9. Installing Wood Shoring

The basics on wood shoring installation

• Install shoring as soon as possible after excavating completed.
• Minimum of 2 sets of shores in a trench.
• 2 Struts on each set of uprights
• Top strut – max. 18” below surface
• Bottom strut – max. 24” up from bottom
• Shoring is installed from the top down.
• Shoring is removed from the bottom up.
• Wood shoring must be installed according to the shoring tables.
• Do not work past the point of shoring.
• Do not enter an unshored excavation.

Installing wood shoring

• Observer pm top keeps excavation under watch anytime a worker is in the excavation.
• Excavating machine must have bucket in trench directly in from of shores being installed.
• Machine operator must keep the workers putting in the shoring under observation.
• Put uprights in the trench – minimum of 2 sets.
• Install the top 2 struts before placing the bottom struts.
• Place first strut no lower than 18” below the surface – keep strut level.
• Install the second strut by working off a ladder. Keep vertical spacing as stated in shoring tables. Have the bucket of the machine in between the uprights while the struts are placed.
• Install lower struts – spacing as per shoring tables. Bottom strut – max 2′up from trench bottom.