Is the inflatable trench shield really more practical than basic trench shoring? Is the product as strong? Will the operators be safe?
Let’s find out the answers to these questions in this article! ⬇️
What is the inflatable trench shield ?
The inflatable trench shield is an alternative to rigid and heavy trench shoring. This innovative system is essential to protect operators from cave-ins and burials.
This trench shield is composed of 2 cushions, resistant to shocks, abrasion and tearing. Linked together by modular struts, the system can be adapted to the width of the trench. In addition, this system reinforces the walls of the trenches and guarantees a safe activity.
Why do we need protection when working in trenches?
When trenches are only 1 or 2 meters deep, most operators consider the installation of a rigid shoring too long and too complicated. Indeed, the product is very bulky, making it impractical to transport. In addition, the solution is very heavy. As a result, operators are left unprotected when working in the trenches and face many risks.
Indeed, there is a risk of the trench collapsing, which can lead to the burial or even the crushing of the operators.
In this trade, operators can be victims of the Bywaters syndrome. This is a consequence of the burials, it is characterized by “post-catastrophic brain lesions linked to the sole compression of the lower limbs and to the fear provoked by the dramatic situation” (-memoir of the doctor bywater).
Therefore, it is essential to protect oneself with an trench shiled regardless of the depth of the trench.
What standards are in place to ensure the safety of workers in trenches ?
It is necessary to respect the regulations and laws of the country in which the equipment is used.
In France, article R4534-24 of the Labor Code states that “Trench excavations more than 1.30 meters deep and two-thirds or less of the width of the trench are, when their walls are vertical or substantially vertical, armored, braced or shored.”
Therefore, it is mandatory to install trench protection, even for small trenches 1.30 meters deep.
Operators must also be equipped with Personal Protective Equipment as it is written in article L.3149-9 of the Labour Code: “Personal Protective Equipment is equipment intended to be worn by the worker in order to protect him against one or more risks likely to threaten his safety or health at work“.
What are the advantages of inflatable trench shield over the rigid one?
- Lightness of the product
One of the main advantages of an inflatable trench shield is its weight. Indeed, when not inflated, the cushions weigh only 13kg. This is the reason why the product does not require any lifting equipment, thus facilitating its use.
- Very small size
Empty, the cushions are not thick and are even foldable. Therefore, the product is not bulky and can be easily transported from one site to another with a light vehicle.
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Quick installation
Due to its light weight, we do not need a machine to install it. The product is easily installed by hand in only 20 minutes. This design complements traditional shoring that is heavy to handle and install, especially for shallow excavations.
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Robust
The system is made from coated fabric that helps maintain the pressure of the pad. It is then covered with rubber. This ensures that the shield is protected from friction and cannot be torn.
- Safety during installation
The product is equipped with a safety valve. When the cushions are inflated, the valve will stop and reject the unnecessary air. This prevents an accident with too much pressure. The safety coefficient of this product is 3.
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Safety during work
In the event of a landslide, this inflatable protection will be able to contain the earth for several hours, thus allowing the operator to leave the trench in complete safety. In addition, the struts are positioned in pockets integrated into the cushions, which allows them to be stabilized.
How do you install an inflatable trench protection?
First of all, depending on the trench and the work to be done, there are 2 types of configuration: horizontal and vertical.
The installation of the inflatable trench protection is done in 2 steps:
1- Outside the trench
- Pre-inflate the cushions
- Adjust struts
- Form the modules
- Lock the modules
- Lower the modules
2- Inside the trench
- Finish inflating
- Lower and fix the ladder
For more details on the installation, we invite you to watch this video:
Conclusion
We hope we were able to convince you to make your life easier by using now: the inflatable trench shield !