Trench Safety & Shoring

Trust United Rentals as your single source for durable, advanced and cost-effective trench safety rentals. Our robust inventory is complete with all the tools and accessories you need for safe and effective trenching and shoring.

For our full list of trench safety and shoring for rent, view the items below. For more information, visit our resource section.

Aluminum Boxes/Shields

Legs

ARch spreader

United Rentals arch spreaders and arch spreader extensions for trenching and excavation allow for maximum pipe and structure clearance with minimal trench width. Quick and easy to install, these units are versatile, offered in a full range of widths, and available to rent now. Our spreaders are adjustable to meet the specific needs of your job, ranging from 22 inches up to 120 inches. Choose aluminum or steel options for strong, reliable trenching reinforcement. In addition to our spreaders, we offer arch spreader extensions that come equipped with accessory kits for trench shields and spacing capabilities up to 10 additional feet. United Rentals is here to support your trenching task needs.

FAQs About Arch Spreaders

What is an arch spreader?

  • Mostly used to get maximum clearance for large-diameter pipes, arch spreaders raise the clearance from the underside of the trench shield spreader to the bottom of the excavation.

How much clearance can be added with an arch spreader?

  • Typically, using an arch spreader will help raise clearance 5 feet to 8 feet, though we offer extensions with an extension range of up to 10 feet. However, it is possible that loads will increase rapidly on the arch spreader as the clearance is increased, so it’s important to follow instruction manuals carefully. You can also consult with a United Rentals specialist for additional guidance on using extension spreaders.

How do I transport an arch spreader?

  • Most arch spreaders will fit on a truck for transport purposes. Consult with your site manager or a United Rentals expert to determine the best method for transport as arch spreaders can vary in size and weight.

Arch Spreaders

Laser

United Rentals' selection of construction lasers is tough, easy to use, reliable and ideal for inspecting piping or conduit and installing piping conduit and a variety of jobs that require layout work or accurate straight-line level reference. Our laser levels are easy to assemble and compact for convenient portability. Additionally, they are equipped with large displays for easy viewing and are durably constructed to withstand impact from rocks, cement, or other debris without suffering damage. With United Rentals, laser-level rental is easy. You can depend on us to provide the tools needed to keep your job tasks on track with safety and efficiency.

FAQs about Construction Lasers & Equipment

How are lasers used in construction?

  • A construction laser is useful for leveling or grading tasks that need two people when only one is available. The common tasks for levels are leveling worksites, grading terrain or leveling floors.

How does a laser level work?

  • The level emits light in the form of a laser beam through electromagnetic radiation. The beam of light creates a horizontal line that the worker can then use as a reference to attach another object to a wall or flat surface while maintaining a 180-degree line and ensuring a straight or level fixture.

How do laser receivers work?

  • Laser receivers — also known as laser detectors — can mount to a laser rod and detect the laser beam when you are working outside. Laser receivers are beneficial during daylight hours as the laser beam can be hard to see in the sunlight. The laser receiver typically emits a sound when you are close to being on level and again when you are on level.

Construction Lasers & Equipment

United Rentals carries a wide variety of safety guardrails for rent. A safe and effective way to protect the perimeter of your excavation, our guardrails are easy to install to the wall of your shoring system quickly. Simply secure the portable guardrail using screw clamps wherever a rail is necessary and give your workers and project visitors peace of mind. Ensure that your project is up to code by installing a guardrail on any steps, roofs, landings or platforms. Avoid potential accidents and create an atmosphere that prioritizes safety on your jobsite. Interested in temporary safety railing rentals? Reach out to your local United Rentals to configure a protective trench safety system today and browse our inventory below.

FAQs About Guardrails

What are guardrails used for?

  • When workers are exposed to vertical drops and dangerous excavation projects, installing a guardrail around the hazard helps protect your employees and the worksite. OSHA requires that fall protection systems be installed when the vertical drops are 6 feet or greater in depth.

How high should guardrails be?

  • The topmost height of rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, must be between 39 and 45 inches above the walking/working level, according to OSHA.

What is the difference between a guardrail and a handrail?

  • A handrail is used for the type of support you would see on a walkway or staircase. A guardrail is used to prevent falling from an elevated surface like a balcony or at the entrance of a deep pit or excavation site.

Guard Rail

Trench box

United Rentals carries a wide selection of trench boxes for rent. In case of a trench collapse, trench boxes (a type of trench shield) are designed to protect workers within the trench. Our trench box sizes range from 4 feet by 8 feet to 10 feet by 24 feet, with up to a 6-inch wall thickness or knife edge. Our steel trench shields are ideal for sewer and pipeline work and feature double-walled construction for greater sidewall security and optimum strength-to-weight ratios. United Rentals trench experts are on hand to help you find the right trench boxes, shields or shoring for rent to fit your project and keep your employees safe. For more information, one of our trench experts provides five key questions to ask yourself when deciding How to Choose the Right Trench Protective System. Browse our inventory below to find the best quality trench shield rental for your next shoring project.

FAQs About Trench Boxes and Shields

What is a trench box?

  • A trench box is a protective system made with sturdy material that you use inside a confined space to protect workers against cave-ins or trench collapses. Providing reliable stability in a trench gives your crew peace of mind while completing work safely.

Does confined space entry training expire?

  • Yes. Confined space entry certification expires after two years. However, United Rentals recommends that you do the training on an annual basis. For more information on confined space training, browse Permit-Required Confined Space: Attendant.

When do you need a trench box?

  • A trench box must be used when a confined space is 5 feet or greater in –depth. It must extend 18 inches above the surface, and it must be no greater than 2 feet from the bottom. For further guidance on trench box use, read 7 Tips for Renting a Trench Box.

Trench Boxes / Shields

Aluminum Boxes/Shields

Legs

ARch spreader

United Rentals arch spreaders and arch spreader extensions for trenching and excavation allow for maximum pipe and structure clearance with minimal trench width. Quick and easy to install, these units are versatile, offered in a full range of widths, and available to rent now. Our spreaders are adjustable to meet the specific needs of your job, ranging from 22 inches up to 120 inches. Choose aluminum or steel options for strong, reliable trenching reinforcement. In addition to our spreaders, we offer arch spreader extensions that come equipped with accessory kits for trench shields and spacing capabilities up to 10 additional feet. United Rentals is here to support your trenching task needs.

FAQs About Arch Spreaders

What is an arch spreader?

  • Mostly used to get maximum clearance for large-diameter pipes, arch spreaders raise the clearance from the underside of the trench shield spreader to the bottom of the excavation.

How much clearance can be added with an arch spreader?

  • Typically, using an arch spreader will help raise clearance 5 feet to 8 feet, though we offer extensions with an extension range of up to 10 feet. However, it is possible that loads will increase rapidly on the arch spreader as the clearance is increased, so it’s important to follow instruction manuals carefully. You can also consult with a United Rentals specialist for additional guidance on using extension spreaders.

How do I transport an arch spreader?

  • Most arch spreaders will fit on a truck for transport purposes. Consult with your site manager or a United Rentals expert to determine the best method for transport as arch spreaders can vary in size and weight.

Arch Spreaders

Laser

United Rentals' selection of construction lasers is tough, easy to use, reliable and ideal for inspecting piping or conduit and installing piping conduit and a variety of jobs that require layout work or accurate straight-line level reference. Our laser levels are easy to assemble and compact for convenient portability. Additionally, they are equipped with large displays for easy viewing and are durably constructed to withstand impact from rocks, cement, or other debris without suffering damage. With United Rentals, laser-level rental is easy. You can depend on us to provide the tools needed to keep your job tasks on track with safety and efficiency.

FAQs about Construction Lasers & Equipment

How are lasers used in construction?

  • A construction laser is useful for leveling or grading tasks that need two people when only one is available. The common tasks for levels are leveling worksites, grading terrain or leveling floors.

How does a laser level work?

  • The level emits light in the form of a laser beam through electromagnetic radiation. The beam of light creates a horizontal line that the worker can then use as a reference to attach another object to a wall or flat surface while maintaining a 180-degree line and ensuring a straight or level fixture.

How do laser receivers work?

  • Laser receivers — also known as laser detectors — can mount to a laser rod and detect the laser beam when you are working outside. Laser receivers are beneficial during daylight hours as the laser beam can be hard to see in the sunlight. The laser receiver typically emits a sound when you are close to being on level and again when you are on level.

Construction Lasers & Equipment

United Rentals carries a wide variety of safety guardrails for rent. A safe and effective way to protect the perimeter of your excavation, our guardrails are easy to install to the wall of your shoring system quickly. Simply secure the portable guardrail using screw clamps wherever a rail is necessary and give your workers and project visitors peace of mind. Ensure that your project is up to code by installing a guardrail on any steps, roofs, landings or platforms. Avoid potential accidents and create an atmosphere that prioritizes safety on your jobsite. Interested in temporary safety railing rentals? Reach out to your local United Rentals to configure a protective trench safety system today and browse our inventory below.

FAQs About Guardrails

What are guardrails used for?

  • When workers are exposed to vertical drops and dangerous excavation projects, installing a guardrail around the hazard helps protect your employees and the worksite. OSHA requires that fall protection systems be installed when the vertical drops are 6 feet or greater in depth.

How high should guardrails be?

  • The topmost height of rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, must be between 39 and 45 inches above the walking/working level, according to OSHA.

What is the difference between a guardrail and a handrail?

  • A handrail is used for the type of support you would see on a walkway or staircase. A guardrail is used to prevent falling from an elevated surface like a balcony or at the entrance of a deep pit or excavation site.

Guard Rail

Trench box

United Rentals carries a wide selection of trench boxes for rent. In case of a trench collapse, trench boxes (a type of trench shield) are designed to protect workers within the trench. Our trench box sizes range from 4 feet by 8 feet to 10 feet by 24 feet, with up to a 6-inch wall thickness or knife edge. Our steel trench shields are ideal for sewer and pipeline work and feature double-walled construction for greater sidewall security and optimum strength-to-weight ratios. United Rentals trench experts are on hand to help you find the right trench boxes, shields or shoring for rent to fit your project and keep your employees safe. For more information, one of our trench experts provides five key questions to ask yourself when deciding How to Choose the Right Trench Protective System. Browse our inventory below to find the best quality trench shield rental for your next shoring project.

FAQs About Trench Boxes and Shields

What is a trench box?

  • A trench box is a protective system made with sturdy material that you use inside a confined space to protect workers against cave-ins or trench collapses. Providing reliable stability in a trench gives your crew peace of mind while completing work safely.

Does confined space entry training expire?

  • Yes. Confined space entry certification expires after two years. However, United Rentals recommends that you do the training on an annual basis. For more information on confined space training, browse Permit-Required Confined Space: Attendant.

When do you need a trench box?

  • A trench box must be used when a confined space is 5 feet or greater in –depth. It must extend 18 inches above the surface, and it must be no greater than 2 feet from the bottom. For further guidance on trench box use, read 7 Tips for Renting a Trench Box.

Trench Boxes / Shields

Resources

How to choose the right trench safety & shoring equipment

Trench dimensions

  • Confirm the depth, width and length of the trench, plus any utilities or obstructions that affect clearance and installation
  • These measurements determine the type of trench shoring rental and the components needed to keep workers safe and compliant
  • Rent trench and manhole boxes for to protect workers in excavations that are 5 feet deep or more

Soil type & stability

  • Identify the type and stability of the soil at your excavation site to determine the type of shoring equipment rental needed for your project
  • If conditions vary along the trench, plan for the least stable section and adjust protection accordingly
  • For excavations with unstable soil conditions, use hydraulic shoring equipment to protect workers from cave-ins

Worker safety & regulatory compliance requirements

  • Consider what crews will be doing in the trench and how long they’ll be exposed, including access and egress needs
  • Confirm OSHA and competent person requirements and pick components that support safe access and work activities
  • Rent confined space safety equipment, such as davit arm systems, guard rails and air monitors, to keep your workers safe at the excavation site

FAQs about trench safety & shoring

United Rentals carries trench safety products that keep your crew safe underground. From trench shields and hydraulic shoring equipment to bedding containers and more, you can rely on our broad inventory of trench safety and shoring rentals. We also offer a full supply of confined space safety equipment, including gas monitors/detectors, confined space retrieval systems and confined space blowers. As North America’s largest supplier of specialized trench safety rental products and safety training, United Rentals proudly offers trench safety resources. Our experts are equipped to help with all your trenching needs, from design planning to on-site consultation. We can build site-specific engineered trenching systems using our rental equipment or customer-owned equipment. Learn how United Rentals trench shoring solutions were used to dig in tight spots such as areas next to functioning roadways and utilities. Plus, our safety training courses will keep your crew up to speed on the latest safety regulations and techniques.

Check out our helpful guide on trench safety and learn more about trench safety and shoring in our FAQ section below.

What does shoring mean?

Shoring refers to a structural support system. It’s typically a system of bracing using wood or metal poles and beams to support trench shields and prevent soil, rocks, utilities and sometimes paved roads from caving in while workers complete trench projects.

What is a trench box?

A trench box is a system designed to protect workers from the pressure and weight of the soil in the event of a cave-in. Trench boxes can also be called trench shields or trench sheets.

What three things make a confined space?

The three things that define a confined space are limited or restricted means of entry or exit, the space is not intended for continuous human occupancy and the space is large enough for a human to enter and conduct work. Need more help? United Rentals has confined space solutions experts who can provide additional support.

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