Shoring & Shielding

Overview

Shoring & Shielding should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to selection, installation and inspection of excavation support and shielding systems.

Main Hazards

• • Incorrect protective-system selection for soil or depth
• • Workers exposed while installing or removing support systems
• • Collapse, falling material or structural instability
• • Falls, unsafe access and struck-by exposure
• • Underground services or changing ground conditions

Essential Controls

1. 1Use engineered or tabulated protective systems suitable for the excavation conditions.
2. 2Install and remove support systems in a sequence that minimizes worker exposure.
3. 3Inspect the work area by a competent person and reassess after changing conditions.
4. 4Provide stable access, edge protection and physical separation from mobile equipment.
5. 5Control collapse, falling-object and service-strike hazards before work starts.
6. 6Stop work when weather, ground, loading or structural conditions invalidate the safe system.

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