1. Snohomish County Fire Chiefs Training Division
Operations Level Trench Rescue

2. Standard Operating Guideline for Trench Operations
A Trench shall be defined as a narrow excavation, in which the depth is greater than its width, but the width measured at the bottom is not greater than 15 feet.
An Excavation shall be defined as any man made cut, cavity, trench or depression in an earth surface formed by the earth’s removal. In practical terms, when a hole is more than 15 feet wide at its base it is called an excavation; or an excavation is wider than it is deep.
Any incident in which a person is trapped, buried or experiencing a medical emergency in a trench or excavation shall require the response of the Technical Rescue Team.

3. Standard Operating Guideline for Trench Operations
No personnel shall be allowed to enter an unprotected trench or excavation to perform patient care or rescue operations. All trenches shall be made “safe and protected”, using approved methods and materials, prior to entry by rescue personnel.
Only those personnel with Operations and/or Technician level training shall enter a “safe and protected” trench or excavation.
The general duties of Operations level personnel will include size-up and assessment of the site, request for additional manpower and ensuring the safety of the site and personnel.

4. Standard Operating Guideline for Trench Operations
Operations level personnel shall employ the following guidelines when faced with a trench or excavation rescue incident:
Request a technical rescue response from dispatch.
Initiate the Incident Management System (IMS)- including the establishment of a staging area for incoming units and personnel, as well as the implementation of the passport accountability system.
Isolate the scene and deny entry to prevent further danger to victim(s), personnel and bystanders
Park all vehicles at least 100’ away. Detour or stop all traffic within 300’ of the site.

5. Standard Operating Guideline for Trench Operations
Secure any and all machinery operating on site and remove keys to prevent accidental starting.
Establish a “hot zone” of at least 75’ around the perimeter of the trench site, removing all civilians and untrained rescuers from this area.
Gather information:
Rescue –vs- Recovery
Cause of accident
What function was the victim(s) performing in the trench
Number of victims
Specific victim information

6. Standard Operating Guideline for Trench Operations
Location of victim(s) in trench
Type of trench
Straight
L-shaped
T-shaped
X-shaped
Dimensions of trench
Length
Width
Depth
On site hazards
Disrupted utilities
Flowing water
Secondary collapse hazard
Hazardous materials
Heavy equipment or machinery

7. Standard Operating Guideline for Trench Operations
Advise dispatch and incoming units of updated, detailed information.
Place a ladder at the end of the trench nearest to the victim to allow for self-rescue. (This also enables the rescuer to self- rescue incase he/she accidentally falls in.)
Ventilate the trench with an electric powered, positive pressure fan.
Provide a helmet and eye protection to the victim.
Provide a shovel to the victim so they may attempt to dig themselves out.
Begin clearing a 2’ area around the lip of the trench in which to work from; moving spoil pile back from edge at least 2’.

8. Standard Operating Guideline for Trench Operations
Place ground pads around the lip of the trench to disperse weight.
Support and stabilize any unbroken utilities that are within your training to handle.
Assist the Technical Rescue Team as directed, staying within the scope of Operations level training.
Provide medical care to the victim(s) as soon as possible, from a “safe and protected” location.
Keep all unnecessary communications to a minimum during rescue operations.

9. Standard Operating Guideline for Trench Operations
Please Note: Sheeting, shoring and disentanglement operations shall be conducted under the direction of a Rescue Technician. Operations level personnel may enter the trench, after it is “safe and protected”, to assist the Rescue Technicians. Operations level personnel shall only assist, under the direction of a Trench Rescue Technician, in construction of trench shoring systems.

10. Suggested Scene Management

11. Trench Anatomy

12. Types of Collapse

13. Air Shores Positive Lock Can be applied manually or pneumatically
No chance of creep back
Can be applied manually or pneumatically
Tested
Crush strength of 61,000 lb. up to 4 feet, 49,000 lb. up to 8 feet and 42,000 lb up to 12 feet using two locking pins.
Recommended pressure 200 psi for trench rescue
It is not necessary to insert the second pin for trench rescue

14. Air Shores Airshore Installation
Determine proper size and support configuration needed. (flat base or swivel)
Ensure pins are out of piston and lock collar.
Place the airshore in the desired position.
If operating manually- extend the head until the plates contact the strongbacks and place pin in the closest piston hole , turn collar up using T- handle until it snugs up against the pin. Tighten T-handles.

15. Air Shores Secure bases with nails Disconnect the air supply
If operating pneumatically- connect regulator hose to air supply. Slowly turn pressure on. Check regulator to ensure adequate pressure and that regulator is set properly (200 psi). Pressurize strut until heads are in contact with strongbacks. Place pin in closest piston hole to collar. Turn collar up using T-handles until snug up against the pin. Tighten the T-handles
Secure bases with nails
Disconnect the air supply

16. Air Shores
Proper firing order for Airshores:
Top
Middle
Bottom

17. A Shored Trench

18. Some Key Points to Remember During trench Operations
Trenches 4’ or greater in depth must be shored prior to entry.
A trench can contain many hazards such as:
Low O2
Water or drowning conditions
Heavy machinery
Operating equipment
Broken or damaged utilities
Trauma potential
PPE Considerations
Helmet
Gloves
Steel toed boots
Jumpsuits or work clothes are sufficient
Personnel entering trench will also be required to don a Class III harness

19. The End
Presentation shared by Snohomish County Fire District 1