CURSOS DC 3 EXCAVACIONES Y DEMOLICIONES

Summary

This transcript outlines the safety standards for trenching, excavation, and demolition activities, with a focus on ensuring workers' protection. It discusses various methods of support, such as vertical and diagonal braces, hydraulic aluminum shoring, and trench boxes, all designed to prevent cave-ins and maintain excavation stability. The document also emphasizes the importance of proper planning, hazard analysis, and compliance with regulations to prevent accidents. It provides guidelines for equipment usage, worker training, and protective measures, ensuring that demolition and excavation tasks are conducted safely and in accordance with industry standards.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper shoring systems must be used to prevent trench collapses, including vertical posts, diagonal braces, and hydraulic aluminum equipment that applies pressure to stabilize trench walls.
• 😀 Shoring systems can range from wooden braces to hydraulic aluminum devices that apply up to 1500 pounds per square inch of pressure, stabilizing trench walls through the 'arch effect' to prevent collapses.
• 😀 Safety requirements for using hydraulic shoring include installation and disassembly from outside the excavation site and pressurizing individual components slowly to avoid failure or collapse.
• 😀 All soil classifications must be followed, and modifications to shoring systems must be approved by a registered professional engineer.
• 😀 Trench boxes are pre-fabricated metal boxes designed to provide a safe workspace and protect workers from collapses, although they do not provide structural support to the excavation itself.
• 😀 Trench boxes must be installed to prevent side movement and any potential collapse. They must extend at least 18 inches above the excavation's edge for safety.
• 😀 Excavation must be backfilled as soon as possible after the shoring or trench box system is removed to prevent collapse hazards.
• 😀 Workers should not be allowed in an excavation without proper shoring or protective measures, regardless of the urgency of the work.
• 😀 Signs of imminent collapse include visible cracks in the ground, protrusions in trench walls, and falling debris. Immediate evacuation of workers is required when these signs are present.
• 😀 Demolition work, including civil works, must be carried out with a safety plan detailing hazards, critical steps, and risk control measures. A qualified person must oversee this process.
• 😀 During demolition, workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper precautions should be taken to manage risks like falling debris, dust, and electrical hazards.
• 😀 The safety plan for demolition must include measures to prevent structural collapse and to ensure the integrity of surrounding structures, with regular inspections conducted throughout the process.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of shoring systems in excavation work?

Shoring systems are designed to prevent the collapse of excavation walls, ensuring the safety of workers by supporting the sides of a trench with vertical posts, diagonal braces, or hydraulic equipment.

What are the key safety considerations when using hydraulic shoring systems?

The installation and removal of hydraulic shoring must be done from outside the excavation. Hydraulic units should be pressurized and depressurized slowly to prevent failure, and all instructions provided by the manufacturer must be followed.

What is the effect of soil arching in trench support systems?

Soil arching is a phenomenon where the anticipation of loads on the soil creates an arch-like effect that stabilizes the trench walls and helps prevent collapse.

How must trench boxes be installed to ensure safety?

Trench boxes must be installed to prevent lateral movement or any sudden shifts that could cause collapse. They should extend at least 18 inches above the excavation and be designed to resist the forces acting on them.

What are the requirements for safety when using trench boxes?

Workers should be protected from excavation hazards when entering or exiting the trench box. The box should not be exposed to loads exceeding the design standard, and workers should never be inside the box during installation or removal.

What should be done if there are cracks or protrusions in the excavation walls?

If signs of imminent collapse, such as cracks, protrusions, or loose dirt, are observed, workers must evacuate the excavation, and additional protective measures like sloping or mechanical shoring must be implemented.

What legal framework governs the safety regulations for excavations and demolitions in Panama?

The regulations are governed by the Canal Authority's safety and occupational health guidelines, as outlined in the relevant laws and standards for excavation and demolition work.

What is required in the demolition planning process?

A demolition plan must be prepared by a competent person, detailing the scope, steps, risks, and safety measures, and should be approved by an inspector before work begins.

What are the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for demolition work?

PPE requirements vary but may include respirators, fall protection systems, gloves, ear protection, and other gear necessary for specific demolition tasks.

What precautions should be taken when working near high-voltage electrical lines during demolition?

When working near high-voltage lines, workers must maintain safe distances and take necessary precautions as outlined in the safety regulations, which may include using protective equipment or other safety measures.