to make it safe for work to be carried out without risk of the walls collapsing with people or equipment trapped within. Other names for these structures would be manhole boxes, trench shields, sewer boxes or tap boxes.

Before an excavation begins a full risk assessment of the site is required to highlight any potential risks, the equipment required and the staffing required. Does the site require additional access?

Then the trench itself needs be considered. How big does the trench need to be, how deep? Trenches over 5 foot need support either from sloping, shoring or trench box. However if it's over 20 foot deep the support for the side of the trench needs to be designed by a registered professional engineer. How will the trench be accessed? by ladders, steps or does it need a ramp? There should be safe access within 25 feet of workers at all times, in case of emergencies. There may also be the need to test the atmosphere in the trench for low oxygen levels or toxic gases. Trench boxes are articulated to allow for easy installation; however this makes it unsafe to stack the boxes on top of each other.

A number of factors determine the stand-up time that an individual trench will have. Stand-up time is the amount of time that it generally takes for the walls to cave in after the trench is dug. Soil quality and composition, humidity, local weather conditions, climate and other factors can change the stand-up time, and using safety equipment like trench boxes will allow for much more time for workers to perform their duties before any structural problems are encountered. They will also keep the workers from experiencing the worst effects of a cave-in, giving them time to get out or even allowing them to continue working if the cave-in is minor.

These shields work in a very simple way, by providing a solid wall for the trench and the support infrastructure necessary to keep that wall in place. The walls are made out of heavy-duty aluminum or stainless steel, and they can be ordered in various thicknesses that are depth-rated so that you know what you can safely use them for. This is very helpful when deciding exactly what kind of trench shield you need to get the job done.

There are multiple uses for trench boxes in the engineering and construction industries. From residential repair work to extensive construction projects, aluminum trench shields are crucial at many of these work site. Trench boxes, also known as trench shields, can be used by municipalities to perform repair work and maintenance for the city. Trench shields allow the workers to get the job done safely, more quickly, and more affordably than they would otherwise. It causes minimal damage to the sidewalks, lawn, streets, and existing pipes and utilities. Boxes made of aluminum are lightweight, making them easy to be used in conjunction with rubber-tired backhoes.

Aluminum trench boxes are used for manhole installation. Lightweight aluminum shields surround the trench walls that have been created to construct manholes. They also provide a clear work area for building and excavating the manhole. Utility contractors also use aluminum trench shields in the field when laying wire or working underground.