4 ms·
Despite what the article says, a trench box is not strictly required. You can slope the sides of a trench at a ratio of 1.5 ft per 1 ft of depth. Sloping the si
by quickthrowman 2y ago
Despite what the article says, a trench box is not strictly required. You can slope the sides of a trench at a ratio of 1.5 ft per 1 ft of depth. Sloping the sides of a trench prevents cave-ins, which is what makes a trench dangerous. It isn’t always possible to slope the sides of a trench, that’s when the trench boxes/shoring come into play.
In your case, the trench would be 30’ wide with a gradual slope down to 6’ depth from either side.
Here’s an OSHA guide to working safely in trenches and excavations, page 12 of the pdf shows how to safely slope a trench: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha2226.pdf https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha22...
- dboreham 2y agoIn my experience utility trenches are never sloped.
- quickthrowman 2y agoThat’s probably true, it’s more expensive to excavate more earth. My experience is strictly on the load side of a utility transformer with 2’ deep trenches (or directional boring) so I appreciate a different perspective.
- zymhan 2y agoOk
- AlbertCory 2y agoThis wasn't sloped, either.
- quickthrowman 2y agoThat sounds extremely dangerous to me, call OSHA if you see anything like that again. That’s a death waiting to happen.
- AlbertCory 2y agoI prefer having a good relationship with my local utilities, thanks very much.
- zamadatix 2y agoWhen you call in you can do so as to remain anonymous. Sometimes that can still be a problem, for obvious situations, but like you say it wasn't even your house you noticed it at. Of course the only obligation here is a moral one but I mostly don't want people scared off from calling just for being identified in situations they don't have to worry.
- AlbertCory 2y agonoted, but it was next door, so I think I'd be a prime suspect.
- namrog84 2y agoReport anonymously saying you were driving by and saw it?
- Crye 2y agoTrust me your local utilities want to know about this before it becomes an accident.