Trenching Practice: R97

Trench collapses cause a number of deaths and injuries every year in the UK. All clients, designers and contractors concerned with trenching work are therefore urged to study this guide to safe practice and act upon its advice. The recommendations made here apply to the design and use of temporary support for trenches up to 6 m deep. The guide alerts the user to the wide range of problems in the variety of the site and soil conditions that are likely to be met in practice. The emphasis is on safe design and methods of work and particular dangers are highlighted. Both those with limited experience in trenching operations and experienced trenching practitioners will find this guide invaluable. The illustrations should be particularly helpful for training and communication with site operatives.