What action should be taken when sudden lateral loads are applied to shield systems?

When sudden lateral loads are applied to shield systems, ensuring that the shields can effectively restrict hazardous movement is crucial. This is because shield systems are designed to protect workers from potential hazards that may arise due to shifts in the earth or other external forces. The ability of a shield to pin or stabilize the surrounding materials prevents collapse and protects the integrity of the excavation site, thus safeguarding the operators and bystanders.

Choosing to increase the diameter of the shields does not necessarily address the immediate concern of lateral loads and may not enhance safety. Similarly, removing the shields immediately could expose workers to risks and does not deal with the lateral load issue. Changing operational techniques might be beneficial in some situations, but it does not directly ensure that the shields are capable of managing the stresses they face at the moment. Therefore, focusing on the shields' capacity to limit movement is the most effective and immediate response in such scenarios.