What is OSHA shoring?

Shoring is the provision of a support system for trench faces used to prevent movement of soil, underground utilities, roadways, and foundations. Shoring or shielding is used when the location or depth of the cut makes sloping back to the maximum allowable slope impractical.

How deep can an excavation be without shoring?

5 feet
How Deep Can a Trench Be Without Shoring? Trenches with a depth of 5 feet (1.5 meters) or greater need a protective system unless the entire excavation is in stable rock. If there is anything less than 5 feet, it is up to a competent person’s discretion to determine if there is a need for a protective system.

How far apart should shoring be?

A trench dug in Type A soil is 6 feet deep and 3 feet wide. From Table D-1.1: Find vertical shores and 2 inch diameter cylinders spaced 8 feet on center (o.c.) horizontally and 4 feet on center (o.c.) vertically. (See Figures 1 & 3 for typical installations.)

Can Plywood be used as shoring?

Desler at the American Plywood Association dated April 15, 1992 indicates that OSHA will now accept the use of two layers of 3/4 inch thick plywood to hold back local raveling when used with vertical aluminum hydraulic shores.

At what depth do you need a trench box?

5 ft.
In rules set for trench box applications, OSHA requires a protective system be used when trench depths reach 5 ft. or more. Protective systems also are required for trenches less than 5 ft. deep if the soil could cave in when the trench is dug, according to United Rentals.

What is the maximum depth of your trench if you are using the Cal OSHA shoring tables?

16 feet deep
The trench is 16 feet deep and 9 feet wide.

What is the required thickness when using plywood in shoring systems?

(6) When vertical shores are used, there must be a minimum of three shores spaced equally, horizontally, in a group. (7) Plywood shall be 1.125 inches thick of wood or 0.75 inch thick, 14 ply, arctic white birch (Finland form).

What type of wood is used for shoring?

Based on their core material properties, soft woods such as Douglas Fir and Southern Pine are the most common types of lumber used for emergency shoring/cribbing.