Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00416:reg:4:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00416
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 15/21)
Character Range: 69510–72367

that can be used when the location or depth of an excavation makes battering and/or benching impracticable. It should always be designed for the specific workplace conditions by a competent person (for example an engineer).

Shoring is the provision of support for excavated face(s) to prevent the movement of soil and therefore ground collapse. It is a common method of ground support in trench excavation where unstable ground conditions, such as soft ground or ground liable to be wet during excavation such as sand, silt or soft moist clay are often encountered.

Where ground is not self-supporting and benching or battering are not practical or effective control measures, shoring should be used. Shoring should also be used when there is a risk of
a person being buried, struck or trapped by dislodged or falling material which forms the side of,
or is adjacent to, the excavation work.

Where such a risk also exists for those installing shoring, other appropriate control measures must be in place to ensure the health and safety of persons entering the excavation.

Shoring the face of an excavation should progress as the excavation work progresses. Where earthmoving machinery is used risk assessment should be used to determine whether any part
of the trench may be left unsupported.
The system of work included in the SWMS should ensure workers do not enter any part of the excavation that is not protected. They should not work ahead of the shoring protection if it is being progressively installed.

The basic types of shoring are hydraulically operated metal shoring and timber shoring. The most common shoring used consists of hydraulic jacks and steel struts, walls and sheeting. Sometimes aluminium or timber components are used.
The use of metal shoring has largely replaced timber shoring because of its ability to ensure even distribution of pressure along a trench line and it is easily adapted to various depths and trench widths.

Some of the common types of shoring are:
    * hydraulic systems
    * steel sheet piling
    * steel trench sheeting
    * timber systems (e.g. soldier sets)
    * precast concrete panels, and
    * ground anchors.

Hydraulic systems
Hydraulic support systems are commonly used to provide temporary or mobile ground support while other ground supports are being installed (see Figure 12).

Ground pressures should be considered prior to installing hydraulic supports. The hydraulic support system should be designed by a competent person in consultation with the geotechnical engineer. The hydraulic capacity of the temporary ground support system must be designed to resist the expected ground pressures and potential for collapse.

Hydraulic support systems may become unreliable if not properly maintained and properly used. Frequent inspections of pressure hoses and rams are necessary to detect