Shoring Basics: Key techniques like Raker Shoring ensure safety and efficiency in disaster rescue. Learn about types, safety management, and size-up tips!
Rescue operations often involve dangerous situations like building collapses or falling debris. To ensure safety, shoring is used to stabilize structures at risk of collapsing during disasters like earthquakes. This method prevents secondary disasters such as further collapses due to aftershocks or structural weight.
What is Shoring?
Shoring is the process of stabilizing damaged buildings with temporary supports (like beams or props) to secure the structure’s exterior, interior, and access points such as doors and windows. This ensures the safety of both rescuers and trapped individuals.
Types of Shoring
Raker Shoring
Stabilizes outer walls from the exterior when they are at risk of tilting or collapsing.
Spot (Post) Shoring
Supports ceilings from underneath when weight from upper floors, roofs, or adjacent structures threatens to cause collapse.
Window and Door Shoring
Reinforces windows and doorframes to prevent them from collapsing under pressure, maintaining safe access points.
Sloped Floor Shoring
Secures voids (empty spaces created during collapses) to prevent them from collapsing further, especially when victims are beneath or these voids serve as pathways.
Each type of shoring is tailored to specific structural issues to maximize safety.
Cutting Table: Essential for Rescue Operations
A cutting table is an essential setup in disaster zones, particularly during heavy rescue operations. It’s used to cut and prepare materials like wood or metal for shoring. Key considerations include:
- Setup Location: Far from the collapse site to ensure safety.
- Weather Adaptations: Can include a roof for protection against rain or sun.
- Efficiency: Enables quick preparation of materials for shoring and rescue.
This setup helps streamline rescue efforts and maintain the safety of the team.
Safety Management in Rescue Work
Safety is critical in disaster zones. Follow these key measures:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Helmet: Protects the head from falling debris.
- Gloves: Prevent cuts and abrasions.
- Goggles: Shield eyes from dust and debris.
- Safety Boots: Protect feet and prevent slipping.
- Dust Mask: Prevents inhalation of harmful particles.
- High-Altitude Work
- Use harnesses or ropes to prevent falls when working above two meters (as defined by Japanese regulations).
- Emergency Exit Planning
Always keep escape routes clear and accessible for quick evacuation.
Size-Up: Assessing Structural Risks
Size-up refers to evaluating the structural integrity of damaged buildings to determine the best approach for rescue and shoring. Key steps include:
- Assess walls, columns, beams, and floors for cracks, bends, or other signs of stress.
- Continuously monitor for structural noises (e.g., creaking, cracking), which indicate potential failure.
- Use simple techniques like marking cracks with chalk to track movement over time.
Six-Sided Approach for Collapsed Structures
Inspecting a collapsed structure requires assessing all six sides:
- Four sides of the perimeter (walk around the debris).
- Top: Monitor for falling debris from above.
- Bottom: Check the integrity of the ground and support structures underneath.
By following these techniques, safety measures, and systematic assessments, rescue teams can operate efficiently and reduce risks during challenging disaster scenarios.
Reference page: Learn how to build T-Post Shore, Double T-Post Shore, and Braced Post Shore with clear steps, measurements, and safety tips.
References National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
